Playbooks
0 1 Trap out of Singleback Y Off Trio Close is a gap scheme run play that uses a trapping fullback style block from the offensive line to spring the HB through an interior gap. The playside guard or center pulls to kick out the first threat off the edge of the play side gap, while the rest of the line blocks down, creating a natural crease for the running back to press one way and cut into the trap lane. This is a run play designed to attack light interior boxes, and the primary read progression for the ball carrier is to press the point of attack, read the trap block on the first down lineman or linebacker, and cut off that block into the alley.
Watch for a shaded three technique or four technique defensive tackle, since a slanted interior lineman can blow up the trap timing before the puller arrives. Key the middle linebacker depth at the snap, if he is stepping up fast to fill downhill he will get trapped, if he is reading and staying square the cutback lane disappears. Identify mug looks or A gap blitzers pre-snap, a defender lined up in the gap the trap is designed to hit can beat the blocking scheme with pure quickness. Look for an unblocked edge defender crashing hard inside, since 0 1 Trap depends on that first threat getting kicked out cleanly by the puller. Zone coverage shells with two deep safeties tend to leave light boxes, which is exactly when this trap concept hits hardest, while single high looks with a robber defender can add a extra run fit.
Use 0 1 Trap when the defense shows a light box with six or fewer defenders inside the tackles, since the trap block only accounts for one extra defender.
Check the depth of the middle linebacker pre-snap, if he is sitting flat footed instead of flowing with motion, he is primed to get trapped.
Pair this play with HB Duo and HB Zone Wk in the same set so defenders cannot key run direction based on formation tendency alone.
Run this on early downs, first and ten or second and short, to keep defenders honest against Y Shallow Cross and Mesh out of the same Trio Close look.
If the defense stacks the line with an extra linebacker or safety in the box, bail to Stick or Spacing X-Choice to punish the aggressive alignment through the pass game.