Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 12 playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Read Y Flat out of Shotgun Y Off Trips Nasty runs an inside zone handoff read with the Y (tight end) releasing to the flat as the pass alternative, tagged with an RPO read that lets the QB pull and throw off the flat route instead of handing off. The diagram shows the trips side stacked with the offensive line blocking down for the zone run while the underneath flat route sits as the immediate high percentage throw against overplayed run fits. This is a run first RPO designed to punish linebackers who crash down on the zone action, and the primary read progression is run key on the play side linebacker, then flat throw to the Y if he steps up.
Defensive Reads
Key the play side linebacker's first step, if he crashes down on the zone action that is the trigger for the QB to pull and throw the flat. Watch for a defensive end or outside linebacker crashing hard inside on the run fit, since that opens the flat throw with zero resistance. Man coverage on the tight end with a linebacker in trail position can shut down the flat read, forcing the offense into the actual handoff. A Mike linebacker sitting in a shallow zone drop or spying the RPO can take away both the run read and the flat throw simultaneously. Look for slot cornerback blitzes off the trips side since that puts pressure on the QB before he can process the run pass read cleanly.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is in a run heavy front with linebackers stacked tight to the box since that triggers the flat throw automatically.
Use this play on early downs like 1st and 10 or 2nd and short to stay balanced and keep the defense honest on run blitz tendencies.
If the defense shows a two high shell with soft linebackers, take the inside zone handoff since the box count favors the run.
Pair this with Inside Zone from the same set to sell the same run action, then mix in Mtn HB Choice or Mtn Y Pivot off similar formation reads to keep defenders guessing between run and pass keys.
Hot route the flat route to a quick out or option route against man coverage if the defense shows man leverage on the tight end pre-snap.
