Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Pitch WR Reverse out of Singleback Bunch is a trick run play built around misdirection rather than a route tree. The diagram shows the ball carrier pitching the toss laterally to a receiver crossing the opposite way (yellow arrow), while the point man from the bunch releases outside and up the sideline to lead block or clear space (red line). There is no pass concept here, this is a pure run play designed to hit the edge after the defense flows toward the initial toss action, and the primary read is simply hitting the reverse lane as soon as the ball is pitched back across the formation.
Defensive Reads
Key the initial flow direction from the linebackers, if they overcommit hard to the toss side this play is designed to gash them going back the other way. Watch the outside cornerback on the point man's release, aggressive corners who crash down on run support get walled off or beaten to the edge. Diagnose if the defense is playing contain discipline on both edges, since a disciplined backside end or corner can blow this play up before the reverse man gets width. Identify blitz packages presnap, if the defense is bringing extra rushers off the edge the reverse can actually create a clean lane if the blitzer overruns the original toss action. Against user-controlled defenders, watch for a spy or lurk defender staying home on the backside, that is the biggest threat to snuff out the reverse before it develops.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or in obvious run-friendly counts so the defense is not already sitting on a trick play.
Look for aggressive fast-flow linebackers and safeties who bite hard on initial run action, this play punishes overpursuit.
Motion presnap if available to confirm man coverage, since man defenders will chase the first flow and open up the reverse lane.
Pair this play in a sequence with HB Slam, Duo, or HB Zone Wk earlier in the drive so the defense keys on inside run action before you break out the reverse.
Avoid calling this into two high safety shells that stay disciplined, since those defenders can rally to the sideline before the reverse man turns the corner.
