Sick Offense (7 and 8 man)

Even if you are in a blocking league, this is an offense I think you will want to use. It is the latest in the
evolution of offense and a nightmare to defend! It's very different, but very effective and extremely explosive.

Execution is important and it requires more plays than some of the other packages, but it is worth it! If you
really want to be unstoppable, this is the best offense out there!
 Formation

Y B B Y
Z Z

This formation may not look that unusual, but what look like offensive linemen are actually
receivers. Personnel-wise, you will be using one QB and 7 (or 6 for 7man leagues) wide
receivers.

The B receivers line up a yard to each side of the center, just a half yard of the line. The Y
receivers line up a yard or two inside of each sideline, right on the line of scrimmage. The Z
receivers line up a yard or two behind the Y receivers.

The QB lines up around 7 yards or so behind the Center.

For 7 man, simply get rid of one of the Z receivers.

 Presnap Reads

Y B B Y
Z Z

The alignment of the B receivers so close to the center should force the rusher(s) to choose a
side of the formation to rush from, thus giving away presnap where the rush is coming from. The
QB should note the location of the rush and audible the play side opposite of the rush. In the
example above, the QB would audible the play to the right.

Look at the defenders in the middle of the field. There should be 4 defenders there. Most likely
these 4 defenders will be asymmetrical, so if in doubt call the play to the side with the fewest
defenders.

Always check each stack (Y and Z) to each side presnap to make sure there are two defenders
in the area to cover them. If you think either of those defenders are wanting to cheat inside or
there are less than two defenders out there, then target the Y/Z route combination after the
snap.
 Presnap Reads

Y B B Y
Z Z

And finally, check to see if there is a deep safety. If there is a deep safety in the middle of the
field, then one of the receivers is uncovered. In the diagram above, it is one of the inside bunch
(the center and both B receivers) that will be uncovered. Audible to a play that takes advantage
of this.
 QB rollout

Y B B Y
Z Z

The QB will almost always be rolling out to the playside away from the rush. The QB can simply
roll out that way after the snap, he can wait until the rusher actually gets close and then sprint
out, or he can fake to the backside for a step or two and then sprint out the opposite direction
(as is shown in the diagram above). He should mix up what he does to keep the defense
honest. If he has enough space, he should eventually turn up toward the LOS so that his
shoulders are square to the LOS.

It's very important that the QB not try to throw the ball on the run (unless it's a really short pass)!
Instead, he must get his shoulders square to the line and make sure he has no horizontal
momentum (either from turning up toward the LOS or by coming to a stop), then step into the
throw. You don't want an inaccurate pass. Passing on the run leads to an inaccurate pass which
leads to interceptions and incompletions. Even most NFL QB's can't throw accurately on the run
like that.
 Plays vs Zone
These are plays to call or audible to if the defense tries to play some kind of a zone defense
against you. They can run either a cover 2 (two safeties) or cover 3 (three safeties). The plays
that are essential have a bolded play name, the others are optional.

There's also a type of man coverage called a “banjo” coverage which means there's a defender
lined up on the outside of each side of a bunch and another defender lined up over the top. The
left outside defender man covers whichever receiver ends up running the left-most route. The
right outside defender man covers whichever receiver ends up running the right-most route. And
the middle defender stays over the top and man covers whoever runs the deepest route.

This type of coverage allows man coverage without worrying about getting picked/rubbed off
during the first part of the routes. Be on the lookout for this kind of coverage. The plays with an *
by the play name are also effective in beating this type of banjo coverage.
 UNDER*
5

2
1 4

Y B B Y
Z Z

The UNDER and OVER are your two most important weapons against zone (with
FLOOD/LEVELS a strong second). Not only does UNDER work against zone, it's important to
use if you see one of the two stack defenders being used as a safety (like in the diagram
above). You don't want defenses to get by with this tactic!!!

UNDER works against both a cover 2 and a cover 3, but is more effective vs cover 3 so as long
as they are in cover 3 call this play a bit more than OVER.

The Ys take a step upfield and break inside on a very flat slant and the Zs run 5 yard stop
routes on the sideline. The Center runs a 5 yard stop route and the B's run 3 yards then break
outside at 45 degrees looking for a quick pass out of the break, and if they don't get the pass
continue deep toward the sideline at about 20 yards depth.
 UNDER*
5
(QB reads)

2
1 4

Y B B Y
Z Z

The QB first reads the Center and passes to him if open. If not, he rolls out to whichever side is
easiest and reads the routes from inside out looking for open grass. If all are covered, pass
deep to the B. The reads are quick, look to see if there's space to get the ball to the receiver
and if not, move on!

The trickiest part of the reads are the second and third reads because they are actually splitting
a zone. The pass to the B on the second read is a pass in stride upfield a couple steps out of
his break, it should hit him in the area between the underneath zones and deep zones. If you
are having trouble with the spacing, either the Y/Z stack is lined up too far inside or the timing of
the reads need to be sped up (you don't want the Y too close to the middle of the field when he
gets the pass).

The great thing about these reads is that by going in to out, it works perfectly with the roll out!
 UNDER*
3
(“GO” tag)
2

Y B B Y
Z Z

If you are going against a cover 2 defense, you'll eventually want to throw in this “GO” tag for a
pretty easy TD. The center runs his 5 yard stop and turns his shoulders and head completely
toward the QB, then explodes upfield.

The QB first reads the Center on the stop part of his route just like before and can even pump
fake to him if he wants, then looks to pass deep to him down the middle of the field. If the safety
is in the way, pass deep to the B receiver.
 OVER*

Y B B Y
Z Z

In contrast to UNDER, OVER is more effective against cover 2, but can be run against cover 3
as well. So, run both, but if the defense is primarily in cover 2 then call OVER a bit more.

The Center runs a 5 yard stop, the backside B runs a skinny post up the middle of the field, and
the playside B runs to a spot in the slot at 5 yards depth and settles down in the open window.

The playside Y releases outside (don't use any stack calls in this play) and stops at 5 yards
depth. The playside Z releases inside and runs a deep route working his way back to the
sideline. The backside Y/Z run the default routes. It's important for the playside stack receivers
to run their routes like this to increase the chances that the deep route will be the one that's
open (many cover 2 corners are taught to stay with the outside route if he goes deep).
 OVER*
(Cover 3 Reads)

1 3
2

Y B B Y
Z Z

It'll help make the reads easier for the QB if he can figure out cover 2 vs cover 3 presnap. If it's
cover 3, the reads are easy. Just read the 3 underneath routes and pass to the one who is most
open.
 OVER*
3
(Cover 2 Reads)
2

1 4

Y B B Y
Z Z

The cover 2 reads are a little harder. The QB reads the receivers in a circle starting with the
center, then the two deep routes. If both are covered, pass to the Y underneath.

The reads should be quick. If the receiver isn't wide open, move on.
 1
FLOOD* 1

2 2

Y B B Y
Z Z

The playside B runs 5 yards and breaks outside at about a 40-45 degree angle deep outside
while the backside B takes a step forward and then breaks playside. The center runs a 5 yard
stop route (he can also go deep up the middle of the field if he sees the stop won't be open but
the streak will).

As in most of these plays, the Y receivers run deep streaks, and the Z receivers run a few yards
and then stop. This is the default assignment for these two and it's what they'll do unless
instructed otherwise.

The QB reads the playside safety and looks to pass to whichever deep route he isn't in position
to cover. If that deep route is covered, then he should look to pass to the receiver underneath to
that side.

So, for example, if the safety is covering the B receiver, the QB will look to pass to the Y
receiver deep. If the Y receiver is covered, he should look to pass to the Z receiver. Conversely,
if the safety was covering the Y receiver, the QB would look to pass to the playside B, then if he
was covered, would check down to the backside B receiver underneath.
 LEVELS*
1

2
2

Y B B Y
Z Z

This play is similar, but is better against cover 3.

The playside B runs a seam route straight up the field, the Center takes a step or two upfield
then breaks playside running parallel to the LOS (and settles down in the slot). The backside B
runs a drag route aiming to a spot exactly between the two deep routes at about 10 yards
depth.

The QB reads are the exact same as the FLOOD, only the receivers running the routes are a bit
different. The QB first reads the playside outside safety and looks to pass to whichever deep
route he can't cover (the Y streak or the B drag). If both are covered, check down to the center.
 LEVELS 2*
1

2
2

Y B B Y
Z Z

Here's another way to run the LEVELS play that you might like better. Or you could mix both in
to keep the defense confused.

The backside B runs a really skinny post deep. The playside B now runs a corner route, aiming
to the same point the backside B did in the original version of the play. The reads are the same
for the QB, except if there are only 2 safeties, in which case he should keep the corner of his
eye out for the skinny post up the middle of the field which very well might be open for a big TD.
 CURLS*

2 2

Y B B Y
Z Z

In this play, the Center takes a step and breaks playside and settles down in the slot. The
backside B runs a really skinny post again. The playside B runs upfield and curls into the heart
of the window outside the pocket at about 10 yards. The Y runs a streak and the Z runs a curl
route just inside of the sideline at about 10 yards.

The QB reads the two underneath defenders playside and see if either come up to cover the
center. If neither do, pass to the center. If either come up to cover him, pass to the open curl
behind him.
 DUCK

1 2 4

Y B B Y
Z Z

This is similar to the previous two plays, but has a bit different flavor to it. The Center takes a
step forward and breaks to the backside. The playside B takes a step past the LOS then breaks
outside, settling into the slot if it's open. The backside B runs 5 yards then breaks playside.

The QB quickly reads the two quick out routes to see if either are open. If not, he rolls playside
and reads the backside B. Use the Z as a last resort.
 SPEED
4

2
x
Y B B Y
Z Z

The B receivers each run quick 1 to 2 yard speed out routes and the center runs a 5 yard stop
route. The Y runs straight to the spot just underneath where the safety lined up and settles
down there. The Z receiver runs a streak up the sideline.

The QB immediately fakes a pass to the backside speed out, then rolls out reading the
receivers left to right (center, playside B, Y, Z)
 OUTS

1 2

Y B B Y
Z Z

This is a good play to use any time you see less than 4 defenders covering the middle bunch.
The B's take a couple steps and then break outside at about a 50 degree angle. The Center
runs a 5 yard stop route.

The QB first reads the backside B and will pass to him if he has good outside leverage on the
defender. If not, he rolls out and quickly reads the playside B. If he is covered, he should pass
quickly to the Center.
 HOOKS

1
2 2 3

Y B B Y
Z Z

Not only is this one of the most basic ways to beat a cover 3 defense, it also complements one
of the most important plays (UNDER).

The Y's run deep right at the safeties to occupy them. The Center runs a 5 yard hook and the B
receivers sprint outside the pocket trying to get to 5 yards and hook, but continue drifting
outside. The Z receivers run 5 yard hook routes near the sideline.

The QB first reads the center to see if he's open. If he's not he must roll out to the side that the
LB covering the center came from. As he rolls out, he reads the hook routes and passes to the
one that's open.
 Stack Route Combinations
You should also have some plays that focus on the stack receivers. In these plays, the focus is
on the stack route combination with the inside bunch receivers running a default route
combinations which should only be read if the defense is using less than 3 defenders (not
counting the rusher) to cover them.

The plays that are essential have a bolded play name, the others are optional.
 “flip” and “flop” calls

Y “flip” Y “flop” Y no call

Z Z Z

The reason defending a stack is difficult is because you don't know which route is going inside
and which is going outside, and if you choose incorrectly, you can be shielded by the other
receiver and bumped off your route.

To take advantage of this, there are a few calls the receivers can make to drive the coverage
nuts while not affecting the QB's reads at all. In fact, the QB doesn't need to know what call the
stack receivers have, so the two receivers can just make the call themselves at the line.

If there is no call, both receivers just release straight upfield until their break. With “flip”, the Y
releases outside and the Z releases inside. “flop” is the opposite – the Y releases inside and the
Z releases outside.
 “up-flip,” “flip-flop,” and “switch” calls

Y “up-flip” Y “flip-flop” Y “flop”

Z Z “switch” Z “switch”

To further mix things up, there are two more calls, and you can make combinations of them.

“up” simply means the receivers take a couple steps straight ahead before either flipping or
flopping.

“switch” means the two receivers swap routes. However, I would only use this when they have
the default route combination (as is shown in the diagram above).

“flip-flop” means exactly what you'd expect it to mean. The receivers take one step like they are
flipping but then break hard the opposite way to flop. “flop-flip” is the exact opposite.

NOTE: Save “flop”, “flip-flop”, and “up” calls for when you know the QB is going to be going to
the stack receivers on the play. And if you are going against zone coverage there's no need to
get over complicated in your calls.
 YING
3

Y B B Y
Z Z

The default route combination for the inside bunch is for the backside B to run a seam route up
the middle of the field and the other two receivers to run 5 yard stop routes just a couple yards
outside of where they lined up.

One big advantage of having the stack receivers so far wide is it gives you a lot of space to run
wicked slant and quick in routes! These are VERY difficult to cover, yet easy to complete
(provided the coverage is lined up outside with the receivers). There are two combinations you
can use. YING and YANG.

In YING, the Y receivers about 8-10 yards and then break HARD inside at about 50-55 degrees.
The Z receivers run to the LOS and then break hard inside at about 75 degrees (really flat).

The QB chooses a side and reads the two receivers, passing to whichever is most open. Try to
hit the receiver in stride to maximize yards after the catch! If playing against a zone, read the
playside B (or C if rolling out to the left) to make sure he's covered before reading the stack
receivers.
 YANG
3

Y B B Y
Z Z

YANG is similar, but the routes are switched. The Y receiver takes a couple steps and then
breaks hard inside almost parallel to the LOS (but gaining a little bit of ground). The Z receiver
runs a deep streak up the sideline.
 TWIST 2

Y B B Y
Z Z

This is a potentially the hardest route combination from stack to cover, especially with a “flip”
call (see the left stack in the diagram above). In addition to being great against man coverage,
it's also one of the best plays to run against zone coverage. And it works against cover 2 as well
as cover 3.

The Y breaks inside at 7-8 yards depth aiming for the area where a cover 2 safety would line up.
His break will be flatter than a post, around 70 degrees. If the area around where a cover 2
safety would line up is open (zone defense), settle down there. The Z runs a streak up the
sideline, outside of the Y receiver.

The B's run one yard out routes into the flats and the Center runs 5 yards and then follows the
QB.

The QB reads the Y first, then the Z, then the B underneath.

 TWIST 2
(vs a cheating safety)
3

Y B B Y
Z Z

If the defense is running a cover 3 and the middle safety is cheating to the side the QB is rolling
out to, this can create a problem for you.

To stop this, tell the backside B to run a seam route up the middle of the field. Run the play just
like before, but instead of reading the playside B underneath for the 3 rd read, pass deep to the
backside B for a TD!
 2
STOP N GO

Y B B Y
Z Z

You can see from the diagram how hairy this would be to cover. But, for the offense, it's actually
very simple. It's just like the TWIST combination, except the receivers fake the default route
combination first. The Z breaks outside on a streak down the sideline after running his stop
route. It's important he actually complete his stop route, including looking back to the QB, before
breaking upfield. The Y fakes the streak up the sideline before breaking inside.

The B's and C do the same as TWIST.

NOTE: In the diagram the left stack is running a “flip” call, while the right stack is running a “flop”
call.

The QB rolls out and fakes to the stop route (this is optional) then reads the three routes just
like TWIST.
 2
KIWI

3
1

Y B B Y
Z Z

Here's another really hard combination to stop! This play will also work vs zone, provided you
make sure the playside B is covered before reading the stack receivers.

The Y runs a streak, but he runs it inside of where he lined up. So, if running a flip, he must
release inside after the flip (see the left stack in the diagram) before turning upfield. If running a
flop, he can just break straight upfield after the flop (see the right stack).

The Z releases outside of the Y receiver (if flip, he must break toward the sideline after the flip.
If flop, just turn straight upfield after the flop), and then at about 6-8 yards depth he breaks back
inside parallel to the LOS.

The QB first reads the playside B (or C if rolling out to the left) to make sure he's covered. Then
he reads the two receivers, passing to whichever the safety is in worse position to cover. Most
likely, it'll be the Z who is open.
 3
COMEBACK

Y B B Y
Z Z

In this play, the Y runs upfield for about 10-12 yards, then breaks back toward the QB. The Z
runs deep up the sideline. The QB looks to pass the comeback as soon as he breaks toward
him. If he's covered, pass it deep.

If the defense is playing zone coverage, the QB should read the playside B (or C if rolling out to
the left) first to make sure he's covered.
 Beating a cheating MLB

Y B B Y
Z Z

To beat a zone defense in these stack plays, the QB makes sure the playside B (or C if rolling
out to the left) is covered before reading the stack receivers. If the B is open, the QB should
pass to him. But, what if the defense is in a cover 2 and it's actually the MLB who cheats over
and covers the B??

You need to be aware of this. The player covering the B should either be right over him or
coming in from the outside! If he's coming from the inside, that means the backside B should be
open on his seam route up the middle.
 Beating Multiple Rushers
What do you do if a defense brings two rushers? If they are in man coverage, then someone is
going to be uncovered, because they are essentially blitzing someone's defender. The only way
they can responsibly rush two is by playing zone behind it.
 Y B B Y
Z Z

If you are going to see two rushers with zone behind it, it'll probably look something similar to
this. They might try to get one of the rushers in the gap between center and B, but I don't know
why. If you see presnap that there are multiple rushers, there are a couple of plays you can
audible to. We'll get to those in a minute.

First off, let's look at how to avoid the rush and buy time.
The vast majority of rushers are not coached correctly on the proper angles to take and you'll
often be able to escape the pocket one side of the field or the other. It just takes one rusher to
be too far inside or rushing too aggressively.

If the QB is going to make a quick pass, he can just drop back a couple of steps and get the ball
out of his hands before the rushers even get there. Otherwise, he is going to have to elude the
rush to buy an additional second or two.

The diagram above shows the most common mistake. The rushers should be aiming outside of
the QB and pursuing him from the outside in at about a 45 degree angle (the gray lines).
However, most rushers rush straight at the QB at full speed. This is the worst thing a rusher can
do. Similarly, the rushers may aim outside the QB a little, but not enough and rush too
aggressively (the red lines above).

In both cases, all the QB has to do is sprint hard out to the side the rusher is coming from and
the rusher will be taken out of the play as long as the QB is running. The closer the rusher is to
the QB when he makes his move, the more he'll be taken out of the play. It's like judo, you're
using his momentum against him.
The other mistake rushers will make (although less common, and usually just due to an attempt
to stop the QB escaping to one side or the other) is to aim too far outside the QB. In the
diagram above, the rusher on the right is pursuing the QB from outside to inside but he is not at
a 45 degree angle. The rusher on the left is rushing straight in but aiming too far to the outside.

When this happens, the QB should sprint straight up into the pocket. Don't worry about a rusher
reaching out and pulling your flag. If you sprint hard it'll be very difficult for a rusher sprinting the
opposite way to successfully pull your flag, especially if you swivel your hips back and forth as
you pass through the gap). He'll almost always miss. After stepping up past the rush, if there's
room to run, he should do so, otherwise he should try to find the open receiver in the middle
right in front of him. He should only need a second to locate the uncovered receiver and
stepping up should give him at least that.

Practice this until the QB gets the feel for it. Avoiding the rush is the most important part of this
offense and if you can't do that you'll be in trouble.
Another thing the QB can do that will really help is to sprint out immediately after taking the
snap! Even if the rushers are taking proper pursuit angles this will buy the QB an extra second
or two which should be enough to locate the uncovered receiver. The disadvantage is obviously
limiting the QB to the receivers on that side of the field.
If you see one or both of the rushers start to slow play the QB to avoid being taken out of the
play, don't worry. This is a good thing. They are giving you some extra time. Remember, you
only need at most a second or two extra to find the open receiver. And you only need one
rusher to be too aggressive or take the wrong angle, as you can see in the diagram.
 (Quick) YING

1 1

Y B B Y
Z Z

One audible you can use is a quick version of YING. With the quick version, there are no stack
calls. The Y receiver runs a streak instead of a post and the Z takes a step or two to the LOS
and then breaks hard inside.

The QB looks to get the ball to one of the slants right out of his break, making sure to pass to
him somewhat in stride so that he can continue running inside where there should be a big void.
At least one side should have a big open void where the slant is run to so locate it right before
the snap.
 (Quick) YANG

1 1

Y B B Y
Z Z

Conversely, you could also do a quick YANG instead. It's not disguised as well so the nearest
defender will react quicker to it which might make it a bit more risky, but the slant will develop
quicker. The Y runs the slant (either have him immediately into the slot, or have him take a step
upfield before breaking inside) and the Z runs the streak.
 TWIX

Y B B Y
Z Z

In this play you are covered even if the defense decides not to rush, it also allows you to get the
ball out really quickly. It's called TWIX because it's kind of a combination of TWIST and QUICK.

The Center and playside B sprint to the slot as quickly as they can, gaining at most a yard or
two. The backside B runs a seam route up the middle of the field, angling slightly inside. The
stack receivers run the Twist combination.

The QB reads the three inside receivers knowing if there are rushers one will be uncovered. If
either LB doesn't widen to cover the quick out routes, pass to the out route in stride. If both LB
widen, pass a bullet in stride to the seam route making sure to lead him upfield so he doesn't
have to slow down. If you have to, roll out to the playside to get an extra second. The routes are
simple enough he should be able to throw them on the run if he has to.

If the second rusher ends up not rushing, read one set of the stack receivers just like the TWIST
play!
 SPLIT

2
Y B B Y
Z Z

This is my favorite audible to use against a second rusher. It can result in a really big play!

The playside B runs to the slot just like the previous play. The Center runs upfield angling
toward the playside at about 15-20 degrees looking for a fairly quick pass. The backside B runs
5 yards like he's running a seam route then breaks toward the backside safety and looks to
settle in the biggest hole he can find. The backside Y runs a streak and the Z takes a quick step
forward, then sprints to about 7 or 8 yards behind the LOS in the slot.

The QB gets the ball and sprints playside just outside the pocket (making sure to gain a couple
yards toward the LOS in the process) and reads the Center and playside B and either passes a
bullet upfield to the center or hits the B in the slot, whichever the LB doesn't cover.
 SPLIT

2
Y B B Y
Z Z

Once you see the backside LB start cheating playside when you run this play, the QB should
stop after he gets outside the pocket and lateral back across the field to the Z receiver.

The Z should get the pass and run toward the LOS reading the two deep receivers on his side.
If either are wide open, he should pass to them (as best he can). Otherwise he should keep
running!
 Man Coverage Plays
When the defense changes to man coverage, that's when things get really interesting!

The plays that are essential have a bolded play name, the others are optional.

Again, this is assuming traditional man coverage and not a Banjo type coverage (as described
earlier).
 3
SICK*
2
4

Y B B Y
Z Z

This is the play that the offense is named after. It is killer against man coverage, but it actually
works against zone as well.

The backside B runs 4 yards and breaks in at 45 degrees. The Center runs 2 yards and breaks
playside running parallel to the LOS. The playside B runs the sick route. He takes a step toward
the LOS, then loops just behind the butts of the other two receivers and sprints up the middle of
the field. It will be very difficult for his man to make it through the traffic to stay with him, and if
everyone is man covered then there shouldn't be a safety. This should add up to a pretty easy
TD!

The backside Y runs a 10 yard in route and the Z runs streak up the sideline.

The QB first reads the center and reads the receivers from front to back. Usually, it will be one
of the B receivers that are open. If the slant is open, pass to him around 12-15 yards. If not, the
sick route will probably open up the middle of the field. If he's covered, pass to the backside Y
coming into the middle of the field.
 3
SICK*
2
4

Y B B Y
Z Z

NOTE:

Because the QB is actually passing back inside while rolling out, it's very important that the QB
come to a stop and square his shoulders toward the receivers before passing. Do not throw on
the run!!!
 SICK UNDER*
1

Y B B Y
Z Z

As a companion play to the SICK play, you can have the playside B run the first half of the sick
route, but once he gets to 5-7 yards depth, cut back hard playside, breaking parallel to the line
of scrimmage. The Center and backside B run deep routes.

The QB first reads the Center's skinny post route, and if he's covered, pass to the playside B
once he gets open.

Run this play when the B's defender works hard over the top to follow the sick route on the
SICK play.
 3
Z SICK*
2
4

Y B B Y
Z Z

Here's an additional way to run the sick play to throw at them. It should result in a TD if there is
no safety.

Most everything is the same as the regular SICK, except for the Z and playside B. The B and
playside Y run 5 yard stop routes. The playside Z motions toward the middle of the field and the
QB should snap the ball when he gets within 5 yards of the bunch. The Z continues at full speed
and runs the sick route off the back of the bunch receivers, using them to shield off his
defender.

The QB's reads are the exact same as the regular SICK play.
 SHAKE

Y B B Y
Z Z

You'll recognize this play from the shake package. The backside B takes a step to the LOS then
crosses hard to the opposite side underneath the other two receivers. The Center runs about 6
or 7 yards then breaks playside at 40 degrees or so. The playside B runs a 5 yard square in
underneath the center.

While there is a “playside” for assignment purposes, the QB can read either side he wants,
either based on the coverage or based on the rush. Usually the B's will be wide open. The
shallow cross is especially great for short yardage situations and the square in can lead to
some big plays.
 JAKE
2

Y B B Y
Z Z

If you like the SHAKE, then you might want to add this play as well which works on the same
concept.

The playside B runs deep, the backside B runs a 4 yard square in underneath the center. The
Center runs 5 yards and then breaks to the backside at about 50-55 degrees. Again, there isn't
really a playside, just a call-side for assignment purposes. The QB can choose either side to
read.
 SNAKE*
2

Y B B Y
Z Z

This is the companion play to JAKE. It starts off just like JAKE, but at about 10-12 yards, the
playside B quickly stops and comes back to the QB a couple yards, and after a few steps out of
his break the center turns upfield and tries to get to the deep middle.

The QB rolls playside and reads the crossing B receiver first. If he is covered, then read the
defender covering the playside B. Most likely, that defender will come up hard to try and cover B
once he breaks back toward the QB. If so, pass deep to the Center. If that defender stays deep
to cover the center, pass to the B.
 BAKE* 1

1
2 2

Y B B Y
Z Z

This is the companion play to SHAKE, once you've run it quite a bit. Don't bother with this play
until they've started getting close to covering SHAKE.

The receivers start out doing the same as before, but the B's will explode upfield once the QB
pump fakes to them, running deep. After a couple steps past his initial break, the Center breaks
flat to whatever side the QB has rolled out to, running parallel to the LOS.

The QB chooses a side and pump fakes to the B, then looks to pass to him deep. If he's
covered, pass to the Center.
 Z SLIDE*
3
2

Y B B Y
Z Z

This is a great play in short yardage situations and it's a good companion play to the Z SICK
since it actually uses the motion to attack the opposite side.

The backside B runs a couple yards and stops, turns toward QB, then turns back upfield and
runs toward the goalposts. The Center runs 4 yards and stops, turns toward QB. The playside B
runs 5 yards and then breaks outside at 45 degrees.

The backside Z goes in motion and the QB calls for the snap when the Z gets about 5-7 yards
outside of the bunch. At the snap the Z runs up just off the backs of the bunch and heads
toward the slot at about 2 yards depth.

The QB gets the snap and sprints playside first reading the Z receiver. If he's open, pass him
the ball in the slot in stride. Otherwise reads the B's downfield who are likely to be wide open.
 MESH*

2 2

1 1

Y B B Y
Z Z

In this version of the mesh concept, the B's take a step toward the LOS then break inside
running a shallow cross underneath the center. (Make sure they agree beforehand which B is
going underneath the other so they don't run into each other) The Center runs 5 yards and then
breaks flat to whichever side the QB is rolling to.

You can have the stack receivers either run the default routes, or have then run the TWIST
combination. Experiment and see which gives you bigger plays. The spacing is better with the
default routes and should give you more room after the catch to run, but the TWIST combination
gives you more routes to read which might be open should the mesh routes not be.

The QB rolls out to whichever side looks to have a more open shallow cross. He reads the
cross, and if he's covered, he reads the the Center. If the stack receivers are running the TWIST
combination, then read them if the center is covered.
 SPIDER*
2
1

Y B B Y
Z Z

In this play, the playside Y and Z run the same combination as the UNDER play. The Center
runs a post breaking at a depth of 7 yards or so, the backside B scoops inside underneath the
other two receivers then turns upfield and at about 7 yards depth breaks toward the deep
sideline. The playside B runs upfield a couple yards then snakes his way to the backside under
the center, then turns upfield looking for green grass deep.

Make sure the 3 bunch receivers are spaced well enough or it won't work. The QB pump fakes
to the playside B as soon as he gets outside of the center, then he rolls playside and reads the
3 deep receivers.
 STAB*

Y B B Y
Z Z

This is a good short yardage play and works well against banjo coverage.

The backside B runs a quick cross under the other two receivers, the center runs deep, and the
playside B runs straight for the outside defender on the backside and once he gets there at
about 5 yards depth, he stabs his plant foot in the ground and pivots back to the playside
running parallel to the LOS.

The QB first reads the backside B's cross, then reads the playside B as soon as he pivots.
 2 ARROW*
1

Y B B Y
Z Z

This play also works well against banjo coverage and attacks the defense deep!

The Center goes about 7 yards and then breaks playside about 45 degrees. The playside B
runs downfield alongside the center, but at about 4-5 yards depth bends back underneath the
center and runs deep downfield. The backside B runs outside, just outside of the the outside
defender, then right before he gets to the defender, he pivots hard back to the playside running
at 5 yards depth.

The QB waits for the rusher to get close then rolls out playside and reads the two deep routes. If
both are covered, he passes underneath to the backside B.
 SHIELD*
2
1

Y B B Y
Z Z

In order for the previous play to work, you have to set it up. This play not only sets that play up,
but sets up the next play as well. If you execute correctly, these three route combinations are a
nightmare to defend. This particular play is especially good against banjo coverage!

The playside B runs to a point just outside of the outside defender, and just before he reaches
him, breaks outside toward the flat. The Center runs a streak straight up field. The backside B
releases inside just underneath the center and runs straight upfield then breaks outside at about
8 aiming at the sideline around 15 yards depth.

The QB waits for the rush to get close, then rolls out and reads the backside B and if he's
covered, passes to the Center deep.
 3 LOOP*
2

Y B B Y
Z Z

ARROW, SHIELD, and LOOP all set each other up so work very well together as a set.

In this play, the backside B releases inside the Center just like the previous play, but at about 7
yards depth bends back outside and goes deep. The Center runs to about 8 yards depth and
then breaks inside at 45 degrees. The playside B does the same as the previous play.

The QB again waits for the rusher to get close, then rolls out. He first reads the playside B out of
his break, then he reads the two deep routes.
 Counter Plays
These plays will not only help keep the defense from cheating playside, but it will give you some
big plays as the defense can't help but let up some when they see the QB roll out to the
opposite side!
 OH CRAP!
2
1

Y B B Y
Z Z

This is a play you should be able to run two or three times in the game if you spread it out
enough. It's a counter to the FLOOD and LEVELS plays and this should help prevent the
defense from over-pursuing.

The backside B does the same as he does in SHAKE. The Center runs a 5 yard stop route,
turning toward the QB, then breaking to the opposite side sideline. The playside B runs the
same route as he does in FLOOD, making sure to turn his head toward the QB after the break,
then a couple steps after the break he breaks back toward the backside looking to get fairly
deep. The backside Y runs a 12 yard stop route (it'll help if he gets a little more distance from
the sideline than usual). The backside Z takes a step or two upfield, then drops back toward the
slot about 7 yards behind the LOS.

The QB rolls out playside just like the FLOOD route and pretends to read the receivers on that
side, then about 3 seconds after the snap stops and passes back to the backside Z. The Z
steps up toward the LOS and looks to pass to the Y first, then the B deep. If both are covered
he should pass to the Center running toward the sideline.
 1
REVERSE
2

Y B B Y
Z Z

You'll probably only get by with running this once. The Center runs the same as LEVELS and
the playside B runs the same as the previous play. The backside B takes a step forward then
loops around into the backfield trailing the rusher and look to block him once he reverses field
and tries to follow the Z.

The playside Z receiver goes in motion for a couple steps and then runs a reverse into the
backfield and receives a pitch from the QB. He then continues to the backside and looks to
pass to one of the 3 receivers on that side.

The QB doesn't look at the Z as he starts his motion so that the rusher doesn't notice him, then
a second after the motions starts calls for the snap. He rolls out to the playside just like the
LEVELS play, but pitches back to the Z once he gets close.