Playbooks
Se In HB Out is a trips-based passing concept out of Singleback Y Off Trips that attacks both man and zone coverage with a horizontal stretch. The single receiver runs an in-breaking route while the HB releases into an out route from the backfield, giving the quarterback a quick outlet against blitz looks and a deeper option against zone drops from the trips side. Protection is a standard five-man scheme designed to hold up long enough for the primary read, which starts with the Se In route working across the middle before checking down to the HB Out on the boundary.
Pre-snap, check corner alignment on the trips side, if the corner is playing off with a linebacker shaded inside, expect zone drops and target the HB Out early. Watch safety depth before the snap, a single high safety often signals man coverage underneath which favors the Se In route beating trail technique. Post-snap, identify any user-controlled lurk defender sitting in the middle of the field since he can jump the in route if the quarterback holds the ball too long. Key linebacker drops after the snap, if the flat defender widens quickly to cover the HB Out, that opens a window for the in route behind him. This play struggles against disguised Cover 4 or Cover 6 shells with aggressive underneath zone drops, since both routes can get squeezed by simultaneous flat and hook defenders sitting on the crossers.
Use pre-snap motion or a quick peek at the strong safety to determine if the defense is rolling into a two high shell or staying single high before the snap.
Against man coverage, prioritize the Se In route since the in-breaking angle creates natural separation versus press or trail technique.
Against zone, especially Cover 3 or Cover 2, look to the HB Out early since it settles into the void created by underneath defenders sinking into zone drops.
Pair this play with Se Curl or Stick from the same set to keep the defense honest on quick game reads without changing your formation, which helps disguise your intentions pre-snap.
Best used on second or third and short to medium since the quick out route to the HB gives a safe completion while the in route offers upside against blown coverage.