Offense · Play Action
Play Action
Make the defense believe it's a run, get defenders to react toward the run, then throw the football into the space that reaction creates.
Start Here
What Is It?
Play action is a passing play designed to initially look like a running play.
The quarterback may extend the football toward the running back as if he is handing it off. The running back may carry out the fake. The offensive line may use blocking action designed to resemble the offense's running game.
But the quarterback keeps the football and looks to throw.
The Basic Idea
SHOW RUN
The beginning of the play looks like a running play.
DEFENSE REACTS
Linebackers or safeties step toward the run.
THROW
The quarterback attacks the space created behind them.
The offense is trying to make defenders react to what they think is happening before revealing what the play actually is.
Football Watching 101
How It Works
Imagine Michigan has been successfully running the football.
Linebackers begin reacting quickly when they see the same backfield action. They want to get downhill and stop the run before the running back reaches them.
Now the offense shows that same action again.
The linebackers take a step toward the line of scrimmage.
This time, however, the quarterback keeps the ball.
A receiver or tight end runs into the area those linebackers just vacated, and the quarterback throws behind them.
The Defense Sees
A familiar run look and reacts toward the line of scrimmage.
The Offense Wants
That reaction to create a throwing window behind or around the defenders.
Simplified Play Action
Run Reaction
Run Reaction
Route Behind LBs
Fake
The quarterback shows a run action. If the linebackers step toward the run, space can open behind them for the pass.
Simplified example — play-action protections, run fakes and route combinations vary by offense
The Reason
Why Teams Use It
Defenders have to react quickly.
A linebacker who waits too long to diagnose a running play may be blocked before he can reach the ball carrier.
Play action uses that responsibility against him.
If the run fake causes a linebacker to take even a few steps forward, a throwing window can appear behind him.
Safeties can also be influenced. A safety who reacts aggressively toward the run may create more room for a receiver attacking deeper down the field.
The best play-action designs often resemble running plays the defense has already prepared to stop.
That creates one of football's most important offensive relationships: the run can help the pass, and the pass can help the run.
Remember These
Play-Action Concepts You'll Hear About
Run Fake
The quarterback and running back sell the appearance of a handoff before the quarterback keeps the football and prepares to throw.
Linebacker Conflict
Play action can force linebackers to choose between reacting aggressively to the apparent run and protecting the passing area behind them.
Play-Action Shot
The offense uses a convincing run action before attempting a deeper pass, often trying to influence linebackers or safeties and create room downfield.
Bootleg
After showing a run action, the quarterback moves outside the pocket, often in the opposite direction from the initial run fake.
Naked Bootleg
A bootleg in which the quarterback rolls away without a lead blocker immediately protecting the edge, relying heavily on the run fake and misdirection.
Keeper
Another term often used when the quarterback keeps the football after a run fake and moves outside the pocket looking to pass.
Leak Route
A tight end, running back or other eligible receiver initially appears involved near the blocking action before slipping into open space as a receiver.
Run-Pass Marriage
Offenses often design running plays and play-action passes to begin with similar formations and backfield actions, making them harder for the defense to distinguish immediately.
Watch The Game Differently
What Should I Watch For On Saturday?
The easiest way to recognize play action is to watch the quarterback and linebackers together.
At the snap, does the quarterback extend the ball toward the running back as though a handoff is coming?
Now look at the linebackers.
Do they step toward the line of scrimmage?
Then watch the quarterback pull the ball back and look downfield.
Watch The Linebackers
If they step forward because they believe it's a run, immediately look at the space behind them.
On a bootleg, watch whether the running back and offensive action move one direction while the quarterback keeps the football and rolls the other way.
Your sequence is: See the run fake → Watch the linebackers → Find the space behind them → Watch the quarterback throw.
Keep Learning
Related Concepts
Lesson 10
Pass Protection
Now that you understand what the quarterback and receivers are doing, learn how the offense keeps the quarterback protected long enough to throw.