Playbooks
Depth-chart slots are shown as they line up in the base package for this set.
| Player | Side | Route |
|---|---|---|
| HB1 | Right | Flat |
| WR3 | Right | Slant |
| WR1 | Left | Post |
| WR2 | Right | Post |
| WR4 | Right | Smash |
Short Posts out of Shotgun Trio 4wr Str is a quick-hitting man beater built around a trio bunch to one side with dual posts breaking to the middle of the field at different depths. The 10 personnel spread forces base defenses into nickel or dime looks, and the staggered post depth creates natural pick action against man coverage while still giving the quarterback a layered read against zone drops. Primary progression starts with the shallow post out of the trio side, then works to the deeper post, and finally checks down to the underneath outlet if both are covered.
Key the middle linebacker at the snap, if he sinks hard to the shallow post window it is likely zone match and you should climb to the deeper post immediately. Watch for a user controlled safety sitting in the throwing lane between the two posts, that is the biggest threat to this concept and forces a double move or checkdown read. Identify Cover 3 by the corners bailing deep at the snap, the shallow post will sit open in the hole between the flat defender and the hook zone linebacker. Against Cover 1 or man press, trust the pick action from the trio bunch to create natural rub separation on the inside post runner. If the defense shows a two high shell with the corners jamming outside receivers, expect the post routes to face a squeeze from inside linebackers, so be ready to hit the shallow break before the window closes.
Attack this play on second and medium or third and short when defenses still respect the run and sit in single high shells. Pre-snap, check the strong safety depth: if he is cheating toward the trio side expect man match or Cover 3 buzz, if he stays deep middle expect Cover 1 or Cover 3 static. Hot route the backside outside receiver into a quick out or hitch to punish Cover 2 corners who sit flat and take away the post window. Use this play early in a series to set up China N Go or Four Verticals later, since the defense will start cheating a linebacker or safety down to jump the shallow post, opening the deep shots. Against aggressive man teams, motion the slot receiver in the trio pre-snap to confirm man coverage before the snap and speed up your first read to the shallow post.