Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Gut is a downhill run play out of the Weak I formation in the Slot Flex set with 21 personnel on the field. The diagram shows the fullback leading through the hole with the halfback taking a tight aiming point off his outside hip, running a gut concept that pulls the backside guard across the formation to seal the interior for a gap scheme run. The two receivers to the flex side stay uninvolved in the route concept and are shown running straight releases upfield, essentially decoys designed to hold corners deep and out of run support. Primary read progression starts with the FB lead block, then the play-side double team at the point of attack, then bounces outside if the alley is clogged.
Defensive Reads
Key the fullback immediately at the snap since his block dictates whether the play hits inside or bounces. Watch linebacker depth before the snap, if the mike and will are stacked tight to the line expecting run, this play can get stuffed unless your guard wins the pull block. Identify whether the defense is in a 4-3 or 3-4 front, odd fronts with a true nose tackle can clog the gut lane and force a bounce read. Look for safety rotation post-snap, if a safety triggers down hard on run action this play struggles, but if both safeties stay high in a two-deep shell it signals light box run support and a favorable look for this concept. Watch for edge defenders crashing down inside, aggressive DEs squeezing the gut lane can blow up the pulling guard's path and force the back to cut back late.
Usage Tips
Run this out of Weak I when you have a numbers advantage in the box, since the two backs and TE give you extra blockers against light fronts. Check the defensive front pre-snap and if you see six or more in the box, consider audibling to HB Slip Screen or PA Power O to punish the aggressive alignment. Use the pulling guard and FB lead as your primary read, pressing the hole and reading the double team before deciding to hit it downhill or bounce outside. This play hits best on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and short) when defenses are more likely to sit in base fronts rather than nickel or dime packages. Pair HB Gut with PA X Curl or PA Boot Lt off the same look to keep linebackers honest and slow their run fits after you have established the gut concept a few times.
