Playbooks
Depth-chart slots are shown as they line up in the base package for this set.
| Player | Side | Route |
|---|---|---|
| HB1 | Middle | Flat |
| FB1 | Left | Wheel |
| WR1 | Left | Deep Cross |
| WR2 | Right | Corner |
| TE1 | Right | Block and Release Hook |
PA Sprint HB Flat is a play-action rollout out of Singleback Deuce Close Tilt that sells the run fake before rolling the quarterback out to the flat side, shrinking the field but simplifying reads. The HB releases into the flat as a quick outlet while the backside routes work a deep out or corner and a dig to stretch zone defenders vertically and horizontally. This is primarily a zone beater against teams that overplay the run with linebackers stepping up, since the rollout gets the quarterback outside the tackle box with easy access to the flat and intermediate breaking routes. The primary read progression starts with the HB flat route on the boundary the quarterback rolls to, then works up to the intermediate out or corner route if the flat defender sinks or the flat is jumped.
Pre-snap, check safety depth and leverage, since two deep safeties signal zone drops that let you climb from the HB flat to the intermediate breaking route with confidence. Watch the flat defender's positioning at the snap, if he crashes hard on the play-action run fake, the HB flat route will be wide open for an easy pitch and catch. Key the playside linebacker's reaction to the fake handoff, a linebacker who steps up into the box confirms the run fake is working and opens the intermediate window behind him. This concept struggles against Cover 3 sky or Cover 1 man pressure with a spy, since the flat defender in Cover 3 often sits on shorter throws and man coverage can trail the HB flat route step for step. Post-snap, be alert for a user-controlled defender lurking underneath the intermediate route, since a smart user flat player can jump the HB route and bait the quarterback into a turnover if the fake did not sell.
Use this on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage when defenses are keying run from Singleback 21 personnel, since the play-action freeze on linebackers opens up easy yards after catch on the HB flat route.
Identify two high safety shells before the snap, since Cover 2 and Cover 4 defenders will bite less on the run fake and the flat defender is more likely to sit, so be ready to climb the ladder to the deeper out or corner route instead of forcing the checkdown.
Hot route the backside receiver into a shallow drag or slot if you are facing aggressive man pressure, giving the quarterback a rhythm throw away from the rollout side if the play-action fake does not hold the defense.
Pair this play with Mtn PA Flood or PA Boot Slide from the same set so the defense cannot sit on rollout tendencies, alternating boot direction to keep second level defenders honest and slow their run fits.
Avoid calling this on third and long since the rollout limits the quarterback's ability to reset his platform against pressure, and the route concepts are built more for manipulating underneath zone defenders than beating heavy man coverage downfield.