What it is

On a bootleg the quarterback fakes a handoff, then runs the other way, away from the rest of the play, to either throw on the run or keep the ball.

In a game

The fake pulls the defense toward the handoff, and the quarterback has free space on the other side. Usually a tight end or receiver runs a route across the field so the quarterback has a target.

More detail

Because the quarterback has fewer blockers on the move, the play is risky, and it is best with a mobile quarterback. It works well after the offense has run the ball successfully in the other direction.

Animated diagram

1. The quarterback fakes a handoff to the running back going left.
2. The defense follows the fake. The quarterback hides the ball and runs to the right.
3. The tight end runs across the field, and the quarterback throws to him or keeps the ball.