Football Library · Plays
Split Back End Around· 5v5 Flag
Split-back end-around: the receiver takes the direct handoff across the formation while both backs and the center clear vertically. From Split Back Right, Z comes behind the quarterback for the live handoff and continues toward the left edge. X and C climb on inside-breaking clears while Y pushes vertically and breaks to the right sideline.
Coaching breakdown
Split Back End Around from the USA Football Strong/Split/I manual: Z takes the direct end-around handoff left; C and X climb to the right while Y breaks outside. 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 End Around 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 End Around 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 End Around 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.