Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA Post Shot from Pistol Doubles shows a shot play off play action with three vertical stems: the outside receiver on the left runs a straight go route up the boundary, the slot receiver next to him breaks into a deep post crossing the middle of the field, and the outside receiver on the right also runs a vertical seam/go up the numbers. This is a play-action deep shot designed to attack single high or man coverage, using the run fake to hold linebackers and the safety before the post threatens the middle of the field. The primary read starts with the post from the inside slot receiver, working to the boundary go route if the post is capped by a safety over the top.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify whether the safety is aligned in a two high shell or has rotated to single high, since this play is built to punish single high looks. Watch the linebacker depth at the snap, if they step up hard on the run fake it confirms the play action is working and the post will have a bigger throwing window behind them. Post-snap, key the middle of the field safety's break, if he stays home and drives on the post route that is a sign of Cover 3 or Cover 1 with a rangy free safety, and the quarterback should reset to the outside go route. User linebackers sitting in a shallow lurk or spy can jump the post route's crossing path, so avoid staring down the post if you see a user drop into that throwing lane. Cover 2 shells with corners playing hard outside contain the go routes but often leave the post open behind the linebackers, making this a strong beater against two deep, man under coverage.
Usage Tips
Check the safety alignment before the snap, if you see one deep safety in the middle of the field this is a green light for the post route since it has no help underneath. Use play action on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and short) so the run fake actually influences linebacker and safety eyes. Motion the slot receiver pre-snap if available to confirm man coverage, if the defender follows across the formation you know the post has a favorable one on one matchup. If the deep safety sits in the middle of the field and closes the post window, immediately look to the backside go route on the left for a one on one shot down the sideline. Pair this shot play with Curl Flats or RPO Alert Bubble earlier in a series so the defense respects the quick game and bites harder on the play action fake here.
