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Systems/Spread (Shotgun)/Play-Action Boot
Play-ActionBest for: Shot play14U+ · Advanced

Play-Action Boot

Quarterback fakes zone then boots the opposite way to a crosser and flat.

Concept: Line run-blocks then the quarterback boots as the tight end drags across and a receiver settles in the flat.

TGCGTWRSSWRQBRB
Ball carrierBlock / pullMotionRoute / pass
14U — Introduce: Learn the footwork and the primary read; protect first, then complete the easy throw. Add pre-snap motion to stress the defense's edge. Add the fake/mesh — and a counter off the very same look. 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

Every position's job

QB

Fake the zone, boot the opposite way, and read the crosser and flat.

Coach it with
Team Skelly Pass Period Zone Drop & Pattern Read Zone Pattern-Match
RB

Run the zone fake to sell the run and hold the linebackers.

Coach it with
Team Skelly Pass Period Reach Block Zone Step LB Coverage Drop
Playside Guard

Run-block, then set/hinge to the boot side.

Coach it with
Pass Set Kick-Slide Hinge Back-Side Block WR Stalk Block
Backside Guard

Run-block, then pull/protect the boot edge.

Coach it with
Pull and Kick Technique Trap Block Angle Scoop / Cutoff Block
Center

Run-block, then anchor the interior.

Coach it with
WR Stalk Block TE Seal and Arc Block RB Blitz Pickup
Playside Tackle

Run-block, then hinge to protect the boot side.

Coach it with
Pass Set Kick-Slide Hinge Back-Side Block WR Stalk Block
Backside Tackle

Run-block, then hinge to cut off backside.

Coach it with
Pass Set Kick-Slide Hinge Back-Side Block Scoop / Cutoff Block
TE

Drag across the field as the underneath boot option.

Coach it with
TE Option & Settle vs Zone QB Pitch Delivery
Playside WR

Run a deep route to hold the top.

Coach it with
WR Route Running Stems WR Hands and Catching WR Release Off the Line
Slot

Settle in the flat as the short boot option.

Coach it with
TE Option & Settle vs Zone QB Pitch Delivery
Backside WR

Run a comeback or clear-out.

Coach it with
Scoop / Cutoff Block

How to teach it

  • 1Line run-blocks, then the QB boots as the TE drags and a receiver settles in the flat.
  • 2QB sells the zone fake before booting the opposite way.
  • 3Read the crosser first, then the flat as the outlet.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Weak zone fake so the LBs don't bite — sell the run fully.
  • !TE drags at the wrong depth — teach a consistent crossing depth.
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