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Systems/I-Formation/Tailback Reverse
SpecialBest for: Trick / change-up14U+ · Advanced

Tailback Reverse

Tailback starts a sweep then hands to a receiver coming the opposite way.

Concept: Backside cuts off pursuit while a lineman leads around the far edge.

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Ball carrierBlock / pullMotionRoute / pass
14U — Introduce: Nail the snap/exchange, aim the right hole, and finish downhill. Add the pulling guard(s) leading through the hole. Add pre-snap motion to stress the defense's edge. Add the fake/mesh — and a counter off the very same look. Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.
Play movement — schematic, not to scale

Every position's job

QB

Take the snap, toss or hand to the tailback starting the sweep, then carry out a fake.

Coach it with
QB Pitch Delivery RB Pitch Relationship Track Field Goal / PAT Operation
TB

Start the sweep one way, then hand the ball to the receiver coming the opposite direction.

Coach it with
QB Pitch Delivery RB Pitch Relationship Track
FB

Fake the sweep lead one way to sell the initial flow.

Coach it with
QB Pitch Delivery RB Pitch Relationship Track
Split End

Run the reverse — come in motion/around to take the handoff and turn the far edge.

Coach it with
QB-RB Mesh Handoff Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
Flanker

Block the backside contain or crack the pursuit.

Coach it with
WR Stalk Block Screen Setup & Block in Space TE Seal and Arc Block
Backside Tackle

Cut off backside pursuit chasing the initial sweep.

Coach it with
DB Tackle in Space Angle Tackle Drill Scoop / Cutoff Block
Playside Tackle

Show sweep flow, then block for the reverse edge.

Coach it with
QB Pitch Delivery RB Pitch Relationship Track WR Stalk Block
Backside Guard

Pull or lead around the far edge for the reverse ball-carrier.

Coach it with
Pull and Kick Technique Trap Block Angle Scoop / Cutoff Block
Center

Block back and cut off pursuit.

Coach it with
WR Stalk Block TE Seal and Arc Block LB Read Keys and Shuffle
Playside Guard

Show sweep flow to sell the initial direction.

Coach it with
QB Pitch Delivery RB Pitch Relationship Track

How to teach it

  • 1Sell the sweep hard one way so the defense flows before the ball reverses.
  • 2The reverse handoff must be clean — teach a soft inside handoff on the exchange.
  • 3A lineman leads around the far edge to block for the reverse man.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Backside doesn't cut off pursuit and the reverse gets chased down — fix by assigning firm backside cutoff blocks.
  • !Exchange is fumbled — fix by drilling the mesh point at game speed repeatedly.
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