Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA WR Slip is a play-action shot play out of Pistol Doubles that sells the run fake before attacking the middle of the field vertically. The play diagram shows the backside outside receiver running a deep slip route straight up the seam while the backside slot receiver clears out underneath on a shallow crossing route toward the opposite sideline. On the frontside, the outside receiver runs a shallow drag across the field, giving the quarterback a horizontal stretch read underneath the deep shot. The primary read progression starts with the vertical slip route up top, then works down to the crossing routes underneath if the deep shot is not there.
Defensive Reads
Watch the linebacker depth immediately after the snap. If they step up hard on the run fake, the vertical slip route behind them is your money throw. Identify single-high versus two-high safety shells before the snap. Single-high defenses that bite on the fake leave the middle of the field open for the slip route. Key the cornerback over the vertical route. If he sits at depth and does not bite on the run fake, the throw window tightens and you should progress down to the crossing routes. User lurk defenders sitting in the shallow middle zone can undercut both crossing routes, so track any user-controlled linebacker dropping into that throwing lane before pulling the trigger underneath. Watch for blitz packages that bring extra pressure off the edge, since the play-action fake needs time to develop and quick pressure forces an early checkdown or throwaway.
Usage Tips
Run this from run-heavy personnel and early down situations so the play-action fake actually holds linebackers and safeties for a beat.
Check the safety alignment pre-snap. Against two-high shells the slip route has a better one-on-one window against the corner, while against single-high looks you want to see the free safety bite on the run fake before committing to the vertical throw.
Hot route the frontside drag into a deeper option if you are facing zone coverage with linebackers sitting in shallow zones, since the underlying crossers can get swallowed up by zone drops.
Pair this play with HB Zone or HB Dive earlier in a series so the defense starts keying the run fake, then hit them with PA WR Slip once linebackers start creeping up on early downs.
Use this on second and short or first and ten when defenses are more willing to bite on the run action, and avoid it on clear passing downs where the play fake loses its impact.
