Playbooks

Smash

Singleback·U Off Stack·12

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Breakdown

Smash out of Singleback U Off Stack is a classic zone beater built around the high low read on one side of the field. The concept pairs a hitch or corner route from the outside receiver with a quick out or flat route underneath from the stacked receiver or tight end, creating a two level stretch on the cornerback and flat defender. With 12 personnel on the field the extra tight end helps sell run action and adds protection, giving the quarterback time to work the primary read from the underneath flat route to the deep corner sitting behind it.

Defensive Reads

Identify whether the cornerback is playing off man or zone before the snap. Off coverage with outside leverage invites the underneath flat throw immediately. Watch the flat defender post snap. If he sinks with the flat route, the window for the corner route opens up behind him and that becomes the primary target. Against Cover 3, the deep third defender must choose between the corner route and any vertical threat from the tight end, so read his hips to determine which route is open. Beware of Cover 6 or quarters shells with an aggressive safety sitting on the numbers, since a user controlled defender can jump the corner route and bait a turnover. If the defense shows a two man under or nano blitz look with linebackers crashing the box, get the ball out fast on the flat route before the protection breaks down.

Usage Tips

Use this play against Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells where the corner route can settle into the void between the flat defender and the deep half safety.

Check the cornerback depth pre snap. If he is playing tight man coverage with no safety help over the top, hot route the corner route into a fade or flag to win outside.

On third and medium situations, work the underneath out route first since most zone defenders will sink to protect the deep corner, leaving a natural rhythm throw.

Pair Smash with Inside Zone and HB Wk Toss in your play calling sequence so the tight end run action forces linebackers to bite downhill, opening passing lanes on the corner route.

If the defense shows two high safeties pre snap, expect a smash concept beater since Smash naturally attacks the seam between the corner and safety in quarters shells.

Other Plays in U Off Stack