Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 16 playbooks
Breakdown
FB Dive is a straight-ahead run play out of the Strong I Wing formation with 22 personnel on the field. The diagram shows the fullback taking a direct handoff and hitting the A-gap immediately behind the center, while the halfback fakes a lead block before releasing into the flat as a checkdown option. This is a pure downhill run play designed to attack light boxes and exploit gaps created by heavy run blocking, with the primary read being the interior gap the fullback hits based on the flow of the defensive line.
Defensive Reads
Watch for a stacked box with linebackers crashing downhill pre-snap, since this signals a run blitz that can blow up the dive before the fullback gets to the line. Identify whether the defense is in a base 4-3 or 3-4 front, since heavier fronts with extra defenders in the box neutralize the numbers advantage this play tries to create. Key the middle linebacker's first step after the snap, since his fill angle determines whether the A-gap stays open or closes immediately. Look for safeties creeping down into the box pre-snap, which indicates the defense expects run and will overload the interior gaps. If the defense shows Cover 0 or a heavy blitz look with no deep help, be ready to check into a pass play instead since the dive has no answer against unblocked extra rushers.
Usage Tips
Call this play when the defense shows a light box with six or fewer defenders in the run fit, since the extra gap created by Strong I Wing personnel gives you a numbers advantage. Use pre-snap motion or a hard count to see if linebackers cheat toward the strong side, which tells you if the A-gap will be there. Hot route the halfback out of his fake if you need an extra blocker against a stacked front, or leave him in the flat as a checkdown if you are worried about penetration. Pair this play with HB Blast Alert X Smoke or Power O Alert X Smoke in the same set to keep the defense guessing between a quick interior hit and a strong side power run. Best used on short yardage or goal line situations where you need a tough, low risk gain and want to set up play-action shots like PA Mtn Power or PA Power O later in the series.
