Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA Post Shot is a play-action shot play out of Pistol Doubles Y Off that hides a deep post behind a run fake to hold the second level. Off the fake, the outside receiver on the yellow side runs a deep post while the inner receiver on that same side clears out with an under route across the formation, and the backside X runs a vertical seam or go route to stretch the field on the opposite hash. The blocking is play-action protection with the run fake selling linebacker flow before the quarterback works the post as the shot read, checking down to the shallow crosser if the post is capped.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify single high versus two high safety shells since a lone deep safety is the primary defender who has to be manipulated by the play-action fake and eye discipline. Watch linebacker depth at the snap: if they step up hard on run flow, that confirms the post window will open up over the middle of the field. This play beats Cover 3 and man coverage schemes where the deep third or man defender can be frozen by the fake, especially when the flat defender bites on the crossing route. It struggles against Cover 4 or Cover 2 shells with two deep safeties who can double the post, and against disciplined zone defenders who stay home on run action. Post-snap, key the play-side safety's first two steps: if he flows toward the line of scrimmage on the run fake, that is the green light to trust the post over top.
Usage Tips
Use this from 11 personnel when you have already established the run game out of Pistol so linebackers bite on the play-action fake.
Best called on early downs like first and ten or second and medium when defenses are more willing to sell out on run support.
Check the post-safety alignment pre-snap: if you see a single high safety shaded away from the post side, throw it with anticipation before he can undercut.
If the defense shows two-high shells, hot route the under route to a deeper dig or use it as your checkdown since the post will likely be squeezed by the deep safety.
Pair this with HB Zone or HB Dive from the same Doubles Y Off set earlier in a series so the run fake carries real weight, then hit this shot play once linebackers start creeping up on run reads.
