Playbooks

Return PA Post Curls

Shotgun·Spread Y-Slot·11

Diagram coming soon

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetSpread Y-Slot

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 4 playbooks

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Breakdown

Return PA Post Curls is a play-action pass out of Shotgun Spread Y-Slot that uses the run fake to hold linebackers before working a post and curl combination to the boundary. The post occupies the deep half or safety in the middle of the field while the curl sits down in the intermediate zone, creating a natural high low read against zone coverage. Your primary progression starts with the post if you see single high safety rotate away from the throw, then works down to the curl as the checkdown against off coverage or when the post is capped.

Defensive Reads

Identify single high safety pre-snap since that alignment tells you the deep middle is more vulnerable to the post route. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they step up hard on the play fake the curl route will have soft coverage underneath for an easy completion. Key the flat or hook defender to see if he sinks with the curl or widens with flow, a wide zone drop opens a throwing lane for the curl sitting down. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the best matchup for the post since the receiver can win vertically off the play fake. Watch for a user controlled lurk defender sitting in the middle of the field, that defender can jump the post route if he reads your eyes, so look off the safety before committing to the throw.

Usage Tips

Use this on early downs like first or second and short to mid distance so the play fake actually influences run blitz linebackers and box safeties.

Check the pre-snap safety alignment, if you see two high shells rotate to single high after the snap that usually means the post window is opening up on the backside.

Hot route the curl into a deeper comeback against corners playing hard outside leverage if you expect a jump on the shorter route.

Pair this with Cross Dig or Post Flood Salem earlier in a series so defenders start respecting the play fake and bite on run action, setting up the post to hit for a big shot later.

Avoid calling this against pressure heavy or all out blitz packages since the play fake eats a beat and the protection can break down before the post develops.