Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Sprint HB Flat runs off a play-action fake out of Singleback Wing Slot with 12 personnel, selling the run before the quarterback sprints out to the flat side. Off the fake, the two outside receivers push vertical routes up the seams while the inline TE runs a shallow flat route into the sprint direction and the HB releases on a shorter flat route underneath, creating a natural high low read to the flat side. This is a play-action sprint out designed to attack zone defenses that bite on the run fake, with the primary read progression starting on the flat route (HB) then working up to the TE flat and finally the vertical seam routes if the QB has time on the move.
Defensive Reads
Pre snap, identify if the defense has a linebacker or slot corner sitting flat footed near the line, since that defender is the primary threat to jump the HB flat route. Look for single high safety shells (Cover 3 or Cover 1) since the vertical seam routes can split zone defenders if the corners bail early on the snap. Post snap, key on the flat defender to the sprint out side, if he sinks with the TE flat route the HB underneath becomes wide open. Watch for a user controlled defender spying the QB on the sprint out, since aggressive blitz packages with an unblocked edge rusher can force an early, inaccurate throw. Cover 2 shells with linebackers sitting in shallow zones can shut this down quickly if they read the play action fake and stay disciplined on the flat routes.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage when defenses are more likely to respect the run fake from Singleback personnel.
Check pre snap for two high safety shells since the sprint out with flood concepts to one side stresses zone defenses that cannot rotate fast enough.
Hot route the backside seam receiver into a deeper crossing route if you see man coverage, since the sprint out naturally buys the QB extra time to let that route develop.
Pair this play with HB Dive or Inside Zone Split from the same set to keep defenses honest on the play action fake before dialing this up on a money down.
Combine this call with PA Boot TE Leak or PA Boot Y Sail from the same set to keep the defense guessing on which side the sprint out or boot action will attack.
