Power
Down-block, kick-out, pull and lead
Power is the quintessential gap-scheme run play — assigning every defender a specific blocker rather than relying on zone movement. The playside offensive line down-blocks to the inside, a fullback or H-back kicks out the end man on the line of scrimmage (EMOL), and the backside guard pulls around to lead through the hole as the play's primary lead blocker. The running back reads the kick-out block: if the EMOL is kicked outside, the RB runs inside the kick-out block behind the pulling guard. Power is physical, downhill football that creates a numbers advantage at the point of attack.
Blocking Assignments
Playside offensive linemen execute down blocks — each man steps inside to block the gap-down defender. The center blocks back on the backside A-gap defender. The playside tackle and guard seal the inside gap. The fullback or H-back comes across the formation and kick-out blocks the EMOL (the unblocked end man on the playside). The backside guard pulls around the formation and leads through the hole between the kick-out and the down blocks, targeting the playside linebacker. The backside tackle hinge-blocks to protect the backside from pursuit.
Running Back Read
Read the kick-out block on the EMOL. If the EMOL is kicked out (wide), run inside the kick-out behind the pulling guard into the created gap. If the EMOL squeezes inside and wrong-arms the kick-out block, bounce outside the mess. The aiming point is the inside hip of the kick-out blocker. Be patient, let the pulling guard arrive, then run downhill behind him.
Why It Works
Power creates a double numbers advantage at the point of attack: the kick-out block removes the EMOL, and the pulling guard adds an extra blocker that the defense didn't account for in its gap fits. The down blocks seal the interior, creating a defined running lane. Defenses must choose — if the EMOL squeezes the kick-out, the RB bounces; if the EMOL plays it honestly, the pulling guard washes the LB out of the gap.