Playbooks
Mtn Insert Zone Wk is a HB weak zone run out of Singleback Trips Close, using the 11 personnel grouping to keep a traditional TE insert blocker at the point of attack. The offensive line executes a weak side zone scheme with the TE and backside guard climbing to seal the edge, while the fullback-less insert blocker cleans up the first level to create a running lane. The primary read is the playside gap combo block, meaning the HB reads the double team up front first, then bounces outside if the edge defender or Sam linebacker crashes down too hard, and cuts back inside if the backside pursuit overruns the play.
Watch the Sam linebacker's alignment pre-snap, if he is walked up tight to the weak side edge the play is designed to bounce outside him Identify base 4-3 or 3-4 fronts with light boxes, this run hits hardest against six man boxes and struggles against stacked eight man fronts Key the safety rotation before the snap, a single high shell with the strong safety cheating late leaves the weak side alley exposed for a big cutback gain Look for user controlled linebackers flowing hard to the play call side, since the cutback lane opens directly behind their pursuit Beware of interior gap exchange stunts or a Mike linebacker blitzing downhill, both can blow up the insert blocker's climb before the lane develops
Run this on early downs like first and ten or second and short to keep defenses honest against your Trips Close passing looks
Check the box count pre-snap and only call this into six or fewer defenders in the box, since a stacked front kills the cutback lane
Use the insert blocker's climb as your visual key, if he gets immediate depth on the linebacker the cutback should be your first instinct
Pair this with Mtn PA Boot Insert and Mtn Slot Option from the same formation to sell the same weak side action and force linebackers to hesitate on run fits
Mix in Slants or Stick on passing downs after establishing this run so defenses cannot sit on the weak side zone tendency