Playbooks

Stick N Nod

Shotgun·Empty Base·11

Stick Stick Concept Pass Play

Play diagram for Stick N Nod from Shotgun Empty Base in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetEmpty Base

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 6 playbooks

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Breakdown

Stick N Nod is an empty formation pass concept built off the classic Stick combo on the closed side while the backside works a two man crossing pattern. The outside receiver runs a nod route (a hitch that breaks vertical up the seam) while the slot underneath runs a flat route, creating a natural high low read against zone or a pick against man. On the backside, both receivers run deep crossers to the opposite flat and up the numbers, with the far receiver running a vertical clear out up the sideline. The primary read starts with the Stick side flat to nod combo, then progresses to the backside crossers if the underneath defenders jump the shallow routes.

Defensive Reads

Presnap check safety depth and spacing, since a two high shell with soft corners signals the nod route can be undercut by a sinking flat defender. Watch the strong side linebacker or slot defender at the snap, if he sinks under the nod route and ignores the flat, throw the flat immediately for the easy pickup. Key the backside cornerback and safety rotation, if they crash down on the crossers, the QB should climb the pocket and hit the nod route working back to the ball. Man coverage with no help over the top on the nod route is a green light to take the deep shot, since the double move nature of the nod creates natural separation. Beware of a hard blitz look with only two deep defenders, since empty sets have no protection help and quick underneath zone beaters like the flat route become the checkdown against pressure.

Usage Tips

Presnap identify if the defense is showing two high or single high, since Stick N Nod thrives against zone drops that leave the flat to seam window open on the strong side.

If you see man coverage with no safety help over the top, hot route the nod route to a corner or bench route to create separation against a trailing corner.

Use the backside crossers as your answer versus zone defenses that flow hard to the Stick concept, since the deep in cut settles in the void vacated by flowing linebackers.

Mix this play with Curl Flats and Stick from the same set to keep the defense guessing between flat breaking concepts and vertical nod releases.

This play is best used on second and medium to second and long when you need a chain moving completion with a big play shot built in off the nod route.