Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
HB Dive out of Strong I in the Y Open Flex set is a straight downhill run play with the fullback leading through the hole and the offensive line blocking a tight interior gap scheme, as shown by the compact formation with no receivers running routes in the diagram. This is a pure run play designed to get a quick handoff to the halfback and hit the line of scrimmage fast before defenders can react. The primary read progression for the ball carrier is to follow the fullback's lead block through the initial gap and then react to whichever side the defensive front collapses toward.
Defensive Reads
Key the alignment of the Mike and Sam linebackers before the snap, if they are stacked tight behind the defensive line the dive lane will be clogged and you should consider an audible. Watch for a heavy box count, if the defense has eight or more defenders in the box on early downs this run is a low value call and gets shut down quickly. Look for linebackers keying the fullback flow, a good defense will use the FB block as a trigger to fill downhill and meet the HB at the line. Bark for run blitzes off the edge, since HB Dive lacks any perimeter blocker a defensive end crashing hard inside can blow up the play before the mesh point even forms. Against a light box or defenders sitting back in soft zone shells expecting pass, this play hits fast because there are fewer bodies to beat between the tackles.
Usage Tips
Call this play on short yardage situations like third or fourth and one, or in goal line spots where a quick power run gets the job done. Check the defensive box count before the snap, if you see six or fewer defenders in the box this dive hits fast and clean. Pair HB Dive with Inside Zone and Inside Zone Split from the same set to keep the defense guessing between gap and zone run schemes without changing personnel. Use HB Dive early in a series to set up PA Slide or PA Shot later, since a defense that keys hard on the dive becomes vulnerable to play-action shots off the same look. Avoid calling this into stacked fronts or heavy blitz packages, since the lack of perimeter blocking makes it easy for an aggressive front seven to blow up the mesh point.
