Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Off Tackle out of the Pro Split Backs 21 personnel is a straightforward downhill run play designed to hit the edge of the offensive line. The diagram shows the halfback taking a lateral step before bending his path upfield off the tackle's outside hip, following the fullback and offensive line who are blocking down to create a running lane just outside the tackle box. This is not a man or zone beater in the passing sense, it is a gap scheme run play that relies on the fullback lead block and the offensive line's down blocks to seal the edge, with the primary read being to press the hole off tackle and cut based on how the defensive end and outside linebacker are blocked.
Defensive Reads
Watch the defensive end and outside linebacker alignment pre-snap, if they are lined up wide or crashing hard off the edge this play can get gashed on the second level. Identify if the defense is in a run-focused front like 4-3 or 46, heavy fronts with an extra linebacker or safety in the box will clog the off tackle lane. Key the fullback's block in real time, if the user controls the outside linebacker and forces a stack at the point of attack the ball carrier has to cut backside. Look for safety rotation before the snap, a safety cheating down into the box signals run support and makes this play harder to execute against. Beware of contain-focused defensive ends who stay home on the edge, disciplined contain rushers can string this play out and limit the halfback to minimal gains.
Usage Tips
Run this play early in a series to establish tendencies before you dial up Power O or FB Belly from the same formation and personnel look.
Check the box count pre-snap, if the defense has six or fewer defenders in the box you have a numbers advantage to hit the edge.
Use the fullback lead blocker as your key, if he gets immediate penetration bounce the run outside rather than forcing it between the tackles.
This play works best on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and short) when defenses are more likely to sit in base personnel rather than nickel or dime looks.
Pair this with HB Slip Screen or PA Slide from the same Split Backs set to keep linebackers honest and prevent them from crashing down on run reads.
