Dive is the quickest-hitting run concept in football, attacking the A-gap with immediate mesh and minimal steps. It's the bread-and-butter of option offenses and a reliable short-yardage play.
Overview
Dive is football's most direct run play. The running back takes the handoff immediately and attacks the A-gap with no delay. The offensive line blocks their assignments, and the play hits before the defense can react.
In option offenses, Dive serves as the "give" read in the triple option. The quarterback reads a defender (usually the defensive end) to determine whether to give the ball or pull it. The threat of Dive keeps interior defenders honest and opens up the perimeter.
Even in non-option offenses, Dive remains valuable as a quick-hitting complement to zone plays. It's particularly effective against defenses that like to scrape over the top or flow hard to the ball.
History & Origin
Dive has been a fundamental football play since the sport's earliest days. It became particularly prominent in option offenses, where it serves as the "give" read that makes the entire option game work.
Key Principles
- 1Immediate mesh - running back takes the ball quickly
- 2Attack the A-gap with no delay
- 3Offensive line drive blocks straight ahead
- 4In option offenses, serves as the "give" read
- 5Hit the hole fast - don't let defense react
- 6North-south running with no dancing
- 7Get positive yards even if it's just 2-3
When to Use
Dive is perfect for short-yardage situations and as a quick complement to slower-developing plays. In option offenses, it's the foundation that makes the outside options work. Use it when you need quick, reliable yards.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Fastest-hitting run play in football
- +Simple execution
- +Foundation of option offense
- +Reliable short-yardage play
- +Keeps interior defenders honest
Disadvantages
- −Limited big-play potential
- −Predictable target area
- −Depends on center winning his block
- −No cutback opportunities
What Coaches Call It
Different coaches use different terminology for the same concepts.
| Coach | Team | Their Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Johnson | Georgia Tech | Dive | Triple option terminology |
| Urban Meyer | — | Dive | Used in spread option |
| Bill Belichick | Patriots | Lead Dive | With a lead blocker |
What You Need
Skills and jobs required to run this scheme effectively.
Critical
Create vertical push at point of attack
Drive defender inside to seal the gap. Fundamental power blocking technique.
Hit the hole fast and downhill
Make quick decision and hit hole decisively. Burst and decision-making.
High
Double team to linebacker
Double-team defensive lineman then climb to linebacker. Requires communication and feel for when to release.
Matchups
Good Against
- +Light boxes
- +Scraping linebackers
- +Defenses flowing to the ball
- +Soft fronts
Avoid Against
- −Dominant nose guards
- −Stacked fronts
- −Heavy boxes
- −Penetrating DTs
Installation
What You Need
Prerequisites for running this scheme effectively.
- ✓Center who can handle nose 1-on-1
- ✓Quick-footed running back
- ✓Guards who can drive block
When NOT to Use This
- !Don't call against elite interior DL
- !Very limited - only gains what the line creates
- !If center loses, play is dead