Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Y Throwback is a play-action shot play out of Singleback Wing Tight that sells run action before releasing the tight end on a deep throwback route across the field. Off the fake, the Y (tight end) crosses the field vertically to the opposite hash for the throwback shot, while the outside receiver runs a deep corner-breaking route and the flat/wing receiver runs an underneath crossing route to hold the second level. The primary read progression starts with the Y throwback as the shot play read, then works to the outside receiver on the deep breaking route if the throwback is covered, checking down to the underneath crosser as the last resort against pressure.
Defensive Reads
Watch for linebacker depth at the snap since shallow linebackers biting on the run fake open the Y throwback lane immediately. Identify single-high safety alignment pre-snap, as this usually signals man coverage that the throwback route can exploit with the crossing action. Key the play-side safety post-snap since a hard trigger on the run fake leaves the deep corner route wide open behind him. Look for a user-controlled defender flowing across the middle of the field, since a lurking user on the throwback route can jump the crosser and bait a turnover. Recognize zone blitz packages, since a delayed underneath zone drop can undercut the checkdown crosser while overloading the protection on the play fake.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs in run-heavy personnel counts to keep linebackers honest on the play-action fake before hitting the Y throwback behind them.
Check the middle of the field pre-snap: if you see single-high safety look for the throwback to work against man coverage since the crossing route creates natural separation.
Against two-high shells, be ready to pump fake off the Y throwback and progress to the deep corner route on the outside since safeties will sit on the crosser.
Pair this play with HB Inside Zone and 26 Duo earlier in a series so the play-action fake holds linebackers and opens the throwback lane.
If the pass rush wins fast off the edge, hot route the underneath crosser to sit and use it as a checkdown rather than forcing the deep throwback into pressure.
