Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Stick out of Shotgun Y Off Trio Wk lines up in a Trips look to the left with a single receiver split right. The trips side runs the classic Stick concept: the outside receiver runs a deep speed out, the middle slot runs a quick stick/hitch, and the inner slot works a flat route to stretch the flat defender vertically and horizontally. On the backside, the single WR runs a vertical go route while the RB releases into the flat, giving you a natural triangle read on both sides of the formation. This is a quick-game man and zone beater built to get the ball out fast against blitzes or off-coverage, with the flat-stick-out combo forcing the flat defender into a horizontal bind.
Defensive Reads
Identify the flat defender pre-snap, whether it is a linebacker or slot corner, since his run-pass conflict on the flat versus stick route determines the entire progression. Watch for two-high shells indicating Cover 2 or Cover 4, which opens the speed out route behind the corner's zone drop. Against man coverage, look for the flat route to beat linebackers in space and the speed out to create separation off the break against tight outside leverage corners. Key the Mike linebacker's blitz timing, if he shows blitz pre-snap the flat route from the RB or inner slot becomes a hot, quick-hitting answer. Beware of user-controlled lurk defenders sitting in the stick window, if you see a defender crashing down on the middle hitch route work the field side to the speed out or backside go instead.
Usage Tips
Read the flat defender first since he is the key to the entire trips-side triangle, if he sits on the stick throw the flat, if he jumps the flat throw the stick behind him.
Use this on third and short to third and medium since the stick route sits down in soft spots against zone and the flat route is an instant answer versus blitz.
Check pre-snap for two-high safety shells, against Cover 2 or Cover 4 the speed out from the outside trips receiver becomes your window since it settles behind the corner and in front of the safety.
Hot route the backside go route into a quick slant or drag versus press man if you need a faster developing option, or leave it vertical to hold the single-high safety and open up the trips side.
Pair this with Curls Combo or Quick Unders from the same set to keep defenses guessing between quick game and intermediate zone-sit concepts, then dial up Four Verticals or In Go once the defense starts jumping the short stuff.
