Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Posts is a two-tag route concept out of Pistol Wing Slot with two receivers to the right and two to the left, both outside receivers releasing vertically before breaking on deep post angles toward the middle of the field, while the inside receiver on the right side runs a quick out to the boundary as a shorter zone beater. The left slot receiver runs a shallow crossing route underneath the post to occupy underneath defenders and create traffic for the safety. This is a man beater concept built to attack single-high shells, with the dual posts stressing the deep middle and forcing a choice between the two converging routes, and the primary read progression starts with the post that clears first based on the safety's leverage before working down to the underneath out and cross as checkdowns.
Defensive Reads
Watch the free safety's pre-snap alignment, if he is shaded to one side he is likely keying that post route so throw opposite. Check linebacker depth at the snap, shallow drops mean they will collision the crossing route and disrupt the underneath option, forcing you to live in the post window earlier. Identify press man on the outside receivers presnap, since the post route timing depends on winning off the release, a jam can delay the break and kill the deep shot. Look for a robber or lurk defender sitting in the middle of the field, this is the primary threat that can undercut both post routes if the quarterback stares down one side too long. Diagnose blitz packages by counting box defenders, if the defense brings extra rushers the quick out route becomes the checkdown valve to punish the pressure.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is showing single-high or two-high before the snap since this concept lives on attacking one-high shells with the dual post combo.
If the safety cheats toward the left post, immediately reads to the right side post since the crossing action and out route will have pulled defenders away from that lane.
Use motion or a quick glance at the slot cornerback's depth to confirm man coverage, then trust the post route to win on a rub from the undernight crosser.
This play hits best on second and medium or third and long when the defense is more likely to play zone or single-high shells rather than aggressive man press.
Pair Posts with Y Stick or Dagger from the same set so the defense has to respect both the vertical shot and the quick underneath game, keeping linebackers honest and opening throwing lanes on subsequent play calls.
