Football Library · Plays
I Back Left Reverse· 5v5 Flag
I-back two-exchange reverse finishing to the left with X as the final carrier. Y takes the first handoff and carries the ball toward the right-side mesh. X comes behind the action, receives the reverse handoff, and attacks the left edge while C and Z stretch the defense away from the return lane.
Coaching breakdown
I Back Left Reverse from the USA Football Strong/Split/I manual: Y carries to the second mesh and gives to X, whose reverse finishes on the left edge. Keep the original formation, exchange order, and launch points together; mirror the entire play for a left call.
When to call it
Use I Back Left Reverse after the defense has begun reacting to the companion calls from the same formation. Its value comes from making the opening picture and backfield tempo look identical before the assignments separate.
When not to use
Avoid I Back Left Reverse when the exchange or play-action timing is not yet dependable, when the league rules prohibit its ball handling, or when the field is too compressed for its routes to separate safely.
How to adjust for situations
Mirror the complete play for a left call rather than moving only one runner. For younger players, shorten route depth and backfield travel proportionally while keeping the exchange order, fake responsibility, and high-low spacing intact.
Common mistakes
- Changing the formation or backfield alignment before the snap, which removes the disguise that makes I Back Left Reverse pair with its companion calls.
- Rushing the mesh, fake, or boot footwork. Every player must hit a fixed landmark at full speed and keep all exchange action behind the line.
- Letting the route distribution drift into generic spread spacing. Keep the formation's launch points, route depths, and crossing order intact when making team-specific adjustments.