Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
FB Dive out of Strong I Close Flex is a straight downhill run play that hands the ball to the fullback through the direct middle of the formation. The diagram shows the fullback taking a short path straight ahead into the A gap while the offensive line blocks straight ahead at the point of attack, with no route combos or pass concepts shown since this is a pure run play. The primary read is the A gap to B gap area, and the ball carrier presses the initial hole and reads the first down lineman that shows movement before deciding to cut or stick with the called gap.
Defensive Reads
Watch the middle linebacker depth pre-snap, since a linebacker sitting tight to the line signals he is keying the dive and will fill fast. Check for a stacked box with the strong safety creeping down, which is the biggest indicator that FB Dive gets stopped for minimal or negative yardage. If the defense shows a nano blitz or interior stunt from the defensive tackles, expect immediate penetration that blows up the dive before the fullback can build momentum. Two high safety shells with base fronts are the most vulnerable to this play, since it usually means only six or seven defenders are in the box. Post-snap, key the play-side guard and center double team, if they win their leverage immediately the fullback should have a clean crease to burst through before second level defenders can react.
Usage Tips
Use FB Dive on early downs when you need a quick, low risk gain against light boxes or when the defense shows two high safeties pre-snap, since that usually signals fewer defenders in the box.
Snap the ball quickly after your presnap read to avoid giving the defense time to shift a linebacker down into the dive lane.
Pair this play with PA Lead Draw Shot in your play-calling sequence since the fullback dive action sells the same initial mesh point and forces linebackers to bite on run fits before you hit them over the top.
Avoid calling this against stacked eight man fronts or heavy blitz packages, since the lack of misdirection makes it easy for an extra defender to fill the dive lane untouched.
Use manual fullback control briefly after the handoff to true-step into the hole and protect the ball through initial contact, since this play lives on YAC through first contact rather than scheme separation.
