Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA Read out of Shotgun Trips Slots Close is a play-action shot play built off a run fake to hold the linebackers. The backside receiver runs a shallow drag across the field while the three trips receivers stack the right side with a corner route breaking to the post, a deep vertical seam climbing straight up the numbers, and an underneath flat route sitting at the sticks. The primary read starts with the deep seam receiver against single high safety, then works down to the corner/post breaker in the middle of the field void, and finally checks down to the flat route or the backside drag if the pocket collapses.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify single high versus two high safety alignment since it dictates whether the seam or the post/corner is the priority throw. Watch linebacker depth after the run fake: if they crash hard on the play-action, the middle of the field opens up for the seam and post routes. Man coverage on the trips side struggles with the seam and corner combo since the corner route creates natural rub separation off the vertical stack. Zone defenses with a robber or lurk defender sitting in the intermediate middle can jump the post/corner route, so bait him with the seam first. Watch for a delayed blitz off the edge since the play-action fake can hold protection just long enough for a late rusher to collapse the pocket before the deep routes develop.
Usage Tips
Sell the run fake with a hard run commit pre-snap so linebackers step up and open the seam and post window behind them.
Check for single high safety pre-snap: if you see one deep defender, hit the seam route immediately before the safety can rotate over.
Against two high shells, work the post/corner breaker across the middle since it settles into the void between the safeties.
Use the flat route and backside drag as checkdowns versus zone blitzes or when the pass rush forces an early throw.
Pair this play with 45 Quick Base or RNS Hitches earlier in a series so defenders bite on quick game before you dial up the play-action shot.
