Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Slants out of Pistol Full House Base is a quick-hitting, two-man route concept with both outside receivers running slants that break inward at roughly ten yards depth from the two X marks near the line. Both slant routes cross the middle of the field at nearly the same depth, creating a natural rub concept that beats man coverage by forcing defenders to fight through traffic, while also settling into soft spots against zone if underneath defenders bite on play-action or run flow. The QB progression is left slant to right slant, so read the frontside slant first and work backside if the throwing lane is clogged by an underneath defender or user lurk.
Defensive Reads
Read the safety alignment pre-snap, since a two-high shell signals Cover 2 or Cover 4 where the slants must be thrown with anticipation before the corner squats. Watch for press corners at the line, which usually means man coverage and a green light to trust the rub action created by the two crossing slants. Key the middle linebacker depth after the snap, since a shallow drop or aggressive blitz timing can clog both slant lanes and force a checkdown or scramble. User-controlled defenders sitting in the shallow hook zone are the biggest threat to this concept, so look off the primary slant if you see a user lurking underneath before committing to the throw. Cover 3 sky or buzz looks with a robber underneath can undercut both slants, so if the linebackers show that spacing shell pre-snap consider audibling to a play-action shot instead.
Usage Tips
Fire this play in quick from shotgun-heavy money downs like 3rd and 3 to 3rd and 6 since both slants sit right in the sweet spot for that yardage.
Check pre-snap for two-high shells versus single-high safety looks, since Cover 2 or Cover 4 corners can squat and jump the slant if they read your eyes.
Use a hot route to convert one slant into a quick out or spot route if you see press man on both corners, this gives you a built-in man beater against aggressive coverage.
Pair Slants with PA Boot or Wing PA Cross in the same personnel package so defenses cannot key on the quick passing tempo and start jumping the slant routes early.
Snap the ball fast and throw with anticipation, since both slants clear underneath linebackers quickly and the window closes fast against disciplined zone drops.
