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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
Mtn Y-Option is a bunch-formation pass concept out of Shotgun Bunch Spread Nasty that stresses the field with a mesh-style option route underneath and two vertical clear-out routes on the outside. From the bunch, the Y runs an option route working underneath the mesh point, breaking off it based on the leverage of the underneath defender, while the two outside receivers from the bunch stack and break to a corner/deep out combo on the far side. The lone receiver on the backside runs a deep comeback to hold the corner and safety, clearing space underneath. This is primarily a man beater given the option route's built-in leverage read against man defenders, and the primary progression starts with the Y option route, then works to the corner route breaking to the flat, and finally to the backside comeback if the coverage rolls away.
Defensive Reads
Watch the underneath defender aligned near the bunch presnap since his depth and leverage dictate which way the Y option route will break. If you see press man coverage on the bunch receivers, expect the option route to win quickly so play with inside leverage and use your hands to disrupt the release. Against Cover 3, key the flat defender's drop because if he sinks too deep the option route settles in front of him for an easy completion, so squeeze the window instead of vacating it entirely. User a linebacker to lurk in the shallow crossing lane where the option route breaks since that is the primary target and jumping that route early can bait a turnover. If the corner route on the backside is uncovered postsnap, that signals a blown zone rotation, so rally a deep safety over the top immediately to prevent a big play down the sideline.
Usage Tips
Presnap, identify whether the defense is showing man or zone by checking if defenders are aligned across from the bunch receivers or sitting in zone drops off the ball.
Against man coverage, trust the Y option route first since it has the built-in break to beat a defender playing tight leverage.
Against zone shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4, look to the corner route breaking outside as your zone beater since it settles into the void behind the underneath defenders and in front of the deep safety.
Use this play on third and medium to third and long situations where the option route's natural separation and the corner route's zone-beating angle give you multiple answers versus different coverages.
Pair this play with Orbit Bunch Salem or Mtn Slot Cross in your play-calling sequence since the pre-snap motion and route combos out of the same bunch look can freeze linebackers who are keying the option route.
