Playbooks
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
X Close HB Dive out of Shotgun Y Off Trips is a straight downhill run play with the HB lined up next to the QB and taking a direct handoff on a dive path through the A gap. The diagram shows tight interior line splits with the TE (Y) tucked in close off the line to add another blocker at the point of attack, while the trips receivers stay uninvolved in the run design as spacing decoys. This is a pure run play, not a play-action or RPO, and the primary read is the playside A gap first with the backside cutback lane as the secondary read if the initial hole gets clogged.
Defensive Reads
Watch for a stacked box pre-snap with linebackers creeping to the line, since this signals a run blitz that can blow up the dive if your line does not get an early climb. Key the middle linebacker's first step. If he shoots the A gap immediately, bounce your read to the cutback lane behind the center's block. This play struggles against gap-control defenses and odd front stacks with a nose tackle head up on the center, so avoid calling it into heavy 3-4 personnel looks. It beats light boxes and nickel packages that spread out to cover the trips look, since the numbers advantage shifts to the box on the interior. Post-snap, track any user-controlled defender flying downhill from depth. A well timed A gap shoot can meet the back before he clears the line, so be ready to cut if you see early penetration.
Usage Tips
Use this play in short yardage and goal line situations where you need a quick, decisive gap to convert on 3rd or 4th and short.
Check the box count before the snap. If the defense shows six or more in the box, consider audibling to a perimeter run or bubble screen instead.
Pair this with RPO X Close Duo Bubble or RPO Read WR Screen from the same set so the defense has to respect both the dive action and the quick game, keeping linebackers honest.
User the fullback or TE blocker if you have direct control to seal the first defender showing blitz through the A gap.
Mix this in after establishing Inside Zone or Duo from the same personnel so linebackers start flowing hard, then hit them with the quicker hitting dive for an explosive gain.
