Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Pump Go is a play-action shot play out of Singleback Tight Y Off (11 personnel) designed to hit a deep shot off a run fake. The play-side outside receiver runs a vertical Go route up the numbers while the backside receiver runs a deep crosser working all the way across the field, giving you a two-man deep shot combo on opposite hashes. The TE releases into a quick drag underneath through the middle of the field, and the HB checks down on a shallow out to the flat, giving the QB a built-in outlet if both verticals are covered. This is a man beater at its core, using the play-action pump fake to freeze linebackers and hold the safety just long enough for the Go route to win over the top.
Defensive Reads
Watch for two deep safeties pre-snap, since Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells give extra help over the top and take away the Go route window. If the defense shows Cover 3 with a single high safety, expect that safety to bite on the play-action fake, opening the deep Go route for a big play. Key on the flow of the linebackers after the snap, a hard crash toward the run fake means the TE drag and HB flat route will be wide open underneath. Watch corner alignment before the snap, tight press man coverage on the outside receiver signals a jump route or contested catch situation on the Go. User-controlled defenders sitting deep as a lurk threat can jump the crossing route, so track any manual defender drifting toward the middle of the field before releasing the ball.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs or in play-action friendly situations like second and short where linebackers are more likely to bite on the run fake.
Pre-snap, look for single high safety shells like Cover 1 or Cover 3, since the pump action holds that free safety and opens the Go route for a deep shot.
If the corner presses the outside receiver, consider hot routing the Go into a slant or fade adjustment to counter aggressive man coverage at the line.
Pair this with HB Dive or HB Stretch from the same set earlier in a series to sell the run fake and get defenders keying run fits before you come back with the deep shot.
Check the TE drag versus zone shells for an easy underneath completion if the deep routes are blanketed, and always have the HB flat route as your emergency outlet against a hard blitz.
