Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 13 playbooks
Breakdown
0 1 Trap out of Singleback Deuce Close is a gap scheme power run play built to attack interior gaps with a trap block on the defensive tackle. The formation shows 12 personnel with two TEs stacked tight to the line and the HB aligned directly behind the QB under center, giving the offensive line double tight end surface support to seal the edge and let the trap blocker kick out the first threat inside. This is a pure run play, not a play-action or RPO look, and the primary read is the HB reading the trap block on the play side gap before working through the natural cutback lane if the interior gets clogged.
Defensive Reads
Watch for the defensive tackle alignment on the trap side, a tackle shaded too far inside makes the trap kick out block easier to execute and springs the HB into the second level. Key the middle linebacker depth at the snap, if he is sitting tight to the line expecting run he can beat the trap timing and blow up the play before the blocker gets there. Look for safety rotation pre-snap, a single high safety shell usually means an extra run defender in the box which makes this trap concept riskier against stacked fronts. Post-snap, identify any user-controlled defensive lineman crashing hard down the line, since a disciplined edge defender can string this play out and force a negative gain. This play struggles against interior nano blitzes and A-gap pressure packages, so avoid calling it when you see a defense consistently sending extra rushers up the middle.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage when you need a clean gap scheme to control tempo and stay ahead of the sticks.
Check the defensive line alignment pre-snap, if you see a 4-3 under or an over front with the nose shaded away from the trap side, this play hits fast because the trap defender is easier to kick out.
Avoid calling this into heavy blitz looks with extra defenders stacked in the box, since the trap block can get overwhelmed by a delayed linebacker blitz or a nano blitz through the interior.
Pair this with PA Boot Slide or PA Boot Corner Post from the same Deuce Close set to keep the defense honest, since both plays sell the same run action look before breaking into play-action concepts.
User the HB manually through the mesh point and trust the trap blocker, patience on the cut is more important than speed to the hole on this concept.
