Playbooks
Depth-chart slots are shown as they line up in the base package for this set.
| Player | Side | Route |
|---|---|---|
| HB1 | Left | Block and Release Hook |
| WR3 | Left | Streak |
| WR2 | Left | Hitch |
| TE1 | Right | Speed In |
| WR1 | Left | Drag |
Shallow Slot Fade is a trips-based passing concept run out of Shotgun Trips TE Flex Close WK that pairs a slot fade on the outside vertical stem with a shallow crosser working underneath from the opposite side of the formation. The shallow route clears the underneath zones and gives you a rhythm throw against man coverage while the fade attacks the low shoulder of the cornerback on the perimeter for a big-play window against single-high looks. Your primary read starts with the fade against man coverage or blown zone leverage, then works down to the shallow cross if the corner sits over the top or if you get zone coverage that squeezes the sideline.
Identify single high safety alignment pre-snap, this tells you the fade has one on one leverage outside with no deep help Watch the slot cornerback or nickel defender at the snap, if he sinks with the fade route you know you are in man coverage and should trust the sideline throw Key the underneath linebackers and their zone drop depth, a shallow drop from the flat defender signals Cover 3 or Cover 4 and opens the shallow cross as the primary target User controlled defenders sitting in a lurk spot over the shallow route can jump the throw, if you see a defender hovering the middle of the field bail out to the fade instead Cover 2 shells with corners playing outside leverage will squeeze the fade route hard, expect the safety rotation and be ready to work the shallow cross underneath the zone drop
Check the corner alignment on the fade side before the snap, if he is playing outside leverage with no safety help over the top, throw the fade immediately off the catch
Use this play on third and short to medium distances where the shallow cross can pick up the sticks quickly against zone drops
Hot route the shallow runner to a drag or spot if you see Cover 3 sink hard, this keeps the underneath window alive against zone beaters
Pair this play with Verticals or Mtn Dagger earlier in a series to condition the defense to expect deep shots from this formation, then hit the shallow cross when defenders bite on the play fake tendencies
Against man coverage with no safety help, live in the fade progression and trust the back shoulder placement, against zone shells bail to the shallow and take the check down underneath