Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Power O out of Singleback Ace Double Wing is a gap scheme run play built for power football with heavy personnel (23) on the field. The diagram shows the fullback and pulling guard leading the hole while the offensive line down blocks to create a wall, and the HB takes a slight angle path behind the pullers before pressing the hole between the tackle and guard. There is no route concept shown here since this is a designated Run Play, and the primary read progression for the ballcarrier is to press the point of attack, read the fullback's kick out or lead block, and cut off the puller into the alley.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth and alignment pre snap, if the linebackers are stacked tight to the line it signals a run blitz look that can beat Power O at the mesh point. Key the defensive line gap alignment, a one gap or shaded front with light interior gives the puller a clean lane while a two gap or heavy front clogs the hole immediately. Post snap, track user controlled defenders flowing downhill, aggressive user linebackers who crash the A gap can blow up the pulling guard's path before he reaches the second level. Look for safeties stacked in the box or a run blitz call, since an extra safety creeping down pre snap often means the defense is selling out to stop the interior run. If the defense shows a heavy zone shell with safeties staying deep and linebackers reading run first, expect the alley to stay clogged and consider setting up a play-action shot off this same look later in the series.
Usage Tips
Use HB Power O on early downs like 1st and 10 or 2nd and short when you want to establish tempo and force the defense to respect the run out of a heavier set.
Pre snap, count the box defenders and check for an extra man in the box, if the defense is showing 7 or 8 in the box, consider audibling to a play-action pass in this set like PA Ctr Waggle or PA Boot Lt to punish overcommitment.
Identify whether the defense is in a one gap or two gap front, since Power O is most effective against one gap fronts that create natural seams for the pulling guard.
Pair this play with HB Dive and HB Counter Wk from the same formation to keep the defense guessing on run direction while maintaining the same personnel and blocking looks.
User the fullback lead block manually if you have confidence in your blocking assignments, this lets you pick off the first defender to show in the hole and spring the HB for extra yardage.
