Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Off Tackle out of the Offset Wing Close set in Split Backs is a run play, showing the halfback taking a downhill handoff toward the tackle box off the diagram's arrow path. The line and offset FB work to seal the edge and create a lane just outside the tackle, with the HB reading the point of attack for a crease before deciding to bounce or stick between the tackles. This is a gap scheme run designed to attack light boxes and beats defenses that overcommit to the perimeter, with the primary read being the HB identifying the first color he sees at the line of scrimmage: crash inside if the edge is sealed, bounce outside if the defense flows too far inside.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth pre-snap, if they are stacked tight to the line in a 4-3 or 3-4 look, they can fill the off tackle gap quickly and blow this up. Check for run blitzes or a nano blitz look from the strong side, since this play has minimal extra protection and can get hit fast if the defense sends numbers. Cover 2 and Cover 3 shells with safeties playing deep are vulnerable since they are slower to react to downhill run action. User-controlled defenders flowing hard to the play side edge should signal the HB to cut back against the grain if the crease disappears. Man coverage looks with linebackers in tight man on the FB or TE can leave the box light, making this an easy conversion against man beaters focused on the pass.
Usage Tips
Check the defensive front pre-snap and look for a light box with six or fewer defenders in the tackle box before calling this play.
If the defense shows Cover 3 or Cover 4 with safeties deep, this is a green light run since those shells commit fewer defenders to run support near the line.
Use motion with the offset FB to check if the defense follows in man coverage, which tells you if you are facing man or zone pre-snap.
Pair HB Off Tackle with FB Dive out of this same set to keep the defense guessing between two downhill run looks that hit slightly different gaps.
Mix in Mesh Rail or PA Slide after establishing this run to punish linebackers who start creeping up to stop the off tackle look.
Best called on early downs (first and second down) or in short yardage situations where you need a tough, physical gain.
