Playbooks

Stick

Shotgun·Empty Base·11
StickStick ConceptPass Play
Play diagram for Stick from Shotgun Empty Base in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

Stick out of Empty Base Shotgun spreads five receivers across the formation with no running back in the backfield. On the left side, two receivers run vertical stem routes that break outward, stacking the sideline with option-style sticks. The inside receiver just left of center runs a vertical seam or go route, occupying the middle of the field. On the right, the two receivers execute a quick out and a deep vertical, creating a two-level stretch on that side. This is a classic man and zone beater built on quick timing throws, with the primary read starting on the right side flat-to-vertical combo before working back to the left stick concepts if the initial read is covered.

Defensive Reads

Check pre-snap for cornerback press alignment, tight press man coverage can disrupt the option breaks on the outside stick routes. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, shallow linebackers sitting on the stick routes signal underneath zone coverage that forces you to the vertical routes instead. Look for a user-controlled defender sitting in a lurk position near the middle seam, this indicates a robber or Tampa 2 shell designed to take away the vertical read. Against blitz packages with five or more rushers, this play's quick timing routes on the outside give you an answer before pressure arrives. If both safeties roll to one side pre-snap, expect man coverage rotation and prioritize the receiver breaking away from the rotation.

Usage Tips

Identify the coverage shell pre-snap by checking safety depth, if you see two deep safeties this concept has clean throwing lanes underneath against zone drops.

Use the right side out route as your first read against man coverage since it creates immediate separation on the break.

Against zone coverage look to the vertical route on the right to hold linebackers deep and open up the underneath stick routes on the left.

Hot route the inside seam runner into a shallow drag if you are facing a heavy blitz look to give yourself a quick outlet.

Pair this play with Curl Flats or Drag Double Spot in your play-calling sequence to keep defenders guessing between quick game and intermediate crossers.

Other Plays in Empty Base