Playbook
Formations, alignment rules, tags, and play calls — the full offensive reference in one place.
The R-word in each mirrored pair sends the TE (and the call) Right; the other word sends it Left.
Every diagram below is generated from our verified alignment data — filled markers are on the line of scrimmage, outlined markers are off it.
Want to stack tags, add a pass concept, or draw routes?
These base looks are the reference. Build the live version — with adjustments, names, and a whiteboard — in Play Cards.
TEE
Two tight ends on the line (Y each side), QB under center, and a balanced full-house backfield — H-T-H, all at the same depth, no receivers split out.
RED/BLUE
RED
TE RightNo definition yet
BLUE
TE LeftNo definition yet
ROVER/LEXUS
ROVER
TE RightNo definition yet
LEXUS
TE LeftNo definition yet
RAM/LION
RAM
TE RightNo definition yet
LION
TE LeftNo definition yet
RIVER/LAKE
RIVER
TE RightNo definition yet
LAKE
TE LeftNo definition yet
BOOKIE
BOOKIE (balanced)
Two tight ends — H moves to a second TE spot alongside Y. X and Z are flankers off the ball, one tailback deep. Tagged RAM (X and Z both shift left) or LION (both shift right).
Y and H — both tight ends, one on each side of the O-line.
X and Z — flankers off the ball (not on the line), split to either side.
TB — one back, deep.
RAM / LION — X and Z shift together, left or right — build both live in Play Cards.
JUMBO
Two tight ends on the line (Y each side), QB under center, a deep tailback (T), and two extra backs (H, H) bunched together just off the line on one side — heavy run/short-yardage personnel.
Standalone Formations
HOGS
Base formation — the bread-and-butter look, run more than every other formation combined.
Verified against the real alignment diagrams — not a guess.
1. The Call Side
In every mirrored pair, the word starting with R sends the TE (and the call) Right. The other word sends it Left.
2. How X, H, and Z align
| Family | TE (Y) | X | H | Z | What this looks like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RED/BLUE | With the call | Away (wide, on the LOS) | Away (tucked, backfield) | With the call (wide, backfield) | Standard 2x2 — TE+Z to the call, X+H away |
| RIVER/LAKE | With the call | Away (wide, on the LOS) | With the call (wide, backfield) | Away (tucked, backfield) | Standard 2x2 — TE+H to the call, X+Z away (H and Z swap roles vs. RED/BLUE) |
| RAM/LION | With the call | Away (wide, on the LOS) | Away (tucked toward the line) | Away (middle, backfield) | Trips AWAY from the call — X, H, and Z all bunch to the same side, opposite the TE |
| ROVER/LEXUS | With the call | Away (wide, on the LOS) | With the call (middle, backfield) | With the call (wide, backfield) | Trips TO the call — X is alone on the back side; H and Z both join the TE |
3. Key Takeaway
X is always away from the call, in every family, with no exception. What changes family to family is what H and Z do: in RED/BLUE, Z joins the call and H stays away. In RIVER/LAKE, H and Z swap that job. In RAM/LION, both H and Z go away with X (a 3-man bunch away from the TE). In ROVER/LEXUS, both H and Z go with the call instead (a 3-man bunch, but to the TE side).
Every modifier that can attach to a formation or a play, grouped by category. See them applied live on Play Cards.
Formation Tag
Fold Block Tag
Off-Tackle Tag
OL Split Tag
Cadence Tag
QB Sprint Out
Motion Tag
Backfield Tag
OL Tag
Run plays are numbered gap/hole calls; pass plays are named concepts, each of which can run off any base number. Draw a concept's routes here once and they show up automatically in Play Cards.
Run Plays (base numbers)
Even/odd pairs (e.g. 46/47) are the same hole, run to opposite sides.
Pass Concept Routes
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