Playbooks

Shakes

Shotgun·Split Slot Open·20
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This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 1 playbook

Air Raid Classic OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Shakes is a shake route based passing concept out of Shotgun Split Slot Open with 20 personnel, designed to create quick separation against man coverage while still holding up versus zone drops. The route combo features shake and stutter breaks from the slot receivers paired with a deeper outlet route, forcing defenders to bite on the double move before the receiver snaps back for the throw. Primary read progression starts with the shake route to the play side slot, then works to the underneath crosser or checkdown if the shake breaks are covered, making this a man beater first with zone beater capability underneath.

Defensive Reads

Man coverage indicators like press alignment on the slot receivers signal this play will win big on the shake breaks Watch linebacker depth at the snap, shallow linebackers sitting in hook zones can jump the shake route if the quarterback stares it down too long Identify Cover 3 shells with a single high safety since the flat defender can sink and take away the underneath breaks if not manipulated with eyes User controlled lurk defenders sitting in the middle of the field are the biggest threat to this concept, look off the safety before committing to the primary shake route Blitz packages with man coverage behind them are ideal for this play since the shake route creates instant separation before pressure arrives, but exotic blitzes with delayed zone drops can confuse the timing so throw with anticipation

Usage Tips

Use this play on second and medium or third and short when you expect man coverage since the shake route thrives on forcing defenders to flip their hips early

Check the cornerback alignment pre-snap, if you see tight press man on the slot receivers this concept will win almost every time on the shake breaks

Hot route the backside receiver into a quick out or speed out if you diagnose Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells to give yourself a zone beater on the boundary

Pair this play with Mtn Spot HB Choice or Slot Post Angle in your play calling sequence to keep the defense guessing between shake breaks and traditional spot concepts

Take the shot to the shake route as soon as the receiver plants and comes back to the quarterback, holding the ball too long lets underneath zone defenders recover

Other Plays in Split Slot Open