Playbooks
Double Post HB Zig
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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
Double Post HB Zig deploys out of the Shotgun Empty Sketch Stack, spreading five eligible receivers with no backfield help on the protection. The outside receiver on the left runs a vertical stem into a corner-post breaking away from the numbers, while the stacked slot receiver on the right pushes upfield and breaks into a deep post, creating a two-man post combo that attacks the middle of the field. The HB, aligned into the boundary, releases on a zig route (out and up) as a shallow answer, while the inside receiver runs a quick out to the flat, giving you a full-field progression from deep shots to a quick underneath outlet. This is a clear zone beater designed to split Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells with the double post, using the zig and flat routes as checkdowns against man coverage or if the posts are covered late.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and width since two deep safeties sitting at 10-12 yards over the numbers signal Cover 2 or Cover 4, both of which this double post concept is designed to exploit. Watch the slot corner over the stacked receiver at the snap, if he sinks with the post instead of jumping underneath routes it confirms zone coverage and you should trust the post throw. Post-snap, track any user-controlled safety flowing toward the strong side post since that is the primary lurk threat that can jump the throw if the quarterback stares it down too long. If linebackers show blitz and vacate underneath zones quickly, the HB zig route becomes a fast answer against pressure, so key linebacker depth and hand placement before the snap. Man coverage with no safety help over the top shuts this play down quickly, so if you see press man alignment on the outside receivers, be ready to reset to the zig or flat route as the immediate outlet.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify two-high shells before the snap since this play is built to punish Cover 2 and Cover 4 by running both posts through the seams where safeties have to choose which post to help on.
If the defense shows single-high or man coverage, prioritize the HB zig route and the flat route as your quick-game answers instead of forcing the post throws into tighter windows.
Use motion or a quick glance at the slot corner alignment to determine if you have a favorable matchup on the post route running from the stack, since a soft-playing corner opens up an easy explosive throw.
Pair this play with Post In Angle Slant or Post Cross Unders from the same set to keep defenses guessing between double post shots and quick underneath combos, forcing linebackers and safeties to respect multiple concepts from the same personnel and formation look.
Best called on second or third and medium situations where you need a shot play but still have a built-in checkdown via the zig and flat routes if the coverage disguises well.
