Playbooks
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Stick Z Post runs out of Shotgun Empty Base with 11 personnel, pairing the classic Stick concept on one side (flat, stick, and corner combo) with a Z receiver post shooting through the middle of the field. Since this is Empty personnel there is no running back in the backfield to help block, so this is a five man protection pass play built purely for quick timing throws, not a run play, PA, or RPO. The primary read progression starts with the Z post as your explosive shot play if the safety bites on the stick concept, then works down to the stick flat combo underneath as your quick game answer against pressure or tight coverage.
Defensive Reads
Look for single high safety shells like Cover 1 or Cover 3, this alignment leaves the deep middle vulnerable to the Z post since there is only one defender responsible for that entire zone Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if the middle linebacker sits shallow to jump the stick concept the post window opens up behind him for an easy explosive play Identify user controlled defenders lurking in the middle of the field, a smart user will sit in the passing lane to jump the post route, so double check the throwing window before committing to that read Cover 2 shells with two deep safeties are the toughest matchup for this play since the post runs directly into the deep half defender, favor the stick flat combo underneath instead against this shell Man coverage with no help over the top, such as Cover 0 or man free looks, gets exploited hard by the Z post since the receiver only needs to win one on one leverage against the corner
Usage Tips
Check the safety alignment pre snap, if you see a single high safety cheating toward the stick side flat, throw the Z post immediately for a explosive gain over the middle
Use this play on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage since the stick concept underneath gives you a safe checkdown if the post window closes
Motion or shift the Z receiver pre snap to identify man versus zone, if the corner follows across the formation you have a man coverage tell and the post should win against most man beaters
Hot route the stick concept flat runner into a shallow drag if you are facing heavy zone drop linebackers, this opens up extra separation for the underneath outlet
Pair this play with Stick and Stick N Nod in your play calling sequence, running the base Stick concept first to bait defenders into jumping underneath routes, then coming back to Stick Z Post later in the series to hit the post over the top once the defense overplays the flat
