Football Library · Plays
QB Draw· 11v11 Tackle
Designed QB run from shotgun. The blockers pass-set to sell pass (tackle); receivers run vertical clears to pull defenders away from the middle (every variant); the QB hesitates as if reading, then runs straight through the soft middle the rush vacated. Best against rush-heavy fronts on obvious passing downs — coverage drops, the box is light, the QB takes the easy yards. In flag the OL doesn't exist, but the same mechanic works because rushers must start behind the rush line — the QB times the run to attack as the rusher commits upfield.
Coaching breakdown
QB Draw — Designed QB run from shotgun. The blockers pass-set to sell pass (tackle); receivers run vertical clears to pull defenders away from the middle (every variant); the QB hesitates as if reading, then runs straight through the soft middle the rush vacated. Best against rush-heavy fronts on obvious passing downs — coverage drops, the box is light, the QB takes the easy yards. In flag the OL doesn't exist, but the same mechanic works because rushers must start behind the rush line — the QB times the run to attack as the rusher commits upfield. Run from Spread Doubles. The handoff sets up the play; see the OL + receiver bullets below for each player's job.
- @QB: draw — delay then accelerate — read the rush lane.
- : blitz pickup — find the unblocked rusher.
- : 18-yard go — full-speed release, ball goes over the top.
- : 18-yard go — full-speed release, ball goes over the top.
- : 18-yard seam — split the safeties, run through the post.
- : 18-yard seam — split the safeties, run through the post.
- : run-block — drive your man off the ball to the playside, combo to the second level.
- : run-block — drive your man off the ball to the playside, combo to the second level.
- : run-block — drive your man off the ball to the playside, combo to the second level.
- : run-block — drive your man off the ball to the playside, combo to the second level.
- : run-block — drive your man off the ball to the playside, combo to the second level.
When to call it
Best on 3rd-and-medium against a deep-rotation defense — pass-rushers vacate the middle, coverage drops, the QB takes the easy 7-8 yards. Especially deadly when the QB is a running threat.
Common mistakes
- QB telegraphs by stepping up too early; should sell the dropback for at least two beats.
- Blockers don't sell the pass set (tackle); rushers stay home and the lane never opens.
- Receivers don't widen on their clears; LBs hold the middle and the lane closes.