Playbooks
DBL Post HB Corner
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
DBL Post HB Corner is a bunch-formation dropback pass out of Shotgun Bunch X Nasty that stacks two post routes from the bunch receivers over the middle of the field while the HB releases out of the backfield on a corner route to the boundary. The single receiver on the backside runs an out breaking route that clears underneath space and gives the quarterback a quick outlet if the deep shots are covered. This is a Cover 2 and Cover 4 beater built to attack the seams with double posts occupying the safeties while the HB corner route stretches the flat defender, so the primary read progresses from the deep post that opens against the safety rotation down to the HB corner as the coverage tightens over the top.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and width because tight or shaded safeties signal Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells that this double post concept is built to exploit. Watch the flat defender and outside linebacker assignment on the HB corner route side, since a defender sitting too far inside opens up an easy pitch and catch to the corner. Post-snap, key any user-controlled defender lurking in the throwing lane between the two posts, as that is the most common way this play gets shut down in competitive play. Against man coverage, look for a corner or safety with inside leverage jumping the post break, which tells you to hold the ball and let the HB corner clear to the boundary. If the defense shows Cover 3 or Cover 1 with a single high safety rotating late, expect the post routes to be squeezed and prioritize the HB corner or backside out as the higher percentage throw.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify whether the safeties are showing two high or rotating to single high, because this play is designed to split two-high shells with the double post concept. Against Cover 4, key the flat defender and outside corner leverage before deciding whether the HB corner or the post is the faster win. Use motion or a quick glance at the slot defender depth to confirm man versus zone, since the posts will sit down in zone but keep working away from trail technique in man coverage. Call this on second and medium or third and long when you need an explosive play, and pair it in sequence with Double Outs or Mesh Corner from the same set to keep the defense guessing between horizontal and vertical stress. If the user jumps the underdrawn post with a lurking linebacker, hot route the HB corner earlier in the route tree to beat the sit-and-wait defender before help arrives.
