Power Read

Power Read (often called Inverted Veer) pairs a perimeter sweep track with downhill gap-scheme blocking. Rather than executing a standard Power play where a lead blocker must kick out the edge of the front, the offense leaves that playside defensive end unblocked as the read defender:

Give (Perimeter Sweep)

The running back crosses the quarterback on a wide sweep track. If the unblocked edge defender squeezes inside or hesitates in the C-gap to defend the quarterback, the quarterback gives the ball to the back to outrun him to the perimeter.

Keep (Downhill Power)

If the edge defender widens or flies upfield to contain the sweep, the quarterback pulls the ball, plants his foot, and cuts downhill directly behind the pulling backside guard.

To clear the perimeter for the sweep, offenses frequently use an H-Back, tight end, or slot receiver on an arc block. The blocker releases around the unblocked defensive end, bypassing him to seal the second-level overhang or alley safety. This guarantees that if the quarterback gives the ball on the sweep, the lead blocker is already out in front to establish the corner.

It is called Inverted Veer because traditional option roles are flipped: unlike Zone Read (where the running back attacks inside and the quarterback pulls to run outside), Power Read sends the running back to the perimeter while turning the quarterback into the physical, downhill inside runner behind pulling linemen.

Playbook Examples

• Power Readpower blocking with an edge defender left unblocked to choose between the back's sweep and the quarterback's inside runSpread Option