Systems/I-Formation/Play-Action Power Pass
Play-ActionBest for: Shot play12U+ · Advanced

Play-Action Power Pass

Quarterback fakes power then throws off the run fake to the tight end or split end.

Concept: Line shows power blocking while the tight end runs a corner and the split end a post.

Age version
TGCGTTESEQBFBTBFL
Ball carrierBlock / pullMotionRoute / pass
14UAdd deception: Add the fake/mesh — and a counter off the very same look. Add the play-action throw off this run action. Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.
Play movement — schematic, not to scale

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.

  1. 12UIntroduce: Learn the footwork and the primary read; protect first, then complete the easy throw.
  2. 14UAdd deception: Add the fake/mesh — and a counter off the very same look. Add the play-action throw off this run action. Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.

Every position's job

QB

Fake the power handoff to the tailback, hide the ball on the boot/setup, then throw the TE corner or split end post.

TB

Carry out a full power fake into the line to hold the linebackers, then check-release or protect.

FB

Fake the kickout and slip out to the flat as a checkdown, or stay in to block the edge.

TE

Sell the down-block briefly, then release and run a corner route.

Split End

Run a post behind the biting safety.

Playside Tackle

Show power down-block, then set to pass-protect the edge.

Playside Guard

Show power blocking, then pick up the interior rush.

Center

Show run block, then anchor pass protection over the middle.

Backside Guard

Show run flow, then protect the backside.

Backside Tackle

Protect the backside edge against the rush.

How to teach it

  • 1Linemen must sell run with aggressive first steps before settling into protection.
  • 2QB carries out a convincing fake with two hands before hiding the ball on the boot.
  • 3TE and split end high-low the secondary — corner over the top, post behind.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Linemen drift downfield past the line and draw a penalty — fix by teaching them to punch and stay on the line.
  • !QB shows the ball too early — fix by drilling a two-hand fake and hidden setup.

Build this into your call sheet.

Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.