Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn Flood out of Strong I Y Off Close is a vertical flood concept that stacks three levels to one side of the field. The X receiver runs a deep dig across the middle, the flanker motions and clears out on a deep over, the TE releases outside on a corner route, and the FB runs a flat route underneath to complete the flood. This is a classic Cover 3 beater that overloads the sideline with three distinct levels, forcing the deep third defender to choose and opening a window for the primary read.
Defensive Reads
Diagnose the coverage shell before the snap by watching the corner over the flanker, if he sits at the line and does not run with the motion man you are likely seeing zone coverage. Once the ball is snapped, key the flat defender to see if he widens with the FB route or stays home to jump the corner route from the TE. Watch for a robber or lurk defender sitting in the shallow middle who can undercut the dig route from the X receiver if he reads the quarterback's eyes. This concept struggles against a hard Cover 4 quarters shell with disciplined deep defenders since the flood routes stretch into two deep defenders rather than one deep third defender. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge can disrupt this play since the deep routes take a full three-step or five-step drop to develop, so watch the pre-snap alignment of the outside linebackers for signs of an edge rush.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to identify if the defense is playing man or zone, if the defender follows the motion man across the formation you are facing man coverage. Against Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells, key the flat defender first since the FB route into the flat is your low read and the corner route from the TE is the high-low winner if the corner sits. Hot route the backside receiver into a quick out or slant if you see blitz pressure showing pre-snap since the deep routes take time to develop. This play works best on 2nd and medium to long or 3rd and long when you need a defined sideline concept against zone drops. Pair this with Mtn PA Counter or PA Boot X Shot in your play-calling sequence to keep defenders honest on the run fake before hitting them with this flood look.
