Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA Boot runs a play-action fake out of Pistol Full House Base with 21 personnel, then rolls the quarterback out to the boundary off the fake. The diagram shows the backside receiver running a deep in-route across the field as an underneath crosser, while the playside receiver from the bunch runs a corner route breaking outside off the boot action, giving the quarterback a high-low read on that side. This is a play-action deep shot designed to hit the corner route first off the roll and check down to the crosser if the corner is covered, working best against man coverage that bites on the run fake.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is in man or zone by checking corner alignment: tight press corners on the outside receiver suggest man coverage, which is exactly what the corner route is designed to beat. Watch the linebacker depth and edge defender assignments, since a fast flow to the play-action fake means the boot lane and corner route should be wide open. Post-snap, key the flow of the strong safety: if he stays deep and does not bite on the run fake, the corner route will be contested and you should check down to the crossing route instead. User the contain defender on the boot side if playing defense, since a disciplined edge player who stays home can blow up the entire concept before the quarterback gets outside the pocket. This play struggles against Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells with a hard flat defender, since that defender can sit on the corner route and force a tough throw into a tight window.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and short) when the defense is stacked to stop the run, since the play-action fake is more likely to freeze linebackers and safeties. Check the safety alignment pre-snap: if you see a single high safety or the defense showing run blitz looks, this is a green light to take the shot on the corner route. Hot route the crosser into a deeper dig if you are facing zone coverage so it settles in a soft window instead of running through underneath linebackers. Pair this with Wing HB Dive or Counter Lead earlier in a series so the defense respects the run fake before you call PA Boot, and mix in Read Option to keep linebackers honest on the edge. Roll the pocket with the quarterback but keep an eye on the contain defender, since a disciplined edge rusher can string out the boot and force an early checkdown.
