Believe it or not, one of the best running plays in the game is the HB Mid Draw. However, this run should only be used in certain situations if you want to get the most out of it. In this next tip, SportsGamer's going to show you how and when to use any HB Draw in the game to pick up some easy yardage that is consistently available against a particular type of defensive scheme. Read below to find out what makes this run so good.
Shotgun 4 WR - HB Mid Draw
Console(s)
XBOX / PS2
Playbook(s)
You can find an HB Draw in any playbook. The HB Mid Draw shown in this tip came from the Indianapolis playbook.
Quick Setup
Step 1 - Only use Draws when you realize that your opponent is dropping extra linemen into coverage.
Play Breakdown
Figure 1 - The Indianapolis Colts have come out of the huddle in the Shotgun 4 WR Slants Middle play. Our opponent knows that quarterback Peyton Manning is not a threat to scramble, so dropping extra defenders into coverage is always a popular defensive scheme to use in these situations.
Figure 2 - Just before we snap the ball our opponent playmakers each one of his defensive linemen to drop back into coverage. Fortunately, we know just what to do when faced with this scenario.
Figure 3 - After recognizing the defense's adjustments, we use the quick audible down to change our offensive play to the HB Mid Draw. HB Draws do a great job of exploiting the 10 or 11 men coverage schemes. The reason Draws do so well against this type of defense is because the linemen drop back immediately after the snap, allowing our offensive linemen to run further upfield to make their blocks. Now we are ready to begin the play.
Figure 4 - As soon as Manning takes the snap all four defensive linemen begin sliding back into their zone coverages.
Figure 5 - Running back Joseph Addai takes the handoff from Manning and begins running upfield. We want you to notice just how far down the field each member of the defensive line is at this point in the play. The only defender who is currently engaged with an offensive linemen is the defender who was responsible for guarding Addai. The remaining four members of our offensive line are now able to get much further down the field before making their initial blocks.
Figure 6 - We are already at the line of scrimmage with Addai as we follow closely behind the wave of blockers in front.
Figure 7 - We want to make sure that all of our linemen engage with the approaching defenders, so we pause just a second to draw the defense further in.
Figure 8 - As the linemen lock down on their blocks we continue running toward the open area.
Figure 9 - We hit the open hole with Addai and look to turn it upfield for a big gain.
Figure 10 - We've already picked up 5 yards with Addai and have yet to be touched by a member of the defense.
Figure 11 - Addai's able to slip one tackle before being met by a few more defenders.
Figure 12 - Addai is finally taken to the ground after a gain of eight yards.
Final Thoughts
The HB Draw is not a running play that you're going to be able to use throughout the course of a game and expect to consistently win. However, it is a play that can be used a few times to either surprise your opponent or force them to get out of the habit of dropping so many players into coverage. This is a play that doesn't require too much practice to get good at, so we would suggest taking it right onto the field to use the next time you face this type of defense from your opponent.
