Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Quick Short Post is a rhythm based passing concept out of Shotgun Box Y Off designed to get the ball out of your hands within one or two seconds of the snap. The concept features quick breaking post and short in cuts that settle into soft spots against zone or attack the middle of the field against man coverage, making it a versatile man and zone beater. Blocking is a standard five man protection with the back releasing late or chipping, so your primary read progression starts with the inside slot receiver running the short post, then works to the underneath crosser if the post window is taken away by a robber or Tampa 2 defender.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the corners are playing off man or press. Off man coverage gives the short post an easy release and clean separation window. Watch the safety alignment. Two high safeties usually signal Cover 2 or Cover 4, which means the post route should settle in the hole between the safety and linebacker rather than trying to split the deep coverage. Post-snap, key on the middle linebacker or nickel defender dropping into the shallow zone. If he sinks quickly, this often signals a Tampa 2 look or a robber technique that can jump the post route. Look for user controlled defenders spying the short post lane. If you see a defender break early toward the post before the ball is thrown, check down immediately to the underneath crosser or outlet receiver. This concept struggles against aggressive man blitzes with no underneath help, since the quick timing does not always allow enough time for the post to develop against a free rusher, so recognize blitz indicators like linebackers creeping toward the line before the snap.
Usage Tips
Use this play on second and short or third and short situations where defenses expect a run or a shorter route concept and are more likely to sit in man coverage or press at the line.
Check the middle linebacker depth before the snap. If he is sitting shallow expecting a quick throw, hot route your slot receiver to a speed out or skinny post to counter the sit and read.
Pair this play with Quick Fork Zig or Quick Unders in your play calling sequence. Running these quick game concepts back to back forces the defense to respect the short areas of the field, opening up double moves later in the drive.
Against man coverage shells, throw the short post as soon as your receiver clears the numbers. Against zone shells, especially Cover 3 or Cover 4, look to the underneath in route sitting behind the linebackers.
If you see a nano blitz or aggressive edge pressure pre-snap, use your hot routes to convert the outside receiver into a quick hitch to give your quarterback an immediate outlet and avoid a sack.
