Setup: Twins Wide, Slot – Single Wide
Read:
- Twins Wide – Post
- Twins Slot – Wheel
- Single Wide – Short Drag
- Center – Hook
Description:
The Twins Wide receiver is the first option on the Post route. However, his main goal is to occupy the safety in the area. If facing a Cover 2 (two safeties), the receiver should cut the route so that he runs in front of the safety. The safety should react by turning his back to the sideline and chasing the receiver. If the receiver is open, the throw can be made here, however, keep in mind that the other safety may be in the area as well. I generally tell my inexperienced QBs to not make this throw under any circumstance if the game is close or early in the game against a good team.
Once the receiver has made his Post cut, the QB’s attention should move to the Twins Slot running the Wheel route. Prior to looking this way, the QB can give a pump fake to the Post route which may pull the safety further from the sideline.
On the Wheel route, the receiver should run the Out portion of the route close to the defender in the area. If the defender is playing 5 yards off, then the receiver should start the out around 5 yards. If the defense is playing up tight, then the route should start almost immediately. The reason is that if a defender is playing 5-7 yards deep and the receiver runs the Out at 2 yards, the defender will more prepared when the receiver breaks down the sideline.
You could have the QB pump fake the Out route trying to pull the defender in and allow the receiver to beat him down the field. However, the pump fake will also pull the safety back to cover the streak down the sideline.
If the receiver runs the route close to the defender, the defense will be more inclined to chase him a little. Also, when he turns upfield, there’s a smaller gap to overcome for the receiver to pass the defense.
If both of these routes are covered, the Single Wide receiver will be coming across the field on a short drag. The Center will also be hooking up in the middle of the field.