Playbooks
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Z Post Y Out is a man beater out of Singleback Ace 12 personnel that attacks the middle of the field with a two level stretch. The Z runs a post to occupy the deep safety and any lurking linebacker, while the Y (TE) breaks outside on an out route to sit in the void underneath, giving you a high low read against man coverage on the same side. Primary progression starts with the Z post if you see one high safety or a rotated coverage shell, then comes down to the Y out as your quick underneath answer if the post window closes.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the safety is aligned deep middle in a one high shell, which signals the post has a tougher path and the Y out becomes your primary answer. Watch for cornerback press alignment on the Z, since press man coverage delays the release and makes the post timing harder to execute. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker or nickel defender assigned to the TE, because if that defender sinks into a zone drop instead of chasing the Y out, the underneath window shrinks fast. User controlled defenders sitting in the deep middle third or playing a lurk technique will bait quarterbacks into throwing the post into coverage, so respect that threat if you see a defender hovering near the seam. Cover 3 and Cover 4 shells with disciplined zone drops can shut this down by taking away both levels, so be ready to check into a run or a different quick game concept if the defense shows heavy zone matchups.
Usage Tips
Check pre-snap for single high versus two high safety alignment before the snap, since the Z post only has room to work if the deep safety cannot sit directly in the throwing lane.
If you see man coverage indicators like tight press corners or a linebacker shaded over the TE, throw the post with anticipation before the safety can close the window.
Hot route the backside receiver on a slant or drag to give yourself a checkdown against zone heavy shells where the post gets taken away by a deep safety.
Use this play on second and medium or third and short to medium distances, since the Y out route gives you a reliable underneath conversion if the post is covered.
Pair this call with Fl Corner or PA Post Dig earlier in a drive so the defense respects the post shot, then come back to Z Post Y Out to hit the out route when defenders start jumping the deep routes.
