Football Library · Plays
Split Back Trail· 5v5 Flag
X and Y align side-by-side behind the shotgun quarterback in Split Back Right. The right back Y crosses left first on a hard fake; after a one-count delay, the left back X trails across the quarterback's face, takes the live handoff, and attacks the right edge. C releases on a corner opposite the run while Z runs a five-yard quick out to the carrier side. Lead and Trail share the same formation and opening picture but reverse which crossing back actually receives the ball.
Coaching breakdown
Split Back Trail Right: crosses first on the hard fake. After a one-count delay, trails across the quarterback's face, takes the handoff, and attacks the right edge. runs the opposite corner and runs the five-yard quick out to the carrier side.
When to call it
Pair it with Split Back Lead after defenders begin chasing the first crossing back. Trail punishes the player who commits to the initial fake and leaves the opposite edge late.
When not to use
Avoid it when exchange timing is not yet dependable, when the rush closes the delayed mesh immediately, or when outside leverage is sitting untouched on the carrier side.
How to adjust for situations
Mirror the call for Split Back Left. If the edge is capped, turn the trail path north-south underneath the contain defender. Keep the corner route high enough to pull the opposite deep defender away from the crossing action.
Common mistakes
- The live back leaves too early and collides with the fake. Honor the one-count delay before tracing the trail path.
- The quarterback chases the mesh. Use a fixed landmark so the delayed carrier knows exactly where the ball will be.
- Calling Lead and Trail with different tempos or stances, which lets defenders identify the live back before the snap.