Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Slant 18 lines up out of Singleback Y Off Trio with a trio bunch to one side and an isolated receiver to the other, but the diagram only shows the HB releasing out of the backfield on a quick slant into the underneath middle of the field. The three receivers stacked to the right and the single receiver to the left stay static in this look, meaning the coverage responsibility falls on how the defense reacts to the halfback leak. This is a quick game man beater designed to get the ball out fast to the HB against man coverage or blitz looks, with the primary read starting and ending on the HB slant since it is the only route drawn in the art.
Defensive Reads
Pre snap, check if the defense has a linebacker shaded over the backfield, since that defender is the primary threat to the HB slant If you see man coverage with a linebacker matched on the HB, expect the slant to convert quickly for an easy completion Zone shells with a linebacker sitting in the shallow hook zone can jump the HB slant if the quarterback stares it down Watch for a user controlled defender flowing down early to lurk the HB release, which is the biggest counter to this play Blitz packages that send extra rushers but leave the HB uncovered will get gashed by this quick throw, so respect the leak assignment
Usage Tips
Use this out of shotgun on early downs when you want a quick, safe throw against pressure looks
Check pre snap for man coverage on the HB, since linebackers in man will get beat instantly by the slant angle
If the defense shows blitz with a linebacker crashing downhill, get the ball out to the HB before the pocket collapses
Pair this with Four Verticals or PA Slide from the same set so the defense cannot sit on the quick HB slant every snap
Best used on third and short or second and medium when a high percentage completion moves the chains
