Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 11 playbooks
Breakdown
Hi Lo Cross is a levels-based passing concept run out of Shotgun Trips X Nasty with 11 personnel. From the trips side the outside receiver runs a deep over route all the way across the field while the middle slot receiver runs a shallow drive route underneath it, creating a natural high low crosser combo that stresses one side of the field vertically and horizontally. The nub tight end releases into the flat as a checkdown option, the backside X runs a deep dig or comeback breaking away from the trips, and the running back stays in to pass protect, giving the quarterback a clean pocket. This is a man beater concept designed to create natural picks and separation against man coverage, with the primary read progression going from the shallow drive underneath first, up to the deep crosser, then over to the backside dig if both are covered.
Defensive Reads
Watch for two high safeties presnap which signals zone coverage underneath, meaning you should sit the shallow drive route in the void between the linebackers and the corners rather than trying to force the deep crosser. If the defense rotates to a single high safety after the snap, expect man coverage across the trips side, so key on the deep crosser breaking wide open off the natural rub against man defenders trailing underneath. Look for a user controlled defender lurking in the shallow zone or spying the drive route since aggressive users will jump the underneath crosser, which opens the deep crosser or the backside dig behind them. Check linebacker depth before the snap, if they are sitting shallow near the line of scrimmage they are likely keying run or blitzing off the edge, both of which get exposed by the quick flat release from the tight end. Beware of a robber or dual high safety zone look that squats on crossing routes at the intermediate level, since this concept struggles against a well disguised Cover 2 or Cover 4 shell that keeps a defender sitting on the deep cross the entire route.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing man or zone by checking linebacker depth and whether defenders are aligned head up on your slot receivers versus playing off in zone shells.
Against man coverage, let the deep crosser and shallow drive route work off each other since the natural rub created by the crossing routes will spring one receiver open, especially against man with no safety help over the top.
If you see a single high safety look, prioritize the deep crosser since the backside dig from the X receiver will occupy the free safety and open a throwing lane.
Use hot routes to convert the tight end's flat route into a quick option if you see a blitz coming off the edge, giving you a fast outlet against pressure.
Pair this play with Hi Lo Dig and Snag Slot Digs from the same set to keep defenders guessing on levels concepts, then mix in Mtn HB Swing or HB Slip Draw as a change of pace to punish linebackers who start sitting on the crossers.
