Systems/Gun-T / Pistol/Stick Concept
PassBest for: Passing down12U+ · Advanced

Stick Concept

Quarterback reads the flat defender on the stick-flat quick combination.

Concept: Slot sits at five yards while the back or wing runs the flat to hold the defender.

Age version
TGCGTQBRBWWWRWR
Ball carrierBlock / pullMotionRoute / pass
14UAdd the pass: Add the play-action throw off this run action. Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.
Play movement — schematic, not to scale

Grows with your players

Same play, more layers as they age up — teach it once and build on it every season for a consistent program.

  1. 12UIntroduce: Learn the footwork and the primary read; protect first, then complete the easy throw.
  2. 14UAdd the pass: Add the play-action throw off this run action. Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.

Every position's job

QB

Read the flat defender on the stick-flat quick combination.

RB

Run the flat to hold the defender.

Playside Guard

Set quick protection.

Coach it with
Backside Guard

Set quick protection backside.

Center

Set quick protection over the nose.

Coach it with
Playside Tackle

Set quick protection on the edge.

Backside Tackle

Set quick protection backside.

TE

Block or run a complementary route.

WB

Run the flat to hold the defender.

Split End

Clear out to hold the corner.

Slot

Run the stick, sit at five yards facing the QB.

How to teach it

  • 1Slot sits at five yards while the back or wing runs the flat.
  • 2QB reads the flat defender: flat if he sits, stick if he widens.
  • 3Stick settles in the window facing the QB.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Slot drifts on the stick — sit and show numbers.
  • !QB doesn't read the flat defender — teach the high-low.

Build this into your call sheet.

Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.