Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Mtn Slide is a play-action pass out of Shotgun Y Off Trips that shows run action from the backfield to hold the linebackers before the QB works a three level stretch to the field. The trips side runs a slide concept with the inside receiver sliding across the shallow zone while the outside trips receiver climbs on a deep corner breaking route, and the backside iso receiver runs a dig that settles inside at intermediate depth. This is a play-action man and zone beater because the slide route settles into soft spots against zone drops while the corner route stretches man coverage vertically, and the primary read progression starts with the backside dig, then works to the underneath slide, and finishes with the deep corner as the shot play if the safety bites on the run fake.
Defensive Reads
Key the play side linebacker at the snap, since if he steps up hard on the run fake it confirms zone drops will be late and the underneath slide route will be wide open. Watch the deep safety on the trips side, since if he stays flat footed or bites on the fake the corner route will beat him over the top for a big play. Identify man coverage by checking if the cornerback on the trips outside receiver mirrors his release before the ball is snapped, since man coverage leaves the corner route vulnerable to a double move or leverage win. Against zone blitzes, the underneath slide route becomes the outlet since the QB can get the ball out quickly before the extra rusher closes. If the defense shows a lurk defender sitting in the shallow zone, avoid forcing the slide route and progress immediately to the backside dig or the deep corner shot instead.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion to identify if the defense shifts to man or stays static in zone, since the motion across the formation is built into this play to help diagnose the coverage shell before the snap.
Look for single high safety alignments before the snap, since that tells you the corner route on the trips side has a good chance to win over the top if the play fake holds the underneath defenders.
If the defense shows two deep safeties, work the dig route on the backside first since that intermediate window will be open against split safety shells.
Pair this play with Mtn Stick or Mtn Y Screen earlier in a drive so the defense respects the quick game and bites harder on the play-action fake when you call PA Mtn Slide later.
Use this on early downs or manageable third downs where the defense is more likely to sell out on the run action, since the play fake is the key to opening up the deep corner shot.
