IS YOUR TEAM having trouble blocking a nose tackle or defensive tackle? Don’t block him — shuffle him instead!
The inside shuffle helps control a strong inside rush and is designed to aid your offensive linemen who are having matchup problems with opposing DTs.

The inside shuffle is versatile because it can be run from a variety of formations and blocked to look like a screen pass or draw play. It’s a safe play with big-play potential.

No-Back Shuffle Screen

DIAGRAM 1: No-Back Shuffle Screen Vs. 5-2


DIAGRAM 2: No-Back Shuffle Screen Vs. 4-3

The center, backside guard and backside tackle are responsible for backside defenders. Rule for this play: block away. Influence the first man on the line of scrimmage head-up or outside the center.

The play-side OG and play-side OT will seal the end defender on the LOS-out or show pass, then block the near linebacker.

The quarterback is in the shotgun, will take a three-step drop and shuffle the ball to the incoming receiver.

The shuffle receiver will sprint on the snap of the ball to his shuffle position behind the LOS.

The other receivers will drive upfield, working inside the nearest defender and then screening him out.

One-Back Shuffle Draw

DIAGRAM 3: One-Back Shuffle Draw Vs. 4-3


DIAGRAM 4: One-Back Shuffle Draw Vs. 5-2


In this set, (diagrams 3 and 4) the offensive line will pass block the defender in front of them. Make sure your linemen can turn their men out. If not, they must call for a fold with the offensive lineman next to them.

The running back will step up and set for a pass block on the strong side, then pivot and face the QB.

If not in a shotgun, the QB will execute a five-step drop and shuffle to the RB.

The shuffle pass is critical and should be repeated often in practice. Too often, a lackadaisical shuffle pitch can lead in a fumble or bobbled ball. Without breaking stride, the RB should look the ball into his hands and make sure that he has it secured.

Receivers will drive upfield, working the closest defender and screen him out.

The weak-side LB should drop into pass coverage. But it’s OK if he blitzes, because he’ll take himself out of the play by overpursuing the QB on the blitz.