Playbooks

Y Cross(1)

Shotgun·Spread Y-Flex·11
CrosserY CrossPass Play

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 3 playbooks

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Breakdown

Y Cross(1) out of Spread Y-Flex Shotgun 11 personnel is built around the tight end running a deep crossing route from one side of the formation to the other, working underneath any deep safety help while the rest of the route concept clears out space and occupies underneath defenders. This is primarily a man beater since the Y Cross route generates natural separation against man coverage defenders trailing through traffic, though it also has zone beating properties when it settles into soft spots against off zone shells. The blocking scheme is a standard five man pass protection look, and the primary read progression starts with the Y Cross crossing route, then works to the underneath outlet routes if the crosser is not open or if a user defender jumps the throwing lane.

Defensive Reads

Identify single high versus two high safety alignment before the snap since two high shells with a robber underneath can sit on the crossing route and bait a turnover Watch the middle linebacker depth at the snap, if he sits shallow and reads quarterback eyes he can undercut the Y Cross route in the intermediate zone Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the ideal matchup for this concept since the tight end can win with a natural rub and separation across the field Cover 3 or Cover 4 zone shells with a hard sitting linebacker in the middle hook zone can shut this down, so be ready to check to the underneath outlet Watch for a user controlled defender flashing into a shallow zone or spy role since that lurk threat is the primary defender that jumps the crossing route for a big hit or interception

Usage Tips

Look for single high safety shells pre-snap since the Y Cross route thrives when there is no second deep defender to help over the top on the crossing route

Motion or shift the TE pre-snap to get a free access release and confirm man coverage based on how the defense adjusts

Hot route the backside receiver into a quick out or speed out to give yourself a fast throwing option if the crosser is taken away by a user spy or lurking linebacker

Use this play on second and medium or third and medium since the developing crosser needs a full breath to work across the field

Pair this with Y Stick or Double Slants in the same set to keep the defense honest on quick game before hitting them with the delayed Y Cross shot down the field

Other Plays in Spread Y-Flex