Playbooks

Stick Nod

Shotgun·Spread Y-Slot·11
StickStick ConceptPass Play

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 4 playbooks

Cardinals OffenseOffenseTexans OffenseOffenseNFL Live Cardinals OffenseOffenseNFL Live Texans OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Stick Nod is a variation of the classic Stick concept out of Shotgun Spread Y-Slot, pairing the traditional stick trio (flat, stick, and corner/nod route) with a nod release from the slot to manipulate underneath defenders. The nod route freezes zone linebackers and hook defenders just enough to open the stick sitting behind them, making this primarily a zone beater against Cover 2 and Cover 3 shells, though it holds up against man coverage if the flat defender bites on the running back. The primary read progression starts with the flat route to influence the underneath defender, then works to the stick route sitting in the hole, and finally climbs to the corner or nod route if the safety rotates down or the corner gets grabby.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, check safety depth and alignment: two deep safeties usually signal Cover 2 or Cover 4, meaning the stick route sitting underneath will be your primary target all game. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, since shallow linebackers who sink hard on the stick route open up the nod route behind them for an explosive gain. If the corner presses the slot receiver at the line, expect man coverage, which means the flat route or a quick out breaking route can be your friend against a blitzing defense. Beware of Cover 3 sky or buzz looks where the safety rotates down into the box, since that safety can jump the nod route and turn it into a pick six if you force it. Identify user-controlled defenders sitting in the shallow hook zone, since a savvy user will bait you into the stick route only to undercut it, so have a plan to reset to the flat or check down late in the play clock.

Usage Tips

Use pre-snap motion or a quick shift to identify if the defense is showing Cover 2 or Cover 3 so you know whether the corner or the nod route will be open at the top of the concept.

Hot route the running back into a flat release immediately if you see man coverage with a linebacker matched up, since he can often win outright against slower defenders.

This play thrives on third and short to third and medium since the stick route sits right at the sticks and the flat route gives you a quick outlet against blitz looks.

Pair Stick Nod with Curls or Digs H Option in your play calling sequence to keep defenders honest, since both plays attack similar horizontal stretch points but stress different depths.

Against aggressive user linebackers who jump the stick route, look immediately to the nod route since the vacated zone behind them will be wide open.

Other Plays in Spread Y-Slot