Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
End Around out of Strong I Z Close is a designed misdirection run play, not a pass or RPO concept. Off the snap the flanker starts across the formation and takes the handoff, working from right to left behind a pulling blocker who kicks out to lead the way, while the line flows to seal the edge. The primary read is the edge to backside cutback lane: key the pulling blocker's kick out block first, then decide between the alley created by the sealed edge or bending it back against overpursuing defenders.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth and flow at the snap, since linebackers who crash hard toward initial flow open up the cutback lane this play is designed to exploit. Key the edge defender or force player on the play side, if he sits home and does not bite on flow the kick out block cannot clear him and the run dies immediately. Look for defenses playing contain discipline with a linebacker staying home in the backside cutback lane, that spy shuts this play down cold. Scrape exchange linebacker techniques and disciplined edge setting from a defensive end are the best counters, since they force the ball carrier to make an extra move outside the design. If you are on defense, user the play side force defender and squeeze the kick out block rather than crashing inside, and keep a backside linebacker patient to erase the cutback before it develops.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see linebackers and safeties flowing hard to the strong side flow on early down runs, since the counter action punishes overaggressive run fits. Use it in early down and medium distance situations such as first and ten or second and short to keep defenses honest and set up Fake End Around later in the game. Mix it into your play calling sequence right after HB Dive or Counter Weak so the defense keys downhill run action and bites on the initial flow before the ball reverses field. Watch pre-snap for stacked box fronts and aggressive linebacker crash tendencies, since teams that key run flow immediately are the best matchups for this concept. Take manual control of the lead blocker if you can to guarantee the kick out connects on the force defender, since a whiffed edge block kills this play instantly.
