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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
RPO Alert Draw Stick is an empty backfield RPO out of the Shotgun Empty Base Flex set that gives the QB a pre-snap and post-snap alert between a give read and a stick concept read. The diagram shows the outside receiver on the left running a vertical clearing route, the inside left slot on a shallow vertical seam, the inside right receiver running a stick out to the flat, and the outside right receiver working a corner route stacked behind a shorter hitch/stick from the second receiver. Since this is drawn out of empty there is no true handoff, so the RPO alert function replaces the run element with a draw-style delayed keeper or check read while the QB reads the stick combination to the right side as the primary progression, using the flat stick as the first look and the corner as the alert against man coverage.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify single high versus two high safety shells, since a two high shell signals more space for the corner route on the alert side. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they sink hard into the stick concept the draw alert lane opens up behind them. Man coverage on the outside receivers is where the corner route wins, since it clears out underneath defenders and attacks the sideline. Zone defenders who cheat toward the flat routes leave the seam route from the inside left receiver open, so a sitting linebacker who does not carry vertical is a green light. Watch for a slot corner or nickel blitz off the stick concept side, since that pressure usually opens the draw alert lane if the QB recognizes it in time.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap, if the defense shows six or more in the box the alert leans toward the draw or QB scramble check instead of forcing the stick throw.
Use the stick concept to the right as your first read, working from the flat route out to the corner route if a corner blitzes or a linebacker widens too far.
Against soft zone shells, target the shallow seam route from the inner left slot since zone defenders often sink under the corner and leave the seam window open.
Pair this play with Stick and RPO Q Stick Draw in the same set so the defense cannot key on formation tendencies, since all three show similar initial routes but different RPO triggers.
Best used on early downs or third and short, since the draw alert punishes aggressive linebackers who bite on the stick action and vacate the run lane.
