Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Boot Y Sail is a play-action boot concept out of the Pistol Wing Flex Close set with 12 personnel. Off the play fake, the offense runs a three-level sail concept to the right: the sail/corner route from the inline TE stems vertically up the seam, the outside receiver runs a deep corner route stretching the sideline, and the HB releases into the flat for the underneath checkdown. On the backside, the two receivers run a post and a dig-style crosser combo that stretch the middle of the field away from the boot action. The primary read progresses low to high on the sail side: flat (HB) to intermediate seam (Y) to deep corner, with the QB rolling right off play action to sell run and buy time before committing to a side.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify single high versus two high safety shells since this concept is schemed specifically as a Cover 2 and Cover 3 beater. Against Cover 3, the deep corner route from the outside receiver should win versus the flat defender's zone drop, so watch the cornerback depth and outside leverage before the snap. Post-snap, key the flat defender's reaction to the play fake, if he bites on run action the HB is wide open in the flat for an easy checkdown. Watch for a user-controlled defender sitting in a lurk position over the seam route, since a disciplined Cover 2 or Cover 4 defender can jump the intermediate sail route and undercut the throw. This play struggles against aggressive man blitzes that get instant pressure before the boot fully develops, so if you see stacked box looks or Cover 0 pre-snap, get the ball out quickly to the HB flat or consider audibling to a quicker hitting concept.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs or in obvious run situation counts like 2nd and 3 to sell the play fake and freeze linebackers before the boot. Check the safety alignment pre-snap, if you see two high safeties sitting deep, the sail concept stretches Cover 2 hard with the corner route working over the flat defender's leverage. If the corner squats on the flat route, hot route the HB into a wheel or work the seam sail as the primary against Cover 2. Pair this call with Zone Fake Jet or Wide Zone earlier in a drive to condition the defense to bite on run fakes, then hit this boot concept for an explosive gain. Roll the QB with the boot action and use the right stick to extend the play if the initial reads are covered, since the three level stretch takes time to develop.
