The end-around is a play in American football in which an end or wide receiver crosses the backfield towards the opposite end of the line and receives a handoff directly from the quarterback.[1][2] The receiver then may proceed to do one of two things: he either runs the ball towards the line of scrimmage in order to gain yardage, or more rarely, attempts to pass to another eligible pass receiver.[3] Both versions of the end-around are uncommon and can be considered trick plays.[4] The play can also be combined with a Statue of Liberty play.[5]
The end-around should not be confused with an end reverse, in which the receiver takes a handoff from a player who has already taken a handoff from the quarterback.[6]
End-arounds are usually preferred to reverses in the NFL; although they are less convincing, they offer lower risk. End-arounds offer less chance of a fumble, as there is only one handoff rather than two. Also, end-arounds require less time to complete, thus reducing the chance of a large loss of yardage.
- ^ "End around - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary". Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved 5 July 2012.
- ^ Grasso, John (13 June 2013). Historical Dictionary of Football. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-8108-7857-0 – via Google Books.
- ^ "End Around Definition - Sporting Charts".
- ^ Theismann, Joe; Tarcy, Brian; Billick, Brian (5 February 2003). The Complete Idiot's Guide to Football. Penguin. ISBN 978-0-7865-4836-1 – via Google Books.
- ^ Carroll, Kevin (30 January 2007). Dr. Eddie Anderson, Hall of Fame College Football Coach: A Biography. McFarland. ISBN 978-0-7864-3007-9 – via Google Books.
- ^ Seeman, Tim. "End Around vs. Reverse vs. Double Reverse". Bleacher Report.