Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Shock HB Angle is run from Shotgun Trey Y-Flex with a bunched three-receiver side to the left and a single receiver split wide right. At the snap the outside left receiver runs a deep corner route while the inside receiver runs a short out, and on the right the single receiver climbs vertical before breaking outside on a corner route, with the slot defender releasing on an inside angle route out of the backfield. The HB angle route out of the backfield is the built-in man beater against linebackers, while the two corner routes stretch zone defenders vertically and to the sideline, making this a versatile man and zone beater. Primary read progression starts with the HB angle route against man coverage, then works to the right side corner route if the flat is covered, with the left corner and out combo as late-window options against soft zone shells.
Defensive Reads
Watch the linebacker depth pre-snap since a linebacker walked up near the line signals man coverage responsibility on the HB angle route. Check safety alignment before the snap, two deep safeties usually mean the defense is soft to the corner routes and susceptible to the angle route underneath. Post-snap, key on the flat defender to the trips side, if he sinks with the corner route the angle route or shallow out should be open in the vacated space. Man coverage with no safety help over the top gets exposed by the HB releasing on the angle route against a slower linebacker. Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells with disciplined zone drops can shut this down if the corner routes are squeezed, so be ready to check down to the angle route quickly before the pocket collapses.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or alignment checks to identify if the defense is showing man or zone before the snap, since the HB angle route is your immediate answer against man coverage with a linebacker in coverage.
If you see a two-high safety shell, prioritize the right side corner route since it attacks the void between the flat defender and the deep safety.
On third and short or third and medium, lean on the HB angle route as a built-in checkdown that also has man beater upside against blitzing linebackers.
Pair this play with HB Slip Screen or RPO Alert Out from the same set to keep defenders honest on the HB and force linebackers to respect the backfield before committing to coverage drops.
If the corner routes are covered, hot route the inside receiver on a quick out or drag to create a rhythm throw option against zone drops.
