Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Stick out of Shotgun Deuce Close (12 personnel) shows a classic three-level stick concept to both sides of the formation. The two outside receivers run vertical stems that break into corner routes toward the sideline, while the inside slot runs a quick out to the flat and the other inside receiver settles into a stick route sitting at the sticks. This is a zone beater at its core, using the stick-flat combo to attack Cover 2 and Cover 3 defenders who have to choose between the flat threat and the corner route stretching behind them, with the primary read progression starting on the corner route, then working down to the stick, and finally to the flat.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flat defenders at the snap since in Cover 2 or Cover 3 they have to widen for the flat route, opening a throwing lane for the corner route behind them. Key the slot defenders over the stick route, if a linebacker sits at depth and does not widen he can jump the stick throw for a user pick. Check safety depth presnap, a two high shell tells you the corners will sink to help on the corner routes, favoring the stick and flat as your first reads instead. Look for man match or press man corners since the corner route can get squeezed or blanketed if the cornerback plays physical off the line. Beware nano blitzes or interior pressure since this concept has minimal protection help and quick pressure up the middle can disrupt the quarterback before the stick or corner develops.
Usage Tips
Presnap, identify if the corner is playing off or press since the corner route needs a soft cushion to work behind a jumping flat defender.
Use this on 3rd and short to medium since the stick and flat routes give you built in movement past the sticks against zone drops.
If you see man coverage, hot route the stick runner into a quick out or speed out to create instant separation against a linebacker in man.
Pair this with Mtn Stick or RPO Read Mtn Stick in the same set to keep the defense guessing between a true stick read and a run heavy RPO look from the same formation.
Against Cover 3, key the flat defender first since if he sinks with the corner route the stick sits wide open underneath for an easy conversion.
