---
slug: "jet-sweep"
title: Jet Sweep
depth_tier: entry
side: OFFENSE
category: Run Game
source_id: "OFF-0073"
created: 2026-04-13
updated: 2026-04-19
canonical: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/jet-sweep
---
# Jet Sweep

## Short Definition

A run play delivering the ball to a receiver in full-speed pre-snap motion—hitting the edge already at top speed before the defense can react to the handoff.

## Definition

The jet sweep sends a receiver in full-speed pre-snap motion across the formation. The quarterback catches the snap and immediately hands—or pitches—to the receiver while he is still running at full speed. The ball carrier hits the edge already at top speed, eliminating the acceleration time a traditional running back needs after the handoff.

The play's advantage is tempo. A receiver who catches the ball in stride at the hash mark already has three to four steps of momentum before any defender can react. Defensive ends and linebackers who crash inside on run reads are suddenly attacking the wrong gap while a fast receiver turns the corner.

Jet sweep can be run as a true handoff (the receiver crosses behind the quarterback), a pitch (the quarterback tosses to the receiver before he passes), or as a fake that sets up play-action or a quarterback run in the opposite direction. The motion itself forces defensive identification before the snap—motion to the field forces the defense to declare how they're handling the run threat before the play starts.

## Example

"Receiver goes in full-speed motion before the snap—quarterback takes the snap and hands immediately. The receiver is already at the edge at full speed before the corner can close. Jet sweep gains nine. The motion created a run at speed the defense wasn't prepared for."

## Common Confusion

Jet sweep and end-around are related but different plays. An end-around has a wide receiver come in motion, take a handoff, and run outside—typically without a full-speed pre-snap motion. A jet sweep uses the receiver's full-speed pre-snap motion to deliver the ball at speed, creating momentum the end-around doesn't have. The speed of the motion before the snap is the distinction.

## Related

- outside-zone-oz
- rpo-run-pass-option
- motion
- sweep
- rb

---
Source: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/jet-sweep