Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Slide out of Pro Split Backs is a play-action shot play built off a run fake to sell the linebackers and safeties downhill before the quarterback pulls and rolls out. The backside receiver runs a deep dig that slides across the middle underneath the two vertical routes on the play side, while the outside receiver on that side stems into a deep corner route and the inside receiver climbs the seam vertically, creating a natural high low stretch on any deep defender. The flat route underneath gives a checkdown option if the play action holds the front seven, and the primary read progression starts with the seam runner, works to the deep corner if a safety bites on the play fake, then comes back to the sliding dig or the flat as the outlet.
Defensive Reads
Watch the free safety at the snap, if he stays home in the middle of the field it is likely two high and the corner route will be tight, favor the dig or flat. Key the play side linebacker depth before the snap, if he is sitting shallow expecting run he will get sucked up by the play fake and open the seam and dig lanes. Identify man coverage by tight corner alignment on the outside receiver, PA Slide's deep corner and seam combo stresses man defenders who have to run with routes without safety help over the top. Look for a user controlled defender lurking in the middle third, a smart user will sit on the dig route since it crosses through the richest part of the field, so double check that lane before pulling the trigger. Recognize zone blitz disguises by counting rushers post snap, if extra defenders drop into coverage after showing blitz the deep routes may be a longer developing conflict but the flat route becomes a fast, safe answer.
Usage Tips
Run this from run heavy personnel and early down and distance so the play fake actually influences linebackers and box safeties.
Check pre snap for two high shells, if the safeties stay deep and level the corner route is going to be contested so plan on working the sliding dig instead.
Use the vertical seam route as your first look versus single high looks because it forces the free safety to choose between the seam and the corner.
Hot route the flat runner into a quick out if you see man coverage with no underneath help, that gives you a rhythm throw away from the blitz.
Pair this with HB Off Tackle or FB Belly earlier in a drive so the run action on PA Slide actually holds second level defenders, then mix in Curl Flat or Quick Outs afterward to keep the defense honest on shorter routes.
