Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Quick Fork Zig is a trips-based quick game concept out of Shotgun Y Off Trips Wk. The backside X runs a deep zig that crosses the field as the clear-out and potential explosive shot, while the trips side stacks a deep out, a short flat route, and an underneath crosser working in front of the linebackers. The lone backfield route breaks outside on a quick angle, giving the QB an immediate check down against pressure. This is a quick pass built to attack zone drops with the flat and out combo while the zig gives you a shot play if the safety bites on trips.
Defensive Reads
Look at the safety alignment before the snap, if he shades toward the trips side the backside zig route has a favorable one on one matchup down the field. Read the cornerback over the X receiver, if he plays outside leverage in man coverage the zig can win inside on the break. Watch the flat defender's depth and width, in zone coverage he will widen with the flat route and open a throwing lane for the underneath crosser. Identify any user controlled linebacker sitting in a lurk spot in the middle of the field, he can undercut the crossing route and bait a turnover. Check for Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells, this concept struggles when the deep zig runs into a true deep third defender with no natural leverage advantage.
Usage Tips
Use this on third and short to medium since the quick flat and crosser give you easy access against zone coverage.
Check the safety depth before the snap, if he cheats toward trips the backside zig has a one on one shot down the field.
Hot route the flat defender's man to a hitch if you see man coverage with no help underneath, it turns into an easy completion outlet.
Pair this with Boomerang Y Cross or Mtn Y Cross in your play calling sequence so the defense has to respect both the zig shot and the quick underneath crossers.
Get the ball out fast to the flat or crosser against any hint of a blitz since the protection is built for a quick timing throw, not a deep drop.
