Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn PA Dive is a play-action shot play out of the Split T Tight formation that sells the dive fake before attacking downfield. Pre-snap motion crosses the backfield to disguise the run action, then the fullback fake into the line freezes linebackers while three receivers release into a deep post, a corner route breaking outside, and a shallow drag underneath. The primary read progression starts with the deep post off the play-action shot, works to the corner route on the outside if the safety jumps the post, and checks down to the drag or flat route for a safety valve against tight man coverage.
Defensive Reads
Watch the linebacker depth immediately after the snap since undisciplined defenders biting on the dive fake open up the post and corner routes over the middle and sideline. Key the single high safety pre-snap, if he stays deep and does not bite on the run fake this play struggles, but if he steps up in run support the post route is wide open behind him. Identify man coverage on the outside receiver running the corner route, since a beaten cornerback trailing underneath gives an easy pitch and catch on the sideline. Look for user-controlled defenders sitting in a deep lurk or robbing the post route, a smart defender sitting in the middle of the field zone or spying the play-action can jump the primary read and force a check to the drag route. This play is shut down by disciplined two high safety shells or Cover 4 quarters looks where defenders stay deep and do not respect the run fake, taking away both the post and corner routes.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion to bait linebackers into run fits before the snap, then hold the play-action fake with the fullback dive to sell it against aggressive run defenses. Look for single high safety shells before the snap since the deep post has a clean lane to attack the middle of the field against Cover 1 or Cover 3. If the defense shows two high safeties, hot route the post into a deep dig or have your QB progress quickly to the corner route to beat Cover 2 zone drops. Pair this play with Mtn HB Lead Dive and FB Dive Weak earlier in a series so the defense keys run action, setting up the play-action shot for maximum explosive play potential. Best called on early downs, first and ten or second and short, when defenses are more likely to load the box expecting run.
