A play-action play is a type of play in American football that is designed to look like a running play, but is actually a pass play. The play starts with the quarterback receiving the snap and pretending to hand the ball off to the running back, while the offensive blockers engage the defense at the line of scrimmage as if blocking for a run play. The quarterback then passes the ball to a wide receiver or tight end downfield. The purpose of a play-action play is to deceive the defense into thinking it is a running play, which can cause them to be out of position in their pass coverage, giving receivers more time and room to be free to receive passes behind the linebackers. Play-action passes are often used against defenses that are focused on stopping the run. The play-action pass is one of the most effective kinds of plays in football, but it is not proportionately used.