Using Motion to Create Running Lanes

There are many elements to a running game that can make it successful. The use of motion is one factor that has become more popular in recent years.

Few coaches around the NFL do a better job of creating running lanes than 49ers Head Coach, Kyle Shanahan. He perennially has one of the most, if not the most, versatile running schemes in the league, using everything at his disposal to create favorable matchups and blocking angles. Motion is one of those tactics that he leans on regularly to generate successful plays on the ground.

This example from the 49ers’ 2019 Divisional Playoff win against the Vikings is one of the best illustrations of this.

San Francisco came out in “11” personnel and a 2x2 formation with 2 wide receivers aligned to the left. The Vikings matched up in nickel personnel and aligned their nickel-DB/safety to the 2-WR side:

Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne then motioned from left to right across the formation. This created a 3×1 alignment. The Vikings responded by having the safety over Bourne follow him to get more defensive backs to the 3-receiver side. The linebacker to the other side of the formation then traded places with him:

However, Bourne quickly changed directions and sprinted back in motion to the left behind quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. This time, the safety did not follow Bourne. Instead, he stayed where he was, and the linebacker to the other side kicked out to account for Bourne’s motion:

Minnesota likely did this to avoid confusion and keep their defenders in position because the 49ers often used this type of motion right before the snap.

However, the damage was done. The motion left the Vikings with just 6 men in the box and it forced them to replace a linebacker inside with a smaller safety. The 49ers then ran the ball right at him: