Power is a gap-scheme run concept featuring a backside guard pulling to kick out the play-side edge defender, with a fullback or tight end leading through the hole. It's the quintessential physical, downhill running play.
Overview
Power is one of football's oldest and most reliable run concepts. The scheme creates a numbers advantage at the point of attack by bringing a backside guard across the formation to kick out the defensive end or outside linebacker, while a lead blocker (fullback, H-back, or tight end) leads through the hole.
The running back takes a downhill path, following his lead blocker into the gap created by the combination of the kick-out and down blocks. This is "gap scheme" blocking where offensive linemen block down toward the center, creating angles that allow them to seal defenders inside.
Power remains popular at every level of football because of its physicality and reliability. It's particularly effective in short-yardage situations and against defenses that like to slant or stunt.
History & Origin
While gap-scheme concepts existed before, Joe Gibbs and his offensive line coach Joe Bugel perfected Power as part of their famous "Hogs" rushing attack in Washington. The scheme became synonymous with physical, dominant running football.
Key Principles
- 1Backside guard pulls to kick out the play-side edge defender
- 2Play-side linemen "down block" toward the center
- 3Lead blocker (FB/H-back) fills for the pulling guard's gap
- 4Running back takes a downhill path behind the kick-out
- 5Creates a numbers advantage at the point of attack
- 6Physical, two-on-one blocking at the point of attack
- 7Running back reads the kick-out block: inside or bounce
When to Use
Power excels in short-yardage situations, goal-line, and whenever you need to establish physical dominance. It's effective against slanting defensive lines because the down blocks work well against inside movement. Use it to run behind your best pulling guard.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Creates numbers advantage at point of attack
- +Extremely physical and downhill
- +Works well against slanting defenses
- +Reliable in short-yardage
- +Sets up counter and other gap schemes
Disadvantages
- −Can be blown up by penetrating defensive tackle
- −Pulling guard must execute in space
- −Slower developing than zone plays
- −Requires a capable lead blocker
What Coaches Call It
Different coaches use different terminology for the same concepts.
| Coach | Team | Their Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Meyer | — | Power | Standard terminology |
| Nick Saban | Alabama | Power O | The O indicates guard pulls |
| Bill Belichick | Patriots | Power | Base gap scheme |
What You Need
Skills and jobs required to run this scheme effectively.
Critical
FB/H-back leads through hole and takes on linebacker
Lead through hole and kick out defender. Physicality at the point of attack.
Backside guard pulls to kick out edge defender
Pull across formation to kick out defender or lead through hole. Requires athleticism and discipline.
High
Play-side linemen seal defenders inside
Drive defender inside to seal the gap. Fundamental power blocking technique.
Medium
Backside tackle protects against pursuit
Protect backside by hindering pursuit. Often used by backside tackle in gap schemes.
RB follows blocks downhill, reads kick-out
Make quick decision and hit hole decisively. Burst and decision-making.
Matchups
Good Against
- +Slanting defensive lines
- +4-3 fronts
- +Aggressive linebackers
- +Undisciplined defenses
- +Cover 1 and Cover 3
Avoid Against
- −Penetrating 3-techniques
- −Fast-flowing linebackers
- −Spill technique on the edge
- −Two-gap defenses
Installation
What You Need
Prerequisites for running this scheme effectively.
- ✓Athletic pulling guard
- ✓Physical fullback or H-back who can lead block
- ✓Down-blocking tackles
When NOT to Use This
- !Avoid if your guards can't pull
- !Don't run into heavy boxes without a check
- !Vulnerable if FB loses the ISO block
Technical Variations
2 concepts in the Eyes Up playbook use this scheme.
2B-Power-3-Left
LEFTRUN2-back Power at 3 man surface - Left
Position Assignments
BLOCKING
Back side guard hinges to protect B gap
Back side tackle blocks with leverage
Center blocks with leverage on play side
Extra blocker kicks out EMLOS
Guard blocks with leverage on play side
Guard pulls to front side linebacker
CUSTOM
Running back follows power blocking path
QB executes hand off to running back