Playbooks

Mtn Stick from Trio Y-Flex Shotgun shows a pre-snap motion man crossing to the left side, adding a horizontal element before the snap that helps identify man versus zone coverage. The left side runs a classic stick concept with a vertical seam route and two shorter crossing routes underneath, while the right side runs an out and up combo that stretches the sideline vertically after breaking outside. The running back releases into the right flat as a checkdown option and safety valve. This is a versatile route concept play that beats both man and zone coverage, with the primary read progression starting at the stick concept on the left (seam to shallow cross), then working to the out and up on the right, and finally checking down to the flat route if the underneath defenders sit or the pass rush closes the pocket.
Read the safety alignment before the snap since a two high shell signals zone coverage and favors the stick concept underneath. Watch the motion man closely, if a linebacker or slot defender shadows him man to man across the field that confirms man coverage and opens up the out and up route. Key the flat defender on the right side, if he sits on the running back's route it opens a throwing window for the out and up combo behind him. This play struggles against aggressive Cover 2 with underneath robber coverage since the stick concept routes sit right in the linebacker's zone drop. Beware of blitz packages that bring extra pressure off the edge since the quarterback needs time to work through the multiple route levels on this concept.
Use the pre-snap motion to bait linebackers and identify man coverage if a defender follows the motion man across the formation.
Attack zone shells like Cover 3 by hitting the stick concept quickly underneath before the corner or flat defender can sink into the throwing lane.
Against man coverage, look to the out and up on the right side since it is designed to eat cushion and beat trail technique for a big play down the sideline.
Use this play on second and medium or third and short situations where the stick concept underneath routes give you an easy conversion if defenders bail into deep zones.
Pair this play with Mtn Corner Y-drag or Mtn Out N Up from the same set to keep defenders guessing between quick game and deep shots off similar formation and motion looks.


























