Playbooks
HB Slash Fk End Ard
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slash Fk End Ard is a run play out of Singleback Bunch Ace that uses a fake end around to the receiver motioning across the formation before handing the ball to the HB on a slash concept up through the interior. The blocking scheme relies on the offensive line to seal the point of attack while the fake action pulls flow and edge defenders away from the actual point of attack, giving the HB a cutback lane. This is a run play designed to look like an end around sweep, and the primary read progression for the ball carrier is to press the hole created by the fake, read the play side gap first, then cut backside if the linebackers over pursue the fake motion.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the linebackers are shaded toward the motion or end around side, since that alignment tells you the defense is selling out on the fake and the cutback lane will be wide open. Key the defensive ends and outside linebackers post-snap, if they crash hard toward the fake motion path instead of staying home, the interior cutback lane develops immediately. Watch for a user-controlled linebacker spying the HB instead of biting on the fake, since a disciplined defender sitting in the box negates the deception entirely. Against gap-sound run fits with a Mike linebacker reading the mesh point, this play loses effectiveness because the fake does not manipulate flow. This play struggles versus heavy blitz packages sent up the middle, since extra rushers collapse the cutback lane before the HB can find it.
Usage Tips
Call this play when defenders have shown a tendency to bite on the end around fake, especially against aggressive read and react linebackers who key backfield motion. Use it on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage when defenses are not yet in a run funnel look. Watch for overloaded fronts stacked to the fake side pre-snap, since that confirms the defense expects the sweep and opens the cutback lane. Pair this play with actual End Around Lead or PA End Around from the same set so defenders cannot key on backfield action and start jumping the fake every time. Do not force the run into a stacked box with extra defenders crashing downhill, since without deception working in your favor this becomes a low value gain.
