Playbooks

H Mtn Four Verticals

Shotgun·Spread Y-Flex Wk·11

Four Verts Motion Pass Play Cover 2 Beater Cover 3 Beater

Play diagram for H Mtn Four Verticals from Shotgun Spread Y-Flex Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetSpread Y-Flex Wk

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 3 playbooks

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Breakdown

H Mtn Four Verticals lines up in Shotgun Spread Y-Flex Wk with the H back put in motion pre-snap across the formation, giving a clean pre-snap look at man versus zone coverage. Post-snap the two outside receivers run straight verticals up the numbers, the slot receiver bends a deep vertical seam, and the inside route breaks into a deep dig or crossing route underneath the seam to sit in the void between levels. This is a classic four verts shell built to attack both Cover 2 and Cover 3, stretching the field vertically while the crossing route gives a natural check down against soft zone drops, with the primary read starting on the seam route before working to the dig and out to the numbers.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, check safety depth and width since two high shells invite the seam throw while a single high safety signals Cover 3 and the dig or crossing route becomes the priority. Watch cornerback alignment on the outside verticals, if they are playing off with inside leverage they are conceding the deep shot down the sideline. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker or nickel defender on the crossing route, a fast drop into the throwing lane signals a lurk defender sitting on the man beater. This play struggles against a disciplined Cover 4 shell with safeties reading the verticals and sinking, so be ready to check down if both safeties stay deep and inside. Man coverage with no help over the top on the outside verticals is the green light to trust the arm and throw before the corner can recover.

Usage Tips

Use the H back motion pre-snap to identify man coverage if a defender follows across the formation, which tells you to key the crossing route as your primary hot beater.

Against two high safety shells, target the seam route right away since it splits the numbers gap between the corner and safety before the safety can rotate over.

Against three deep zone shells like Cover 3, work the deep dig or crossing route since it sits in the natural void vacated by the flowing zone linebackers.

Best called on second and long or third and medium when you need a chunk play and can afford to take a moment in the pocket for the verticals to develop.

Pair this play with Mtn HB Swing or RPO Read Bubble earlier in a series so defenses respect quick game and soften their deep shell before you dial up the verticals for the big shot.