Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn PA Boot is a play-action rollout concept out of Pistol Doubles Hip that uses a mountain motion to sell run action before the quarterback boots to the flat. The offensive line executes run blocking to freeze linebackers while the backside receiver works a deep crosser and the frontside runs a flood combo with a flat route and a corner or deep out, giving the QB a high low read to the boot side. This is primarily a play-action man beater that also stresses zone defenses on the rollout, with the primary read progression starting at the flat defender, then working up to the intermediate breaking route, and finally checking the deep crosser if the pocket holds up on the move.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flow of the linebackers at the snap, if they bite hard on the run fake the flat and intermediate routes will be wide open on the boot side Key the flat defender first, if he sinks or sits on the flat route the corner or deep out behind him becomes the primary throw Check for a defensive end or outside linebacker who stays home on contain, since a disciplined edge defender can blow up the boot action and force an early checkdown Identify two deep safety shells pre-snap, as a Cover 2 or Cover 4 shell rotating late can leave a lurking defender ready to jump the crosser Look for a hard blitz off the backside edge, since Mtn PA Boot is vulnerable to pressure that beats the roll before the flood routes develop
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion to identify man versus zone before the snap, since a defender running with the motion man confirms man coverage and opens up the boot flood side immediately
Call this on early downs like first or second and medium when defenses are still respecting the run fake from Pistol personnel
Hot route the backside crosser into a shallow drag if you see a two high shell rolling hard to the boot side, giving you a quick outlet away from the rollout
Pair this with Mtn HB Slip Screen or Read Option earlier in a series so linebackers stay honest on the run action, which makes the boot fake far more effective on money downs
Roll out with purpose and keep your eyes downfield since the boot mechanic gives extra time but also limits your escape lanes if the edge defender contains the play
