Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Draw out of Singleback East 12 personnel shows the offensive line pass setting to sell dropback before the running back presses the mocked pocket and takes a delayed handoff up the middle. The quarterback drops straight back to draw the defensive line and second level linebackers upfield before turning to hand the ball off, letting the interior line climb to the second level once the defensive front commits to the pass rush. This is a base run play designed to punish aggressive pass rush upfield, with the primary read being the running back pressing the mesh point, reading the mike linebacker and cutting to whichever A or B gap the second level over pursues away from.
Defensive Reads
Key the defensive line for upfield jump off the snap, since aggressive edge rushers and three tech tackles selling out for the quarterback create the natural cutback lanes this play is designed to exploit. Watch the mike linebacker's initial step, if he flows hard toward the pass rush or bites on the quarterback drop, the draw hits for a big gain up the middle. This play struggles against a spy or a linebacker sitting still reading the backfield, so user controlled defenders who stay home in the box shut this down immediately. Check safety depth pre-snap, since a single high shell with the free safety reading run keys can trigger a quick fill and limit the cutback window. Cover 3 and Cover 1 with aggressive underneath pass rush get gashed by this play, while zone blitzes that drop a defensive lineman into a shallow hook zone can jump the delayed handoff and blow it up in the backfield.
Usage Tips
Call this on passing downs like second and long or third and medium when the defense shows blitz or heavy pass rush tendencies to punish upfield jumps from the defensive line. Motion a receiver pre-snap to check if the defense is playing man or zone, since man coverage defenders who follow across the formation confirm man and open up cutback lanes as linebackers flow with their assignments. Pair this with Play Action and PA Boot Slide from the same set so the defense has to respect both the draw fake and the play action shot off similar backfield action. Avoid calling this against disciplined two gap fronts or defenses sitting in zone with linebackers reading the backfield, since draw hesitation gets diagnosed quickly. Use HB Draw early in a series to set up Y-dig Inside Hook or Verticals X Cross later once the defense starts crashing down on run action.
