Playbooks
Breakdown
HB Lead out of the Split T Tight formation is a power run play with an Iso tag, showing the FB leading through the hole with the HB following his block. The diagram shows the fullback attacking downhill first to seal the play side linebacker while the offensive line executes a power blocking scheme to create a lane between the tackles. This is a straightforward run play with no pass options, and the primary read is the fullback's kick out or seal block, with the HB reading the FB's shoulder to decide whether to bend the run outside or stick it up the middle.
Defensive Reads
Watch the middle linebacker depth pre-snap since a linebacker sitting too shallow will get sealed easily by the lead fullback. Identify whether the defense is in a run-stopping front with extra defenders in the box, which signals the offense should bail to a pass concept instead. Post-snap, key the fullback's block target and user the linebacker he is trying to seal to blow up the play at the mesh point. This play struggles against gap-sound defenses with disciplined linebackers who stay square and defeat blocks, and it can be shut down by an aggressive user-controlled linebacker crashing the lead blocker before the hole develops. Look for safeties creeping into the box pre-snap as a sign the defense is selling out to stop this exact power run concept.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs against base 4-3 or 3-4 fronts where the fullback lead block can isolate a linebacker in space. Check the box count pre-snap and only run this into 6 or fewer defenders in the box to avoid a stacked front. If the defense shows a run blitz with linebackers crashing down, consider audibling to FB Dive Weak or HB Inside to attack the opposite gap. Pair this play with PA Boot or Mtn PA Dive from the same formation so the defense has to respect play-action off the same personnel look. Trust your HB's vision and let the fullback's block dictate the cut point rather than forcing it up the middle every time.
