Playbooks

Stick Slot Option

Shotgun·Normal Y Off·11
Option RouteStickStick ConceptPass Play
Play diagram for Stick Slot Option from Shotgun Normal Y Off in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

Stick Slot Option is a Stick concept run from Shotgun Normal Y Off with 11 personnel. The two outside receivers push vertical releases up the numbers to clear space, the slot runs the option route that sits down and settles or breaks outside based on the leverage of the defender over him, and the inside receiver runs a quick stick route to the flat area off the option man. This is a classic zone beater built around the option route as the primary read, since the slot option adjusts to whatever coverage he sees while the two verticals hold safeties deep and the flat route occupies underneath defenders.

Defensive Reads

Identify if the defense is in zone coverage presnap by checking linebacker depth, since the option route thrives against zone drops that leave a soft window in the middle of the field. Watch for a user controlled defender sitting on the option route, commonly called a lurk threat, since this is the primary way defenses take away the main read on Stick Slot Option. Check safety alignment presnap, because two high safeties usually mean the verticals are decoys and the QB should progress quickly to the option and stick routes underneath. Man coverage with no help over the slot is where this play struggles most, so if you see man match or press man presnap be ready to move off the option route quickly. Blitz packages that bring extra defenders off the edge can be countered by the stick and option combo since both routes develop quickly and give the QB a fast underneath answer against pressure.

Usage Tips

Read the slot defender pre-snap to anticipate how the option route will break, since a defender playing outside leverage means the slot will cut inside and vice versa.

Use this on third and short to medium distance because the stick and option combo gives you a high floor conversion with the option route acting as your built-in checkdown.

If the defense shows two deep safeties presnap, trust the option route to settle in the soft spot of a zone rather than forcing the vertical shots on the outside.

Pair this play with Curl Flats or Slants in the same set to keep the defense guessing between quick game and the option based Stick concept, since both look similar presnap out of Shotgun Normal Y Off.

Hot route the outside verticals into deeper comebacks against man coverage if you notice press corners jumping the short stuff, since the verticals alone will not beat tight man unless you manipulate the route depth.

Other Plays in Normal Y Off