Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
FB Dive out of Strong I Wing Close is a straight downhill run play that hands the ball to the fullback for a quick hit through the interior of the line. The diagram shows the fullback taking a direct dive path through the A or B gap while the halfback stays in the backfield as a lead blocker option, with the offensive line executing a base blocking scheme to seal running lanes at the point of attack. This is a pure run play built to attack light boxes and gap exchanges, with the primary read being the first open crease inside the tackles before the fullback squares up and hits the hole.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check the box count and linebacker depth since stacked fronts with linebackers sitting tight to the line are built to stop this play immediately. Watch for defensive tackles crashing hard inside or a 3-4 look with a plugging nose tackle, both of which clog the dive lane before the fullback can build momentum. Identify if the defense is running a run blitz or gap exchange, since a well timed A-gap blitz can beat this play to the spot and blow it up for a loss. If linebackers are reading run keys quickly and flowing downhill without hesitation, this play will not have room to develop and you should check to a play-action or zone run instead. Man coverage on the perimeter with light numbers inside is the green light, take the dive and trust the blocking scheme to create the seam.
Usage Tips
Use FB Dive when the defense shows a light box of six or fewer defenders, especially against nickel or dime personnel trying to defend Strong I with fewer run stoppers. Look for linebackers cheating outside or overcommitting to run fits away from the strong side, since the dive hits fast enough to punish slow flow. Pair this with Mtn Power O and Inside Zone Split from the same set to keep defenders guessing between gap and zone run concepts out of an identical formation look. Call this on early downs or short yardage and goal line situations where a quick, decisive gain matters more than explosiveness. Mix in PA FB Flat or PA Sprint HB Flat afterward to sell the same backfield action and get linebackers biting on the fullback fake for an easy play-action window.
