Playbooks

Mtn Y Cross

Shotgun·Spread Y-Slot·11

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 2 playbooks

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Breakdown

Mtn Y Cross is a levels-based passing concept out of Shotgun Spread Y-Slot that pairs a deep mountain (mtn) shot route on one side with the Y running a shallow cross underneath. The backside typically works a dig or curl to hold linebackers while the Y cross clears low against man coverage and settles into the void versus zone. This is a versatile man and zone beater, with the primary read progression starting on the mtn shot for an explosive shot play, then working down to the Y cross as the rhythm throw, and finishing with the checkdown or backside curl if both are covered.

Defensive Reads

Identify single high safety looks pre-snap, this tells you the mtn shot has a strong chance to win one on one down the field. Watch the cornerback alignment on the mtn shot side, off coverage or soft press invites the deep throw while tight press man means you should progress quickly to the Y cross. Post-snap, track the middle linebacker or nickel defender for user-controlled lurk threats sitting in the shallow cross window, since a smart user will sit and rob that route. This play struggles against a well-disguised Cover 2 or Cover 4 shell that keeps two deep safeties, since the mtn shot gets bracketed and the underneath defenders can squeeze the cross. Blitz-heavy zone pressure with a spy or hot linebacker underneath can jump the Y cross route quickly, so recognize pressure pre-snap and be ready to hot route or check down instead of holding the ball for the deep shot.

Usage Tips

Take a pre-snap peek at the safety shell before the snap, if you see two high safeties the mtn shot is likely capped so plan to work the Y cross immediately as your first read.

Motion the slot receiver or use a hot route to adjust the Y cross depth if you are facing an aggressive underneath zone defense that squats on shallow crossers.

Use this play on early downs or in third and medium situations where the defense may not expect a deep shot, catching them off guard for an explosive gain.

Pair Mtn Y Cross with Mtn Flood or Mtn Dagger in your play-calling sequence, since both threaten the same mtn shot but attack different levels, forcing the defense to respect the deep ball every snap.

If the user drops a defender into the shallow cross lane, come off that read fast and reset to the backside dig or curl rather than forcing the throw into a lurking defender.

Other Plays in Spread Y-Slot