Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Stretch Shot fakes the outside zone stretch run action before releasing four receivers into a vertical shot concept. Off the run fake, the two inside receivers cross into deep posts/streaks working from the middle of the field, the outside receiver on the left runs a straight seam/go up the boundary, and the back releases into a flat route as the underneath check down. This is a play-action shot play built to punish run-fit aggression, with the primary read progression starting on the deep crossing routes (whichever inside route clears the safety first) before working down to the flat route against underneath defenders who bite on the run fake.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify single high safety looks (Cover 1 or Cover 3) since the crossing routes will have a soft landing spot behind linebackers who bite on the play fake. Watch linebacker depth and alignment before the snap, if they are stacked close to the line expecting run support, the crossing routes will have wide open throwing lanes. Post-snap, key the flow of the second level defenders, if they step up hard on the zone stretch fake, both crossing routes should clear the middle of the field with room. This play struggles against Cover 4 or Cover 2 shells with two deep safeties, since both deep safeties can rob the crossing routes and force a checkdown to the flat. Beware of user linebackers spying the play fake or sitting in a lurk technique in the middle of the field, since they can undercut the shallow crossing routes if the fake does not sell.
Usage Tips
Sell the run fake by letting the animation play out fully before pulling the trigger on your first read.
Use this against defenses that show heavy run support or aggressive linebacker/safety flow toward the stretch action pre-snap.
Hot route the flat route to a drag or spot route if you expect a zone shell that will squat underneath the crossing routes.
Pair this with HB Stretch and Mtn HB Stretch earlier in a series so the defense keys run action and starts flowing hard, setting up the shot play as a counter punch.
Best called on early downs (1st or 2nd and manageable) when defenses are more willing to play the run, and avoid obvious passing downs where linebackers sit back in coverage.
Look off single high safeties by staring down the flat route briefly before snapping your eyes to the crossing routes to manipulate user defenders.
