Football Library · Plays
Dive· 5v5 Flag
North-south interior run. QB hands to the back attacking the A/B gap downhill — first available crease wins. In tackle the OL inside-zone-blocks (combo to the LBs). In flag, the back attacks the middle gap that opens as defenders flow to the apparent perimeter threat — receivers run quick inside routes (drag/sit) to occupy the second level. Stays on schedule, eats clock, and softens up a stout interior for the play-action that follows.
Coaching breakdown
Dive Right: @QB hands to @B at the mesh; @B hits the first available crease between the tackles. OL inside-zone-blocks. Stay on schedule — this softens the interior for the play-action that follows.
When to call it
Short yardage between the tackles vs a soft front. Quick-hitting and predictable but consistent — chunks of 2-4 yards keep the chains moving and set up play-action.
When not to use
Avoid it into a packed interior with both A gaps covered and an unblocked downhill fitter waiting behind them. In flag, do not run it when the middle defender is sitting flat-footed on the mesh and the perimeter is the actual numerical advantage.
How to adjust for situations
Give the back a first-open-crease rule rather than a painted hole. Vs an even front, read the center/guard combination; vs an odd front, press the nose and cut off his leverage. In flag, use quick inside routes to occupy the second level and tag an outside answer when the middle defender refuses to widen.
Common mistakes
- Back hesitates at the hole; should hit it downhill at full speed — first available crease wins.
- Blockers high-block (tackle); need to double-team the playside DT and climb to the LB level.
- Run-action faked too softly; play-action off dive depends on the LBs honoring this look.