Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slash Fk End Arnd is a misdirection run play out of Strong I Close with 21 personnel that shows a fake end around action to the flanker while the halfback slashes off tackle behind the fullback. The play design pulls flow away from the actual ball carrier, using the fullback as a lead blocker through the hole while the offensive line blocks down for a gap scheme run. This is a pure run play built to attack overaggressive run fits and defenders keying the flanker motion, with the primary read being the fullback's lead block and the initial crease created off tackle before the backside cutback lane opens.
Defensive Reads
Key the flanker's motion path before the snap. If defenders shift with him hard, that confirms an overpursuit tendency this play is designed to exploit. Watch linebacker eye discipline at the snap. Backers who step wrong with the fake flanker action will be out of position for the actual HB run through the middle. Identify the fullback's block target immediately since that lead block dictates the primary run lane and the point of attack. Look for defensive ends and outside linebackers crashing down on the fake motion, which opens the backside cutback for the halfback. Against disciplined defenses that stay square and read the fullback's blocking angle instead of following the fake, this play loses its misdirection advantage.
Usage Tips
Use this play when the defense has shown aggressive flow to jet sweep or end around action on previous snaps so the fake actually holds a defender or two.
Best deployed on early downs, first or second and short to medium, when you are not desperate for a big chunk gain but want to keep the defense honest.
Watch linebacker depth pre-snap. If backers are stacked tight to the line they are likely to crash hard on the fake, so trust the cutback lane behind the fullback's block.
Pair this call with actual End Around and PA End Around earlier in a series so defenders start biting on the perimeter action, making this fake even more effective.
Avoid calling this into stacked box looks with extra defenders already sitting inside since the misdirection numbers advantage disappears.
