Playbooks

Slants HB Flat

Shotgun·Split Y-Flex·21
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
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

Slants HB Flat is a quick-hitting man beater out of Shotgun Split Y-Flex with 21 personnel that gets the ball out of the quarterback's hand fast. The outside receivers run slants to attack inside leverage while the HB releases to the flat, creating a natural high low stretch on the underneath defender and giving you a built in answer against man coverage. Primary read progression starts with the boundary slant, works to the field slant, and checks down to the HB flat route if both are covered, making this a quick game staple for beating blitzes and press man.

Defensive Reads

Watch for cover 2 or cover 4 shells with corners sitting on outside routes, this can bait the slant into a hard hit or interception if the QB does not throw with anticipation. Identify blitz packages pre-snap by checking linebacker depth, if linebackers are stacked tight to the line, the flat route to the HB becomes the emergency valve against pressure. Key the underneath zone defender responsible for the flat to hook area, if he sinks with the slant receiver, the HB flat is wide open for an easy completion. Look for user controlled lurk defenders sitting in the middle of the field, they can jump the inside slant route if the QB stares it down too long. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the ideal shell to attack, since the slants create instant separation against trail technique and the flat serves as a built in checkdown against blitz pickups.

Usage Tips

Use this play on early downs or third and short when you expect man coverage or a blitz because the quick slants and flat route get the ball out before pressure arrives.

Pre-snap, check safety depth and corner alignment. If you see press man or a single high shell with corners playing tight outside leverage, the slants will win immediately against inside technique.

Hot route the backside slant into a quick out or speed out if the defense shows hard inside leverage or a robber look, this gives you a second man beater without changing personnel.

Pair this play with Y Cross or Mesh from the same set to keep defenders guessing between quick slant concepts and deeper crossing routes, forcing linebackers to hesitate on their zone drops.

Use HB Slip Screen or HB Draw as a change of pace after running Slants HB Flat a few times, this keeps aggressive linebackers from jumping the flat route or slant window.

Other Plays in Split Y-Flex