Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 15 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn Stick out of Shotgun Trio Y-Flex is a quick-hitting stick concept with a pre-snap motion trigger to help identify man versus zone coverage. To the boundary, two receivers run a cross concept off the snap, one clearing vertically while the other sits underneath, creating a natural high-low read against man coverage. The backside receiver runs a stick option (out or corner breakoff at the top of his stem) while the running back releases up the seam on a vertical route into the flat area, and the inside slot man runs a flat route underneath the stick, giving the quarterback a full stick concept read to the field side with the running back as a checkdown/rhythm throw over the middle.
Defensive Reads
Watch the pre-snap motion defender closely, if he runs across the formation with the receiver it confirms man coverage and you should sink underneath crossers immediately. Key the flat defender to the field side, if he widens with the running back's route it opens up the stick sitting behind him for an easy completion. Cover 3 zone shells are vulnerable to this concept because the underneath zone defenders have to choose between the flat and the stick, creating a natural conflict read for the quarterback. Press man corners can disrupt the timing of the crossing routes on the backside, so if you see press alignment be ready to work the stick side instead. User linebackers who sit and lurk in the shallow middle can undercut both the stick route and the running back's route, so if you see a linebacker sitting in that throwing lane, look to the crossing routes for a bigger gain instead.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to identify if the defense is playing man (defender follows across the formation) or zone (defender stays put), then lock your first read accordingly.
Against man coverage, prioritize the crossing route on the backside since the natural pick and separation off the stem creates easy separation.
Against zone, work the stick concept to the field side, reading the flat defender to determine whether to throw the flat route or the stick sitting behind him.
This play works best on third and short to third and medium since the stick concept and quick flat routes are designed to get the ball out fast against underneath zone drops.
Pair this with Mtn Corner Slot Choice or Mtn Out N Up in the same set to keep defenses honest, since both plays start with similar motion and stems before breaking differently, punishing defenders who jump the stick route.
