Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Y Curl Post out of Shotgun Split Close Pro sends the backside X on a deep vertical release that breaks outside, the Y (tight end) up the seam into a curl at the sticks, and the inside slot receiver on a post that crosses the middle of the field. The HB releases out of the backfield on a wheel-style route working from the flat up the sideline, giving a full four-level stretch from flat to deep outside. The QB has a quick play-action style pump read at the top with protection sliding to pick up any interior pressure, and the primary progression starts with the post working to the curl underneath before checking down to the HB wheel if the defense clamps down on the intermediate window.
Defensive Reads
Check the free safety depth before the snap, a single high safety rotated to the middle signals man coverage underneath and opens the post for a big gap over the linebackers. Watch for two safeties split deep, which indicates a zone shell that will squeeze the post throwing window and force you to live with the curl or HB wheel instead. If linebackers show blitz with wide alignment or crash off the edge, the play-action fake can hold them just long enough for the post to clear, but sight adjust protection if a nano blitz threat is showing up the middle. User lurk defenders sitting in the curl zone can jump that route, so if you see a defender flashing depth toward the sticks before the throw, bail to the post or the HB wheel in the flat. Cornerback press alignment on the X receiver suggests man coverage, which favors the post crossing away from that defender, while soft corner depth points to zone and should push your eyes to the curl read first.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a hard count to bait linebackers into showing man or zone before the snap so you know whether to attack the post or settle into the curl. Against single high safety looks the post has a clear throwing lane behind the linebackers, so start your read there immediately. Against two deep shells, work the curl first since the post window closes fast with a safety sitting over the top. Pair this play with Y Curl or PA Y Cross earlier in a drive so the defense respects the shorter curl and cross concepts, then hit the post for an explosive gain once safeties start cheating up. Best called on second or third and medium when you need a chain mover but still want a shot at a big play if the coverage bites on the underneath routes.
