Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA F Slide is a play-action shot play out of Shotgun Split Pro Offset Wk that sells the run fake to the offset back before attacking the second and third levels vertically. Off the play fake, the backside receiver runs a deep comeback breaking toward the sideline while the outside receiver on the play side climbs a corner route to the numbers, and the TE releases up the seam on a deep vertical while the F back checks into a shallow flare out of the backfield as the outlet. This is a play-action man beater designed to hit the corner or seam route against man coverage once the linebackers and safeties bite on the run fake, with the primary read starting at the vertical seam route from the TE, then working to the corner route breaking to the sideline, and coming down to the flare route in the flat as the checkdown.
Defensive Reads
Watch for safeties staying deep and disciplined at the snap, since that signals zone coverage and should push your read to the seam route before the safety can rotate over. Key on linebacker depth pre-snap, if they are stacked close to the line expecting run support, this play action is designed to freeze them and open passing lanes underneath and over the top. Identify man coverage on the outside receivers by checking corner alignment, tight press coverage means the comeback and corner routes have a strong chance to separate late in the route. Post-snap, look for a lurking linebacker or user-controlled defender sitting in the shallow zone, which can jump the flare route to the F back and bait a checkdown throw into a turnover. Beware of disguised zone blitzes where the defense drops a lineman into coverage while bringing extra rushers, since the play action fake will not hold long enough against a fast interior pressure if protection breaks down.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs like first and second and short to medium yardage so the run fake actually holds linebackers and safeties.
Check pre-snap for single high safety looks or man coverage indicators like tight corner alignment on the outside receivers, since this play is built to punish man defenders biting on the play fake.
Hot route the F back into a quicker flare or check him into a block if you are facing a heavy blitz look, since he is your checkdown valve against pressure.
Pair this play with HB Power O and Read Option from the same set to keep defenses honest on the run fake before dialing up PA F Slide once linebackers start creeping up in run support.
Look to hit the seam route to the TE first against zone shells with soft middle coverage, then progress to the sideline comeback route if the safety rotates over the top.
