Playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Q Stick Draw pairs an HB draw with a Stick concept out of Shotgun Trey Open, giving the quarterback a true run pass option based on the box count and second level defender flow. The Stick routes create a quick triangle read (flat, hitch, and settle route) that punishes linebackers who crash down on the draw, while the draw itself gains value if the defense stays spread out or shows soft zone coverage. This is a hybrid RPO run play: read the flow of the second level defender assigned to the RPO key, hand it off if he steps up, or pull and throw Stick if he opens a passing window.
Defensive Reads
Watch the middle linebacker depth pre-snap. If he is sitting shallow near the line of scrimmage, that is a strong indicator the defense is selling run fits and Stick will have room to work. Post-snap, key whether the second level flow defender crashes toward the draw action or stays home to cover the stick routes, since his decision determines the correct RPO read. Cover 3 and Cover 4 zone shells are vulnerable here because the flat and stick combo creates a natural pick versus zone drops, and the draw exploits light boxes when safeties stay deep. Man coverage with an extra hook defender or a nano blitz package can shut this down fast, since the draw has no time to develop and the stick routes get picked off before separation. Watch for a user controlled linebacker sitting in the throwing lane of the stick route, a common lurk technique that jumps this exact concept, so be ready to check to the running back option or throw with anticipation before he settles.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap. If the defense has six or more in the box, lean toward pulling and throwing Stick instead of forcing the draw into a crowded front.
Key the read defender, usually a MLB or the nearest second level flow defender, and stay disciplined with your eyes. Do not stare down the flat route or you will miss the give read.
Use this on early downs in normal personnel matchups where defenses often sit in base zone looks, since soft zone shells let the draw hit gaps that man coverage would fill faster.
Combine this with RPO Alert Draw Stick and Stick from the same set to condition the defense to bite on run action, then counter with Y Stick HB Angle or Curls to hit downfield once linebackers start jumping the stick routes.
Against aggressive man blitz teams, hot route the outside stick to a quick out or use the flat option as a hot beater since the draw timing is too slow to survive extra rushers.
