Playbooks

Stick

Shotgun·Tight Flex Wk·11
StickStick ConceptPass Play
Play diagram for Stick from Shotgun Tight Flex Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

Stick out of Shotgun Tight Flex Wk shows a classic stick concept run to both sides of the formation, giving the quarterback a mirrored read pre-snap. Both outside receivers release vertically and break outward on quick out routes toward the sideline while the inside slot defenders (shown by the yellow arrows breaking upfield and out) work the stick and flat combo, with one receiver on the boundary running a corner breaking route (red arrow) as the vertical stretch piece. This is a man and zone beater built for quick timing throws, with the primary progression working stick to flat to the backside out breaking route based on which side the defense leaves softer.

Defensive Reads

Look at the cornerback depth before the snap, soft corners playing off coverage signal an easy out route completion on either side. Read the flat defender post-snap, if he sinks with the stick route the out breaking route to that side is open. Watch for a robber or lurking linebacker sitting in the shallow zone, this defender can jump the stick route and bait a turnover if you force the throw. Cover 3 zone drops tend to leave the flat vulnerable, while man coverage with no help over the top struggles against the natural spacing created by the stick and out combo. Blitz heavy fronts with man coverage behind them get exposed quickly since the routes break so fast, but a well timed nano blitz can disrupt the timing before the quarterback sets his feet.

Usage Tips

Check the defensive alignment pre-snap to identify which side has a shaded corner or a linebacker cheating into the throwing lane, then work your primary read to the more favorable side.

Use hot routes to convert the running back into a checkdown option versus disguised zone blitzes if both stick reads are covered.

This play excels on third and short to third and medium since the stick and out combo creates natural picks against man coverage and easy sit zones against zone coverage.

Pair Stick with Mtn Y Cross or Quick Looks from the same formation to keep the defense guessing between quick game and intermediate crossing routes.

Snap the ball quickly against exotic blitz looks since the timing based routes get the ball out before pressure arrives.

Other Plays in Tight Flex Wk