Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Stick from Singleback Doubles North is a classic Stick concept run to both sides of the formation, giving the quarterback a mirrored read at the snap. The diagram shows both outside receivers running quick outs to the boundary, both inside slot receivers sitting down on stick routes at the sticks, and the number 1 receiver to the boundary side pushing vertical on a go route to clear space underneath. This is a rhythm timing throw designed to beat both man and zone coverage, with the primary read progression working from the stick route to the flat route on either side depending on where the coverage leans presnap.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flat defenders and curl to flat zone dropbacks since the stick route sits directly in that window and is the first read for the quarterback. Cover 3 defenses struggle with this concept because the flat defender has to choose between the stick and the flat route, so look for the user to jump one side. Man coverage with no safety help over the top gets exposed by the vertical clear out route, so watch for a corner biting on the stick route to jump the throw. Blitz heavy fronts can rush this concept quickly since the quarterback needs time to work through both stick reads, so time the pass rush to force an early throw. If the defense shows two deep safeties presnap, expect the underneath zones to be more crowded, making the quick stick to the boundary the higher percentage throw.
Usage Tips
Presnap, identify which side of the formation has a single high safety or two deep shell to decide which stick and flat combo to prioritize.
Use the outside go route as a clear out against man coverage to open the flat and stick routes underneath.
Hot route the backside stick into a quick slant if you diagnose a hard corner blitz off the edge presnap.
This play works best on third and short to medium since both stick routes settle in soft spots for an easy first down conversion.
Pair Stick with Drag In or Curl Drag from this same set to keep the defense honest against both quick game and intermediate crossers.
