Playbooks

Stick

Stick Stick Concept Pass Play Block and Release Flat

Receiver routes

Depth-chart slots are shown as they line up in the base package for this set.

See this play with a team's players

Player	Side	Route
HB1	Middle	Block and Release Hook
TE2	Right	Flat
WR2	Left	Flat
WR1	Left	Stick Option
TE1	Right	Stick Option

Read progression

WR1 left, Stick Option
WR2 left, Flat
TE1 right, Stick Option
TE2 right, Flat
HB1, Block and Release HookCheck-down

Breakdown

Stick out of Singleback Wing Flex Close (12 personnel) shows a classic Stick concept from a two tight end look. Both outside receivers run vertical stems that break into deep comebacks toward the sideline, the slot tight end runs a quick stick route sitting at the sticks, and the other inline tight end releases up the seam before working back across the middle. The offensive line stays in to protect on a five man slide. This is a proven zone beater against Cover 2 and Cover 3 because the stick and seam routes create a natural high low read on the flat and hook defenders, but it also holds up against man coverage thanks to the immediate separation on the stick route. Primary progression starts with the stick route in the flat, then works to the seam crosser, and finally to either comeback route if the defense sits underneath.

Defensive Reads

Identify the middle linebacker depth at the snap: if he sits shallow and flows toward the stick route immediately, look off the flat and go straight to the seam crosser sitting behind him. Watch for a user controlled defender lurking in the shallow middle zone, since this play is vulnerable to a spy or rat linebacker jumping the stick and seam crossing routes. Against Cover 3, key the flat defender's drop: if he sinks too far to cover the stick route, the comeback route behind him becomes an easy pitch and catch throw. Against man coverage with no safety help over the top, the comeback routes on both sides are the go to answer since the receivers create separation on the break. Beware of a Cover 4 or Cover 6 shell with corners playing outside leverage, since this can bait the quarterback into throwing the comeback route into a jumping defender, so double check corner depth before pulling the trigger.

Usage Tips

Use this on third and short to third and medium since the stick route and seam crosser both settle in underneath zones at the sticks.

Check the pre snap safety alignment: if you see two high safeties sitting deep, expect Cover 2 or Cover 4 and prioritize the stick route into the flat before the corner sinks.

If the defense shows a single high safety, be ready to work the comeback route on the boundary side since Cover 3 corners will often be forced to squat on shorter zones and open a window deep outside.

Hot route the backside comeback into a quick out or slant against aggressive man corners who play tight technique, since the comeback breaks late and can get undercut by a jumped route.

Pair this play with HB Dive or HB Duo from the same set to keep linebackers honest on early downs, then come back to Stick on third down once the defense starts crashing down on run action.