Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA FL Stretch is a play-action pass off outside zone run action out of the Pistol Ace Slot formation, using 12 personnel to sell the stretch run before releasing four vertical-based routes. The backside X runs a vertical seam, the inline receiver runs a skinny post, the slot receiver runs a deep dig that breaks outside toward the numbers, and the flanker on the play side runs a shallow out breaking underneath everything. The primary read progression starts with the deep dig from the slot since the linebackers bite hard on the outside zone action, then works to the skinny post if the safety flows toward the flat, and finally checks down to the flanker's out route as the underneath zone beater against tighter man coverage.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is stacked in the box with linebackers creeping up, since that confirms they are keying run and sets up the play action window. Check safety alignment, two-high shells give you the post and dig combo since one safety has to respect the run box, while single-high shells force you to attack with the vertical seam route immediately. Post-snap, key the linebackers first, if they step up hard on the zone fake, the middle of the field opens for the dig and post routes to work behind them. Watch for user-controlled defenders sitting in the shallow flat or hook zone, since they can jump the flanker's out route and the underneath crossing patterns. This play struggles against disciplined zone defenses that stay patient and do not bite on the run fake, along with heavy blitz packages that beat the play action protection before routes develop.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage when defenses are geared up to stop the outside zone run tendency from this formation. Watch pre-snap for linebacker depth and shading, if they are crashing downhill on run fits, the play action freeze will open the dig and post routes immediately. Hot route the flanker's out route into a quick flat or speed out if you are facing aggressive man coverage with no safety help underneath. Pair this play with HB Slam or HB Slip Screen earlier in a drive so the defense respects the run fake, then dial this up once linebackers start sitting on outside zone. Against zone shells, prioritize the deep dig since it settles into the vacated middle zone once linebackers widen out for run support.
