Football Library · Plays
Drive· 5v5 Flag
Two crossers attacking the middle at differentiated depths — Drag UNDER (2-4 yds) and Dig OVER (10-14 yds). The under-drag rubs through traffic; the dig settles in the void behind the LBs. Beats man (rub on releases) and zone (dig sits in the hole). Often paired with a backside clear.
Coaching breakdown
Drive — Two crossers attacking the middle at differentiated depths — Drag UNDER (2-4 yds) and Dig OVER (10-14 yds). The under-drag rubs through traffic; the dig settles in the void behind the LBs. Beats man (rub on releases) and zone (dig sits in the hole). Often paired with a backside clear. reads Spread Doubles: take the open window — work the progression below in order.
Progression:
- 3-yd drag — primary — first read, find the void in zone and sit.
- 12-yd dig — secondary — work behind the underneath defender's drop.
- 18-yd go — clear the deep safety; throw if the corner gives a soft shoulder.
- 5-yd sit — settle in the underneath window — keep eyes on the QB.
When to call it
Excellent answer to Cover 1 — the drag eats horizontal space, the dig above stretches the LB level. Reliable 2nd-and-medium call when you need a chunk play but not a shot.
Common mistakes
- Drag depth wrong — should be at 2-4 yards, not 5+ (that becomes a shallow cross, different concept).
- Dig too shallow; should be at 12 yards minimum to stretch the second-level defenders.
- Both crossers go the same direction; should be opposing for the rub effect at the cross.