Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
FB Dive out of Split Backs Offset Wing Close is a straight downhill run play that hands the ball off to the fullback through the direct middle of the line. The offensive line executes a standard drive blocking scheme with the fullback taking a quick handoff and reading the interior gap for a crease, while the HB and TE run shallow crossing paths to hold linebacker eyes underneath. This is a base run play designed to attack light boxes and gap discipline, with the primary read being the frontside A or B gap first before bouncing off the fullback's downhill vision if the initial gap is clogged.
Defensive Reads
Key the middle linebacker depth at the snap, if he is sitting shallow expecting run he will fill the A gap fast and blow this play up. Watch for a jumped nano blitz from the interior defensive linemen or linebackers, since FB Dive has almost no time to develop against fast penetration. Base 4-3 or 3-4 fronts with normal box counts are the most vulnerable, especially if the defense is in a two high shell expecting pass. User controlled defenders spying the fullback lane will diagnose this quickly, so avoid spamming it once the defense adjusts their user assignment. Look for defensive tackles crashing hard down the line, this run beats slow flowing linebackers but dies against disciplined gap control fronts.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see six or fewer defenders in the box, especially against nickel or dime packages that are light up front.
Use pre-snap motion or shifts to bait the defense into showing blitz or run fits before the snap so you can diagnose the front.
Pair FB Dive with HB Off Tackle from the same set to keep defenders honest, since both plays start with similar action but attack different edges.
Run this on early downs like first and ten or second and short to stay ahead of the chains without tipping your hand.
Avoid calling this into stacked eight man fronts or heavy blitz packages since the fullback has almost no room to operate against extra defenders in the box.
