Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Return Go out of Shotgun Trips Slots Close sends both outside receivers vertically on Go routes to stretch the defense down the field, while the slot receiver runs a short in-cut over the middle and the backside receiver motions across before releasing upfield. There is no visible run blocking scheme shown, and this is a vertical pass concept designed to attack single-high or man coverage by isolating cornerbacks on the outside Go routes. The primary read progression starts with the boundary Go route on a one-on-one look, then works to the field side Go route if the safety rotates away, with the shallow in route underneath as the checkdown against zone drops.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety alignment: a single high safety in the middle of the field signals man coverage underneath, which is a green light for the outside Go routes. Watch the cornerback technique on the outside receivers before the snap, soft or off coverage gives an easy throwing window on the Go route, tight press coverage means the receiver needs a clean release. Post-snap, key the deep safety's first two steps, if he flows toward one sideline the opposite Go route is the shot play read. User the deep half or deep third defender if playing zone coverage, since this play is vulnerable to a two-high shell (Cover 2 or Cover 4) that keeps safeties over the top of both Go routes. Look for late blitz pressure off the edge, since the quarterback needs extra time for the Go routes to break open, making this play risky against aggressive nano blitz packages.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion to identify if the defense is playing man or zone based on whether a defender follows the motion man across the formation.
This play is best called against single-high safety looks (Cover 1 or Cover 3) where the outside cornerbacks are isolated deep without safety help.
Hot route the shallow in route to a drag or option route if you expect heavy underneath zone coverage to give yourself a quicker outlet.
Pair this call with 60 Go or Streak earlier in a series to condition the defense to respect vertical shots, then mix in RNS Hitches or Divide to punish safeties who start cheating deep.
Best used on 2nd or 3rd and long when you need a explosive play and have time in the pocket to let the Go routes develop.
