Play-ActionBest for: Shot play12U+ · Advanced
Play-Action Post-Wheel
Off zone fake, receivers run a post and wheel combination downfield.
Concept: Line sells run before setting while the slot wheels up the sideline behind a clearing post.
Age version
Ball carrierBlock / pullMotionRoute / pass
14U — Add the pass: 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.
- 12UIntroduce: Learn the footwork and the primary read; protect first, then complete the easy throw.
- 14UAdd the pass: 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 zone, set, and read the post-wheel combination downfield.
RB
Run the zone fake to hold the linebackers and safety.
Coach it with
Playside Tackle
Sell run, then set the edge.
Backside Tackle
Sell run, then hinge backside.
Coach it with
TE
Block or run a complementary route.
Coach it with
Playside WR
Run the clearing post to pull the safety.
Coach it with
How to teach it
- 1Line sells run before setting while the slot wheels up the sideline behind a clearing post.
- 2The post clears the safety to open the wheel.
- 3QB reads the safety: throw the wheel if the post clears him.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Wheel breaks up too early — teach a flat start before turning up the sideline.
- !Post doesn't clear the safety — teach the receiver to stem the safety off the wheel.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.