Playbooks
Orbit RPO Read Y Flat is a run pass option built off inside zone action out of the Shotgun Doubles Y Off WK set. The orbit motion sends a receiver in a pre snap sweep across the formation, giving the quarterback a run alert while the tight end works a flat route as the primary throw key against overhang defenders. This is a true RPO: the quarterback reads the flat defender or force player, handing off into the zone scheme if that defender sits inside or squats on the run fit, and pulling to throw the flat route if he flows to stop the box run.
Watch the flat defender or overhang linebacker immediately after the snap since his run/pass conflict determines whether the quarterback hands it off or throws the flat route. Cover 3 and Cover 1 shells with aggressive linebackers who crash on run fits are the most vulnerable to the flat throw off the RPO read. Two high shells like Cover 2 or Cover 4 with disciplined linebackers who sit in their run/pass keys can shut this down by taking away both options, forcing a check down or scramble. User controlled defenders who jump the orbit motion or bail into the flat lurk area can bait the quarterback into a bad handoff read, so watch for defenders sprinting to the motion man's original alignment. A well timed blitz off the edge that beats the tackle before the RPO mesh completes can blow up the run option, so recognize five or six man pressure looks pre snap and get the ball out on time.
Check the box count before the snap and use the orbit motion to bait linebackers into flowing wrong, which opens up both the run lane and the flat throw depending on how the defense reacts to the motion.
Identify single high versus two high shells pre snap since Cover 3 and Cover 1 defenders tend to crash down on the run fit, making the Y flat throw the higher percentage read against those shells.
If the defense shows a hard edge blitz or overload look, get the ball out quick to the flat since the quick game beats pressure before the run fit can even develop.
Pair this play with Mtn Inside Zone Split or Inside Zone Split earlier in a series so the defense commits to stopping the zone run, then come back to this RPO to punish linebackers who key run every time.
Use this on early downs (first and ten or second and short) to stay balanced, since the built in conflict for the flat defender makes it a low risk, high reward call that keeps defenses honest.