One strategy that has gained popularity over the years is the power read.
Here we look at what the power read is, how it works, and why it has become such a valuable tool in the game of football.
What is the Power Read?
The power read is a play commonly used in football, particularly in the running game.
It is a variation of the traditional read option play, where the quarterback has the option to either hand the ball off to the running back or keep it and run himself.
In the power read, the offensive line blocks down towards the play side, creating a power blocking scheme, while the quarterback reads a specific defender to determine whether to give the ball to the running back or keep it himself.
What is Power Read?
How Does the Power Read Work?
The power read play starts with the offensive line blocking down towards the play side.
This means that instead of blocking the defenders in front of them, they will block the defenders to the inside of them, creating a wall of blockers that allows the running back to hit the hole with speed and power.
The quarterback’s job is to read a specific defender, usually an unblocked defensive end or outside linebacker.
If that defender crashes down toward the running back, the quarterback will keep the ball and run himself.
If the defender stays outside to contain the quarterback, he will hand the ball off to the running back.
By using this power blocking scheme and reading a specific defender, the offense puts the defense in a bind.
If the defender crashes down to stop the running back, the quarterback can keep the ball and run for big yardage.
If the defender stays outside to contain the quarterback, the running back has a clear path to run through the hole created by the power blocking scheme.
Why is the Power Read Effective?
The power read has become such a valuable tool in football because it puts the defense in a lose-lose situation.
The power blocking scheme creates running lanes for the running back, while the quarterback’s ability to keep the ball and run adds another dimension to the play.
Defenses must respect both options, which can create hesitation and confusion among defenders.
Additionally, the power read allows offenses to take advantage of specific defensive alignments and tendencies.
If a defense consistently crashes down to stop the running back, the quarterback can keep the ball and exploit the open space.
On the other hand, if a defense consistently stays outside to contain the quarterback, the running back can find success running through the hole created by the power blocking scheme.
Examples of Successful Power Read Plays
There have been numerous examples of successful power read plays in football.
One notable example is the 2013 Auburn Tigers, who utilized the power read to great effect during their run to the BCS National Championship Game.
Led by quarterback Nick Marshall and running back Tre Mason, Auburn’s offense was able to consistently gain yards on the ground by using the power read play.
The threat of Marshall keeping the ball forced defenses to hesitate, allowing Mason to find running lanes and break off big runs.
Another example is the Baltimore Ravens’ use of the power read with quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Jackson’s speed and elusiveness make him a dangerous runner, and the power read play allows him to take advantage of his skills.
Defenses must respect Jackson’s ability to keep the ball, which opens up running lanes for the Ravens’ running backs.
FAQs – Power Read
1. How do defenses defend against the power read?
Defenses have a few different options for defending against the power read.
One common approach is to assign a defender to “spy” the quarterback, meaning they are responsible for tracking his movements and preventing him from gaining big yardage on the ground.
Another approach is to have the defensive end or outside linebacker “crash” down towards the running back, forcing the quarterback to keep the ball and run.
Defenses may also use stunts and twists along the defensive line to disrupt the power blocking scheme and create confusion for the offense.
2. Can the power read be used in the passing game?
While the power read is primarily a running play, it can be used as a play-action pass.
By faking the handoff to the running back, the quarterback can draw in the defense and create opportunities for receivers downfield.
This can be particularly effective if the defense has been keying in on the running back and crashing down to stop him.
3. Are there any risks associated with running the power read?
Like any play in football, there are risks associated with running the power read. One potential risk is the potential for turnovers.
If the quarterback mishandles the exchange with the running back or makes a poor decision on whether to keep the ball or hand it off, it can result in a fumble or an interception.
Additionally, if the defense is able to consistently disrupt the power blocking scheme and get penetration into the backfield, it can result in negative plays and lost yardage.
4. Can the power read be effective at all levels of football?
Yes, the power read can be effective at all levels of football, from youth leagues to the professional level.
However, the level of success may vary depending on the skill and execution of the players involved.
At higher levels of football, defenses are typically faster and more disciplined, which can make it more challenging to execute the power read effectively.
5. Are there any variations of the power read?
Yes, there are several variations of the power read play.
One common variation is the inverted power read, where the quarterback starts on the opposite side of the running back and reads a different defender.
Another variation is the midline power read, where the quarterback reads a defender on the interior of the defensive line instead of an edge defender.
These variations can add complexity to the play and create additional options for the offense.
6. Can the power read be used in combination with other plays?
Absolutely! The power read can be used in combination with other plays to keep the defense off balance and create opportunities for big plays.
For example, an offense may run a play-action pass off the power read, where the quarterback fakes the handoff to the running back before throwing the ball downfield. This can catch the defense off guard and create open receivers.
7. How do quarterbacks make the read in the power read play?
Quarterbacks make the read in the power read play by keying in on a specific defender, usually an unblocked defensive end or outside linebacker.
The quarterback’s decision is based on the movement of that defender.
If the defender crashes down towards the running back, the quarterback will keep the ball and run.
If the defender stays outside to contain the quarterback, he will hand the ball off to the running back.
8. Can the power read be effective against all defensive formations?
The power read can be effective against a variety of defensive formations, but its success may vary depending on the specific alignment and tendencies of the defense.
Against a defense that consistently crashes down to stop the running back, the power read can be particularly effective.
However, against a defense that is disciplined and maintains gap integrity, it may be more challenging to find running lanes.
9. How do offensive linemen execute the power blocking scheme?
Offensive linemen execute the power blocking scheme by blocking down towards the play side.
This means that instead of blocking the defenders in front of them, they will block the defenders to the inside of them.
The offensive linemen must work in unison to create a wall of blockers that allows the running back to hit the hole with speed and power.
10. Can the power read be used in short-yardage situations?
Yes, the power read can be an effective play in short-yardage situations.
The power blocking scheme and the threat of the quarterback keeping the ball can create opportunities to gain the necessary yardage.
However, it is important to note that the success of the play will depend on the execution and the specific defensive alignment.
11. How do defenses adjust to stop the power read?
Defenses can adjust to stop the power read by making specific assignments and adjustments.
For example, they may assign a defender to “spy” the quarterback or have the defensive end crash down toward the running back.
Defenses may also use stunts and twists along the defensive line to disrupt the power blocking scheme and create confusion for the offense.
12. Can the power read be effective in the red zone?
Yes, the power read can be an effective play in the red zone. The power blocking scheme and the threat of the quarterback keeping the ball can create opportunities to score touchdowns.
However, it is important to note that the success of the play will depend on the execution and the specific defensive alignment.
13. How do quarterbacks protect themselves when running the power read?
Quarterbacks must be mindful of their own safety when running the power read.
They should be aware of defenders and avoid unnecessary hits. Sliding or running out of bounds can help protect the quarterback from taking unnecessary hits.
Additionally, quarterbacks should work with their coaches and trainers to develop proper techniques for avoiding big hits and protecting themselves when running the ball.
14. Can the power read be used in a no-huddle offense?
Yes, the power read can be used in a no-huddle offense.
In fact, the power read can be particularly effective in a fast-paced offense, as it puts pressure on the defense to make quick decisions and adjustments.
The simplicity of the read for the quarterback allows for quick execution, making it a valuable play in a no-huddle system.
15. How can teams defend against the power read?
Defending against the power read requires discipline and sound defensive principles.
Defenses must assign specific defenders to key on the quarterback and the running back, making sure they are accounted for on every play.
Maintaining gap integrity and avoiding over-pursuit are also crucial in defending the power read.
Additionally, defenses can use stunts and twists along the defensive line to disrupt the power blocking scheme and create confusion for the offense.
Summary
The power read is a valuable tool in the game of football, providing offenses with a way to gain an advantage over the defense.
By using a power blocking scheme and reading a specific defender, the offense puts the defense in a bind, forcing them to respect both the running back and the quarterback.
The power read has been proven to be effective at all levels of football, and its success can be enhanced by incorporating it into a well-designed offensive game plan.
Defenses must adjust and make specific assignments to stop the power read, but when executed properly, it can lead to big plays and success on the field.
