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Systems/Spread (Shotgun)/Power Read / Pop Pass RPO
RunBest for: Base down10U+ · Core

Power Read / Pop Pass RPO

Quarterback runs the power read and can pop the ball to the slot on a seam.

Concept: Line run-blocks power while the slot runs a quick pop-pass seam behind the linebackers.

Age version
TGCGTWRSSWRQBRB
Ball carrierBlock / pullMotionRoute / pass
14U — Add motion: Add pre-snap motion to stress the defense's edge. 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. 10UIntroduce: Nail the snap/exchange, aim the right hole, and finish downhill.
  2. 12UAdd the lead: Add the pulling guard(s) leading through the hole.
  3. 14UAdd motion: Add pre-snap motion to stress the defense's edge. 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

Run the power read and either keep/give or pop the ball to the slot on the seam.

Coach it with
QB Read and Keys Team Skelly Pass Period Progression Read (1-2-3)
RB

Run the sweep/give path as the power-read give option.

Coach it with
QB Pitch Delivery RB Vision and Cut RB Pitch Relationship Track
Playside Guard

Block down on the first inside defender.

Coach it with
Down Block Angle Drive WR Stalk Block TE Seal and Arc Block
Backside Guard

Pull and lead through the hole for the power keep.

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

Block back to seal the backside.

Coach it with
TE Seal and Arc Block Down Block Angle Drive Combo Double-Team to Linebacker
Playside Tackle

Down-block the defender inside.

Coach it with
WR Stalk Block TE Seal and Arc Block DB Tackle in Space
Backside Tackle

Hinge or scoop to protect the backside.

Coach it with
Scoop / Cutoff Block Pass Set Kick-Slide Hinge Back-Side Block
TE

Down-block inside to help the power scheme.

Coach it with
WR Stalk Block TE Seal and Arc Block Broad Jump Ladder
Playside WR

Run off or stalk-block.

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

Run the quick pop-pass seam behind the linebackers as the throw option.

Coach it with
Team Skelly Pass Period TE Option & Settle vs Zone QB Pitch Delivery
Backside WR

Clear out or cut off coverage.

Coach it with
Team Skelly Pass Period LB Coverage Drop DB Backpedal Technique

How to teach it

  • 1Line run-blocks power; the slot runs a quick pop seam behind the linebackers.
  • 2QB reads the second-level defender: pop the seam if he fills, run power if he drops.
  • 3Slot must sit in the seam window behind the biting linebacker.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !QB pops the ball when the LB drops — teach the correct read to run power.
  • !Slot runs too deep past the window — keep the pop route short and behind the LBs.
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