Playbooks

Stick Nod Vertical

Shotgun·Wing Slot Offset·12

Stick Stick Concept Pass Play

Play diagram for Stick Nod Vertical from Shotgun Wing Slot Offset in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetWing Slot Offset

Personnel

121 RB · 2 TE · 2 WR

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Breakdown

Stick Nod Vertical is a five man route concept out of the Shotgun Wing Slot Offset set with 12 personnel on the field. To the closed side, the slot runs a quick out while the inline TE runs a nod (stick) route underneath it, creating a natural high low read against underneath defenders, and the outside receiver on that side breaks vertical then cuts flat upfield. On the strong side, the flexed TE releases up the seam on a vertical stem while the tight slot defender to that side is left uncovered on the diagram, and there is no visible blocking assignment shown for the offensive line beyond standard pass protection. This is a man beater concept that also stresses zone defenders with the stick and nod combo, and the primary read progression starts with the nod/stick combo underneath, moves to the vertical seam, and works out to the flat breaking route if the middle is clogged.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing two deep safeties or a single high safety, since single high alignments open up the vertical seam route on the strong side Watch the flat defender to the stick and nod side, if he sits on the nod route instead of the stick route, throw the underneath out immediately for a easy completion Key the linebacker depth at the snap, shallow drops signal zone and you should attack the vertical seam, while aggressive man to man leverage on the slot signals blitz or man coverage that favors the quick stick throw User controlled defenders lurking in the shallow zone can jump the stick concept, so if you see a user spy sitting in the throwing lane, reset to the vertical seam or the flat breaking outside route Against Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells, the corner will sink deep on the outside vertical breaking route, so look to the stick and nod combo underneath since those zones are softer against this leverage

Usage Tips

Pre-snap, check for two high safeties before the snap since this concept thrives against zone shells that leave the stick and nod combo uncovered underneath

If you see man coverage with a linebacker or safety walked up over the slot, hot route the nod runner to a quick out to win separation immediately off the line

Use this play on third and short or third and medium since the stick and nod combo gives you a built in answer against both zone and man without needing to go through a long progression

Against Cover 3, target the vertical seam route since the flat defender and curl defender are occupied by the stick concept underneath, opening a soft spot in the middle of the field

Pair this play with Double Stick or Double Pivot in your call sheet since both attack similar underneath zones and force the defense to declare coverage before you commit to the vertical shot

If the defense starts jumping the stick and nod combo after repeated calls, counter with PA Dig or Four Verticals from the same set to keep the defense honest on early down and distance