Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Curl Flats out of Shotgun Empty Base spreads five eligible receivers with no backfield help, isolating the boundary curl (marked as the number 1 read) against a vertical stem that settles at the sticks while the outside receiver on that side runs a flat route underneath. On the opposite side the diagram shows a curl and flat combo mirrored, with the inside slot running a short hook or spot route to occupy underneath zone defenders. This is a zone beater at its core, designed to flood one side with high-low leverage on curl-to-flat while giving the quarterback a two-way go if the defense rolls coverage to the primary side.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and cornerback alignment to determine if the defense is playing off zone or press man on the outside curl routes. Watch for a user-controlled linebacker sitting in the passing lane between the curl and flat, since that lurk threat can jump the underneath throw. Cover 2 and Cover 3 zones are vulnerable because the curl route sits in the seam between the cornerback's zone drop and the linebacker's underneath responsibility. Man coverage with a deep half safety over the top is the best counter, since it takes away both the curl window and the flat's after-catch space. Post-snap, key the flat defender's drop, if he sinks too deep into the flat the underneath throw to the curl will be there in rhythm.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a hot route check to identify if the defense is showing zone shell versus man press before the snap.
The number 1 curl is your primary read against zone coverage since it settles into the soft spot between underneath and deep defenders.
If you see man coverage with no safety help over the top, hot route the curl into a speed out or bench route to beat trail technique.
This play pairs well with Y Cross or Dig Curl Read in your play-calling sequence since both attack the same underneath zones with different timing, keeping linebackers honest.
Best called on third and short to third and medium distances where the sticks route on the curl matches the depth needed for the conversion.
Against Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells, work the flat route first to bait the underneath zone defender before coming back to the curl sitting behind him.
