Dive (American football)

A dive (or plunge or buck, also called a line plunge or line buck)^[1] is a type of play in American football in which the ball carrier (usually a fullback or a halfback) attempts to thrust quickly over the line of scrimmage, rushing through the linemen. A dive or buck is distinct from both an end run and an off-tackle run; the gap for the runner can be either between center and guard or between guard and tackle.

"Pass to half back for straight plunge through the line."

Types

The dive may be run with or without a lead blocker, though when run with a lead blocker it may be called a "lead dive". It is often, though not always, used in short-yardage situations, specifically at the goal line.

Historical types

A cross buck

A "cross buck" is a play with two backs crossing paths, one faking to receive the ball, and the other receiving it; thus a dive play with either a faked cross buck or a faked reverse was known as a "split buck".^[1]

Requirements

Fullbacks, or larger, stronger running backs less prone to fumbling, are favorable because this play values strength over speed.