Playbooks
Play Action
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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
Play Action out of Singleback East 12 personnel sells the play fake with a run action from the back before the QB works a deep dropback progression. With two tight ends attached, this concept typically hits a deep shot on the outside while a crossing route works the middle of the field as the secondary read, making it a solid man and zone beater depending on the coverage shell. The primary read is the outside vertical or corner route off the play fake, progressing to the crosser if the safety rotates over the top.
Defensive Reads
Watch for safety rotation pre-snap, if both safeties stay deep in a two high shell it signals zone coverage and you should key the crosser as your primary target. Identify man coverage by checking if cornerbacks are pressed at the line or shaded outside, this opens the door for the outside vertical or corner route to win one on one. Key the linebackers immediately after the snap, if they step up hard to sell run defense you have a clean throwing lane over the middle before the safety can rotate down. Look for user controlled defenders dropping into a lurk position in the shallow zone, this is a common counter to play action concepts and can bait an interception if you force the throw. Beware of blitz packages that bring extra defenders off the edge, since the play fake holds the QB in the pocket longer and makes him vulnerable to a well timed nano blitz.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs like first or second and short to sell the run fake convincingly since defenses respect the 12 personnel run threat from Singleback East.
Check the linebacker depth pre-snap, if they crash hard on the run fake you have an easy window for the play action shot downfield.
Use hot routes to convert the underneath tight end into a shallow drag if you diagnose zone coverage, giving the QB a quick outlet against soft zone shells.
Pair this with HB Off Tackle or Inside Zone Split earlier in a drive so the defense keys run and bites on the fake, setting up this shot play for bigger explosive gains.
Avoid calling this on third and long since the run fake becomes less believable and defenders sit back in coverage, taking away the play action window.
