Playbooks

Mtn RPO Read Y Slide

Pistol·Bunch·11

Quick Reference

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Breakdown

Mtn RPO Read Y Slide is a run pass option out of Pistol Bunch that pairs an inside zone run with a slide route concept from the bunch tight end (Y) working behind the mesh point. The offensive line executes zone blocking rules while the quarterback reads the play side second level defender, typically the flowing linebacker or slot defender, to decide between handing off or pulling and throwing the slide. This play is a true RPO that punishes both aggressive run fits and light box zone drops, with the primary read progression being run key first, then Y slide as the built in throw if that defender bites on the run action.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, check safety depth and leverage, two high shells with soft corners favor pulling the ball on the slide since the underneath defender is often isolated. Post-snap, key the play side linebacker or nickel defender at the mesh point, if he sits and reads instead of attacking the run fit, hand it off into the vacated gap. Man coverage with the slide defender pressed tight to the bunch can shut this down quickly, so be ready to trust the run track if you see man alignment pre-snap. Watch for a nano blitz or crashing edge defender off the bunch side, since that defender can blow up the mesh point before the quarterback finishes his run read. Zone drops with a lurking linebacker sitting in the throwing lane of the slide route are the biggest threat to this concept, so recognize that sit and read technique and default to the run instead.

Usage Tips

Pre-snap, identify the box count and check if the defense has six or fewer in the box before snapping since that tells you the run is live if the key defender stays honest.

Watch the play side linebacker or slot defender through the mesh point, if he crashes downhill on run action, pull the ball immediately and hit the Y slide before he can recover.

Use this against zone heavy defenses that like to spin safeties down into the box post-snap, since the slide route sits in the vacated zone window.

Pair this call with Mtn PA Slide and Mtn Wide Zone from the same set so the defense sees identical formation and zone action, making your run key defender hesitate later in the game.

On third and short or second and manageable, this is a low risk dial up since you get a north south run conversion or a quick, high percentage completion off the slide.

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