Playbooks
Breakdown
FB Power out of Weak I Z Close is a downhill gap scheme run play that pulls the backside guard to lead through the playside hole while the fullback kicks out or leads through the same gap. The diagram shows the offensive line blocking down at the point of attack with the HB taking a slight lead step before pressing the hole behind the FB and pulling guard. This is a base run play designed to move the pile with numbers at the point of attack rather than a man or zone beater in the passing game.
Defensive Reads
Read the linebacker depth before the snap, if they are stacked tight to the line expect quick fills and be ready to cut back. Identify whether the defense is in a 4-3 or 3-4 front, odd fronts with a nose lined over center can clog the pulling lane. Watch for a user-controlled defender flowing hard downhill early, this often signals a gap shoot or run blitz that can be countered by cutting back against the grain. Man coverage shells with safeties creeping into the box are a green light to run FB Power, but two-high safety looks with disciplined linebackers can limit the play to short gains. Post-snap, key the backside defensive end and any scraping linebacker over the pulling guard, since these are the primary run fits that determine whether the play hits inside or gets strung out.
Usage Tips
Check the defensive front pre-snap and confirm you have a numbers advantage at the point of attack before snapping the ball.
Use this play on early downs, especially 1st and 10 or 2nd and short, to stay on schedule and set up play-action shots later in the drive.
If the defense shows a stacked box with 8 or 9 defenders, consider motioning or checking to a perimeter run or PA Cntr Shot Post to punish overcommitment.
Trust your pulling guard and FB lead block, do not bounce the run outside too early since the design is meant to hit downhill.
Pair this play with PA Sprint HB Flat or HB Gut in the same set to keep linebackers honest and disguise your run and pass tendencies from Weak I Z Close.
