Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Double Flares out of Pistol Strong Slot sends both backs to the flats: the HB releases from the backfield on a flare route to the boundary while the FB (or aligned back) runs a mirrored flare to the field side, giving the QB an immediate two-way stretch underneath. On the backside, the outside WR runs a deep vertical, the slot runs a corner-breaking route up the seam, and the inline TE releases on a deep out, creating a curl flat and flood concept to the strong side while the flares occupy underneath defenders. This is a quick pass and screen hybrid built to beat man coverage and blitz pressure, with the primary read starting on the strong side flare, then working to the flat/curl combo before checking down to the backside flare if the underneath defenders sit.
Defensive Reads
Key the alignment of the linebackers and nickel defender before the snap, if they are walked up tight to the line expecting run, this play exploits their leverage with quick flare releases. Watch for user-controlled defenders sitting in the flat zones, since a smart user will jump the flare routes and bait the quick throw. Man coverage with linebackers matched up on the backs is the biggest green light, the backs win outside leverage instantly on the flare release. Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells with corners playing outside leverage can undercut the flare routes, so respect the flat defenders and be ready to progress to the curl or seam route. Look for blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge, since the flare routes serve as a built-in hot route answer and get the ball out before pressure arrives.
Usage Tips
Use this play on 3rd and short or in obvious blitz situations because the double flare release gets the ball out fast against pressure.
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing man coverage with linebackers walked up on the backs, since both flares become instant win routes against man leverage.
If you see a zone shell with linebackers sitting in the flats, hot route one flare into a wheel route to attack the seam vacated by the underneath defender.
Pair this play with HB Zone or HB Power O from the same set to keep defenders honest against the run, then hit them with Double Flares once they start crashing downhill on run fits.
Against Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells, prioritize the strong side flood combo (curl flat) over the flares since zone defenders will squeeze the underneath throws.
