Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Flood Y-Dig is a three level flood concept out of Shotgun U Off Trips Flex with 12 personnel. From the trips side, the outside receiver clears vertically and breaks it off, the inside slot runs the Y-Dig across the middle of the field, and the flex tight end releases outside to the flat, stacking three route levels to one side of the field. The backside receiver runs a deep comeback away from the flood, giving you a true zone beater against Cover 3 and Cover 4 rotations while also giving a man beater outlet if the defense rolls coverage away from the trips. Primary read progression starts with the Y-Dig running across the field, then works out to the flat defender, and finally to the backside comeback if the defense sinks its underneath zones.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and alignment over the trips side, since a rotated safety toward the flood indicates Cover 3 or Cover 4 zone shell rather than man coverage. Watch the flat defender's leverage at the snap, if he sinks with the flat route immediately it signals zone drop responsibility rather than man matchup. Key the middle linebacker's drop, if he sits shallow and does not carry the Y-Dig across the field, that throwing lane opens up for the primary read. Look for a user controlled defender lurking in the shallow middle zone since a competitive user will often sit and jump the Y-Dig route to bait a turnover. If the defense shows a two high shell with corners playing outside leverage, it usually signals quarters coverage, which favors working the flat route or backside comeback instead of forcing the dig.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is showing a single high safety or two high shell before committing to the flood side. Against Cover 3, trust the Y-Dig since it sits in the natural void behind the linebackers and in front of the deep third defenders. If you see Cover 4 or quarters, work the flow of the flat route first since the corner will likely sink under the vertical release. Use hot routes to convert the flat route to a quick out if you are getting a hard blitz look, since the flat defender is your first checkdown against pressure. Pair this with Dagger H-Choice or Levels Y Sail in your play calling sequence, since both attack similar flood concepts and will condition the defense to overplay the same landmarks. On third and medium, this is a strong choice since the Y-Dig sits in the sweet spot for a first down conversion.
