What it is

A play-action pass starts like a running play. The quarterback fakes a handoff to the running back, then steps back and throws the ball.

In a game

The fake makes linebackers and safeties step toward the line to stop the run, which opens space behind them for a receiver. It works best when the offense has already been running the ball well, because then the defense believes the fake.

More detail

The quarterback turns his back to the defense during the fake, so he sees the field a moment later than on a normal pass, and the offensive line must sell the run by blocking with run-style footwork. It is a common call on early downs, when defenses expect a run, and it pairs well with deep routes such as the post.

Animated diagram

1. The quarterback pretends to hand the ball to the running back, who runs into the line as if he had it.
2. The linebackers see the run and step forward toward the line of scrimmage.
3. The quarterback drops back and throws to the tight end, who slips into the space the linebackers left behind.