Football Library · Plays
Split Back All Out· 5v5 Flag
Four-eligible split-back pass with every receiver releasing after the backfield fake. C and the receiver-side eligible break to opposite intermediate windows, one back climbs and returns underneath, and the other pushes the seam. The quarterback holds the linebackers with the same split-back action used by Lead and Trail before reading high to low.
Coaching breakdown
Split Back All Out from the USA Football Strong/Split/I manual: All four eligibles release: vertical clear, ladder return, intermediate in, and five-yard out. Keep the original formation, exchange order, and launch points together; mirror the entire play for a left call.
When to call it
Use Split Back All Out 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 Split Back All Out 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 Split Back All Out 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.