Football Library · Plays
QB Draw· 11v11 Tackle
Designed QB run from shotgun. The blockers pass-set to sell pass (tackle); receivers run vertical clears to pull defenders away from the middle (every variant); the QB hesitates as if reading, then runs straight through the soft middle the rush vacated. Best against rush-heavy fronts on obvious passing downs — coverage drops, the box is light, the QB takes the easy yards. In flag the OL doesn't exist, but the same mechanic works because rushers must start behind the rush line — the QB times the run to attack as the rusher commits upfield.
Coaching breakdown
QB Draw: QB takes the snap, hesitates as if reading, then runs straight up the middle. OL pass-sets to sell pass; receivers run VERTICAL CLEARS (gos + seams) to pull defenders AWAY from the run lane. Best vs rush-heavy defenses on obvious passing downs.
When to call it
Best on 3rd-and-medium against a deep-rotation defense — pass-rushers vacate the middle, coverage drops, the QB takes the easy 7-8 yards. Especially deadly when the QB is a running threat.
When not to use
Avoid it against a disciplined mush rush that keeps interior gap integrity, or when the quarterback cannot safely absorb designed-run contact. It is a constraint on aggressive pass rush, not a base call into a packed box or a defense already spying the QB.
How to adjust for situations
Count the box before the snap and check away if the defense has an extra fitter inside. Let the QB sell two pass beats, then follow the center's leverage through the first clean crease. On 3rd down, aim the track at the line to gain; in four-minute offense, coach ball security before extra yards.
Common mistakes
- QB telegraphs by stepping up too early; should sell the dropback for at least two beats.
- Blockers don't sell the pass set (tackle); rushers stay home and the lane never opens.
- Receivers don't widen on their clears; LBs hold the middle and the lane closes.