Playbooks

Slot Post

Shotgun·Doubles HB Wk·11
PostPass Play
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Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 1 playbook

MUT KO Heavy Blitz OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Slot Post out of Shotgun Doubles HB Wk sends the slot receiver on a post to attack the middle of the field while the outside receivers run routes that occupy the corners and clear space underneath. This is primarily a man beater, since the post route exploits any slot corner or nickel defender who does not get inside leverage, but it also works against single high zone shells if the safety bites on a shallow crosser or flat route. The primary read progression starts with the post, then works to the underneath route on that same side, and finally to the checkdown or HB in the flat if the middle is clogged.

Defensive Reads

Read the free safety depth and width before the snap, because a rotated or shaded safety toward the post side kills this route immediately. Watch the slot corner or nickel defender at the snap, if he opens his hips to the flat or bites on a stem fake the post window will be wide open. Identify Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells with two deep safeties, since those coverages are the biggest threat to this concept and usually force you to check down. Key on user controlled defenders sitting in a lurk position over the middle, a smart user will jump the post from underneath if he reads your eyes. Look for blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge, since a hot underneath route becomes your answer when protection breaks down before the post can develop.

Usage Tips

Check pre-snap for single high safety alignment, because that tells you the post has one defender to beat instead of two deep defenders sitting on top of it.

If you see man coverage indicators like corners lined up tight on the receivers, throw the post with anticipation before the break to beat the cut.

Against Cover 3 or Cover 1, hot route the underdneath receiver on the post side into a shallow drag to give yourself a quick outlet if the post window closes.

Sequence this play with RPO Peek Slant or RPO Read Bubble earlier in a series to get the defense reacting to quick game, then hit them with the post shot when linebackers start jumping short routes.

Use this on second and medium or third and long when you need an explosive play, since the post is a low percentage but high reward throw against aggressive underneath defenses.

Pair with Double Post or Post Wheels later in a drive once you have shown Slot Post a few times, forcing the safety to guess which post route gets the help.

Other Plays in Doubles HB Wk