Playbooks

Stick

Shotgun·Tight Slots·11

Stick Stick Concept Pass Play

Play diagram for Stick from Shotgun Tight Slots in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetTight Slots

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

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Breakdown

Stick out of Shotgun Tight Slots shows two mirrored stick concepts, one to each side of the formation. Both outside receivers run flags to the corner while the inside slot receivers, including the number 1 read on the left, sit down on stick routes to the flat and hook area, creating a natural high low read on each side of the field. This is a classic zone beater that also holds up against man coverage due to the mirrored nature of the concept, and the primary read progression starts with the number 1 stick route before working outside to the flag route based on the flow of the underneath defenders.

Defensive Reads

Read the flat defenders first since they determine whether the stick route or the flag route will be open on each side. Against Cover 3, the corner will sink deep and the flat defender or linebacker will widen to the flag, leaving the stick route open underneath in the void. Against Cover 2, the corner jumps the flat and stick route quickly, so look to layer the flag route over the top since the safety is occupied elsewhere. Man coverage with underneath linebackers can struggle to stay with the mirrored stick routes if there is any natural pick or rub near the formation. Watch for a user controlled defender sitting in the shallow zone or lurking near the stick route since this concept lives in that area and a smart user can jump the quick throw.

Usage Tips

Pre-snap, identify which side has the softer flat defender or a linebacker showing blitz to determine which stick concept to attack first. Against zone shells like Cover 3 or Cover 2, hot route the backside stick into a shallow drag if you need a quick outlet against a sunk flat defender. Use this play on third and short to medium situations where the stick route can settle in front of underneath zone defenders for an easy pickup. Pair Stick with Curl Outs or WR Stick N Out later in a series so the defense has to respect both the quick stick sit down and the deeper breaking routes off similar formation looks. Motion the slot receiver pre-snap to help identify man versus zone based on whether a defender follows across the formation.