Belly Left
Fullback runs the belly off tackle on the quarterback ride.
Concept: Playside down-blocks while the tight end and tackle seal the edge.
Grows with your players
Same play, more layers as they age up — teach it once and build on it every season for a consistent program.
- 6UIntroduce: Nail the snap/exchange, aim the right hole, and finish downhill.
- 8UAdd deception: Add the fake/mesh — and a counter off the very same look.
- 10UMaster it: Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.
Every position's job
Take the snap, ride the fullback on the belly path, then hand off (or keep on option variation) off-tackle.
Take the belly ride from the QB and hit the off-tackle hole downhill off the down-blocks.
Fill or fake the opposite path to hold the second level.
Down-block the first inside defender to seal the hole.
Down-block or combo the end to seal the edge with the tackle.
Down-block the interior defender to wall off inside.
Block back on the backside gap.
Base-block or cut off backside pursuit.
Hinge and stop backside penetration.
Seal the edge or block the force defender outside the down-blocks.
How to teach it
- 1Teach the QB a smooth belly ride so the mesh with the fullback is clean.
- 2TE and tackle seal the edge together so the off-tackle lane stays clean.
- 3Fullback runs tight to the down-blocks and gets vertical.
Common mistakes to fix
- !QB pulls the ball too early and the ride doesn't sell — fix by drilling a full ride to the fullback's hip.
- !Edge seal breaks down — fix by defining who has the end man and who has inside.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.