Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Stick out of Pistol Ace Slot 12 personnel shows a route concept isolated to the right side of the formation, with the two backside receivers running vertical and out-breaking routes to the left that clear space away from the play call. On the right, one receiver runs a vertical seam to occupy the deep defender while the other works an underneath route to sit down in the flat area, creating a natural high-low stretch. This is a man beater and zone beater built around quick separation, with the primary read starting on the flat/stick route before working up to the seam if the underneath defender sinks.
Defensive Reads
Presnap check safety depth, if both safeties are deep and the corner is off the slot receiver, expect Cover 2 or Cover 4 which lets the stick route sit in the void underneath. Watch the slot cornerback's alignment, tight man press leverage signals man coverage and favors the seam route beating him vertically. Postsnap key the underneath linebacker or nickel defender's drop, if he sinks hard to the seam the stick route is wide open in the flat. Beware disguised blitzes where the nickel crashes off the edge presnap, since the hot route on the stick concept must adjust to replace the vacated area. This concept struggles against aggressive Cover 3 sky with a hard flat defender jumping the route, so be ready to reset to the backside vertical if that flat threat shows early.
Usage Tips
Presnap identify whether the defense is showing man or zone by watching the slot defender's depth and leverage before the snap.
Against zone shells, hold the ball a beat and let the stick route sit down in the throwing lane created by the flat defender's drop.
Against man coverage, look immediately to the seam route since the vertical release forces the defender to open his hips and lose ground.
Use this play on third and short to medium since the stick concept is designed for a quick, high percentage completion underneath.
Pair this with PA Ctr Waggle or Read Option from the same set to keep the defense honest on run fits before coming back to Stick for a rhythm throw.
