Playbooks

Stick

Pistol·Ace Slot·12
StickStick ConceptPass PlayFadeOut
Play diagram for Stick from Pistol Ace Slot in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationPistol

In 4 playbooks

Elites OffenseOffensePistol OffenseOffenseSim Multirolepersonnel Ba OffenseOffenseSim Multirolepersonnel Rn OffenseOffense

Receiver routes

Depth-chart slots are shown as they line up in the base package for this set.

See this play with a team's players
PlayerSideRoute
HB1MiddlePass Block
TE2LeftStick Option
WR2LeftFade
WR1LeftOut
TE1RightStick Option

Read progression

  1. TE2 left, Stick Option
  2. WR1 left, Out
  3. TE1 right, Stick Option
  4. WR2 left, Fade

Breakdown

Stick out of Pistol Ace Slot 12 personnel is a classic five man protection concept designed to give the QB a full-field high low read against zone and a quick answer against man. Both TEs run Stick Option out of the slot while WR1 runs an Out underneath and WR2 takes the top off with a Fade, with the HB staying in max protect to secure the pocket. This is primarily a zone beater built around the Stick Option triangle, but it holds up against man coverage too because of the built in spacing between the Out, the Stick Options, and the Fade.

Defensive Reads

Identify the flat defenders and hook zone linebackers pre-snap since the Stick Option reads coverage in real time, sitting down against zone and breaking out against man. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, a shallow drop or a robber look toward the TE stick spots signals a jump on the option route so be ready to layer the Out behind it. Against Cover 3, key the flat corner and the curl to flat defender because Stick Option consistently finds the soft spot between them. If you see press corners and a single high safety rotating hard to one side, expect man coverage and prioritize the Fade against a slower linebacker or safety matched on WR2. Watch for a nano blitz or overload pressure off the edge since the HB and both tackles are locked into protection, meaning a free rusher forces the QB into a rushed decision on the option routes.

Usage Tips

Use this on third and short to medium since the Stick Option and Out combo gives you a reliable sticks conversion without needing a deep shot. Check the safety alignment pre-snap, if you see two high shells this concept shreds Cover 2 and Cover 4 because of the natural stick to flat combo working underneath the corners. If the defense shows single high or press man, be ready to work the Fade on WR2 as a one on one shot rather than sitting on the short stuff. Pair this play with PA FL Stretch or PA Boot from the same set so defenses respect play action off similar formations and cannot sit on the quick Stick Option reads. Motion is not needed but you can hot route the HB out of protection into a check down if you are facing heavy pressure looks, giving you an extra release valve behind the stick concept.

Other Plays in Ace Slot