Play-Action Bootleg

How to run it

Fake outside zone to the right, the quarterback boots to the left. Rep 1: the linebackers and the backside end bite, the tight end's drag is open in the flat. Rep 2: the end stays home, so the quarterback sets and throws the comeback at the sideline. Teaches the quarterback to read the backside end.

Set-up

Offense: five linemen, tight end on the right, quarterback under center, back and a receiver on the left. Defense: four linemen, three linebackers, a cornerback on the left and a safety.

Instructions

1. 1Offense and defense in place.
2. 2Snap.
3. 3The run fake: the line zone-steps right, the ball is shown to the back. The linebackers step up.
4. 4Bootleg: the quarterback keeps the ball and rolls left. The tight end drags across under the line.
5. 5Throw to the tight end in the flat.
6. 6The tight end turns upfield.
7. 7The safety comes down and makes the tackle.
8. 8Everyone else lines up again.
9. 9The tight end hands the ball to the center, the safety goes back.
10. 10The tight end to his spot.
11. 11Snap.
12. 12Same fake and boot – but the end stays home and holds the edge.
13. 13The quarterback sets and throws the comeback. The receiver works back to the ball at the sideline.
14. 14Caught and out of bounds.

Coaching points

• The fake must look like the run – same steps for the line and the back.
• Quarterback: hide the ball on your hip after the fake and find the backside end at once.
• If the end stays home – set and throw. If he bites – throw on the move straight away.
• Tight end: release under the line and show your hands as you come out.

Variations

Equipment

• 3 × Markers