Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Post Trail out of Shotgun Spread Y-Slot lines up two receivers to the boundary running vertical stem routes (an out and a corner breaking upfield) while the two receivers to the slot side execute the namesake combo: the outside receiver runs a post and the inside slot receiver trails underneath him on a delayed crossing route. This is a man beater built to attack any defender trailing or trying to jump the post, since the trail route picks off underneath coverage and creates natural rub separation against man leverage. The primary read progression starts with the post, works to the trailing crosser underneath if the post is capped, then works back to the boundary out route as the checkdown/backside window.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify single high safety alignment, this tells you the post has a clean runway with no deep help. Watch the slot cornerback and linebacker leverage on the trail route, if they are playing outside shade the trail crosser will find soft grass underneath. Post snap, key any user controlled defender who tries to jump the post route early, the trailing receiver behind him becomes wide open. Cover 3 with a hard flat defender can undercut the trail route, so be ready to climb the progression back to the post if that underneath window closes. Watch for a robber or spy sitting in the middle of the field, that defender is specifically designed to sit on the post and trail combo and can bait a bad throw if you do not fully commit to your first read.
Usage Tips
Look for single high safety shells pre-snap since the post has a clear runway to attack the middle of the field when there is no help over the top.
Motion or shift the slot trail receiver pre-snap to confirm man coverage, if the defender follows the motion you know Post Trail is live.
Use hot routes to convert the boundary out route into a hitch or curl against zone drops if the corner is sitting on the sideline route.
Pair this play with Four Verticals or Y Seam earlier in a series so defenses respect the deep middle, then come back to Post Trail to hit the natural pick when defenders start jumping post routes.
Best called on second and medium or third and long when you need a explosive man beater that also has a built in answer against a robber trying to sit underneath.
