also: jet motion · jet sweep · fly motion · fly sweep
Jet motion is a receiver running flat across the formation near full speed. Jet sweep is the play where he gets the ball. The motion can also dress up other plays.
A receiver or wingback runs flat across the formation and is timed to pass near the quarterback at or just after the snap. He is moving fast enough to threaten the edge immediately.
The motion forces the defense to adjust its leverage while still accounting for the interior run. The offense can hand or toss the ball to the motion player, fake it, or use his movement to change the numbers elsewhere.
fly motionjet sweep, orbit motion, return motionThe play where the jet man gets the ball, taking a handoff or short toss as he crosses and continuing to the edge. Because the carrier is already moving laterally at the exchange, the run reaches the perimeter quickly.
The same motion also appears on plays where he does not get the ball. That repeated picture is what lets the sweep influence defenders even when the offense runs somewhere else.
fly sweepjet motion, toss and pitch, speed optionA staff may use fly and jet for the same motion or sweep. If it separates the names, ask about the aiming point and depth; the label alone does not tell you which path is flatter or deeper.