Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Y Stick from Shotgun Normal Y Off Close is a classic stick concept with four vertical release routes stacked left to right. The outside receiver on the left runs a deep corner/go route to clear space, the inner slot receiver runs a stick route sitting down around 5-6 yards, the tight end runs a quick stick/hitch to the flat area near the line, and the backside receiver runs an out breaking route to the sideline. This is a proven man and zone beater built for a quick timing throw, with the primary read progression working from the TE stick route to the flat route underneath, using the deep corner route to hold the safety and cornerback deep.
Defensive Reads
Read the flat defender first: if he widens with the TE stick route, the window for the inside stick route opens up immediately. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, since shallow linebackers signal zone drops that can be exploited with the stick route sitting behind them. Identify Cover 3 by checking for a single high safety and corners playing off, which allows the stick and flat routes to sit in soft spots underneath. Beware of Cover 2 corners jumping the flat route, since a hard squat by the corner on the flat can bait a turnover if you force the throw. Look for blitzing linebackers vacating underneath zones, which opens up the stick route as a hot throw against pressure.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a quick glance at the second level defenders to identify if you are facing man or zone before the snap.
Against zone coverage, target the stick route sitting in the soft spot between the linebackers and the cornerback's zone drop.
Against man coverage, look immediately to the flat route or TE stick since the leverage advantage shows up fastest underneath.
This play excels on third and short to third and medium, since the stick and flat combo provide a high percentage completion with YAC potential.
Pair Y Stick with RPO Zone Stick or RPO Peek Stick from the same set to keep the defense honest on run fits while threatening the identical route concept through the air.
