Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Power O out of Weak I with the H Close Off tag is a gap scheme run play designed to pull the fullback and backside guard to create a double team and kick out lane at the point of attack. The diagram shows the offensive line blocking down at the snap with the fullback leading through the hole while the halfback takes the handoff and reads the block develop before deciding to cut inside or bounce outside. This is a pure run play with no route concept, and the primary read progression is the running back keying the fullback's kick out block first, then working off the pulling guard to find the crease.
Defensive Reads
Watch for linebacker depth before the snap, if the linebackers are stacked tight to the line they are likely reading run fits quickly and will fill the gap fast. Look at the safety alignment, a single high safety often means the defense expects to have extra run support underneath, which can clog the intended running lane. Identify if the defense is running a 4-3 under front or 3-4 look, since both fronts affect how the fullback's kick out block angle plays out and where the crease actually opens. Post-snap, key on whether the playside linebacker is flowing hard downhill or staying home to protect against a cutback, this tells you whether to stick with the called hole or bounce it outside. Be wary of defenses that consistently blitz off the edge on early downs since a fast edge defender can beat the fullback's block before the pulling lineman arrives to seal the alley.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs like first and second and short to medium yardage to keep defenses honest and set up your passing game later in the series.
Check the box count before the snap, if the defense has stacked the box with an extra defender near the tag side, consider audibling to a different run direction or checking to a play like HB Gut instead.
Use manual motion or user control on the fullback to help him seal the edge defender if the CPU logic is slow to engage, this gives you more consistent yards on the kick out block.
Pair this with PA Power O later in the same series once the defense starts crashing down hard on run reads, the play action version will hit the safety who bites on the run fake.
Mix in Counter F from this same set to keep linebackers guessing on flow direction since both plays start with similar backfield action but hit different gaps.
