Football Play Guide

Y-Cross

Study Y-Cross, a core spread and Air Raid concept that stretches linebackers and safeties across the field.

Pass ConceptsFootball plays overviewFormations guide
Football plays field diagramA simplified football field showing offensive routes, run action, defensive coverage, and pressure arrows.SNAPXLTLGCRGRTYZQBRBHCBETTEMSCBFSSSRun lanes, routes, coverages, pressures, and special teams calls

Play categories

Use these pages to focus on one play family at a time, then jump into the calls, coverages, and special teams plays that match what you are studying.

Overview

Run Plays

37

Interior runs, perimeter runs, quarterback runs, option plays, and RPO tags built around the run game.

Pass Routes

22

The route tree and receiver releases used to attack man, zone, leverage, and late-game sideline space.

Pass Concepts

34

Dropback concepts, screens, play-action calls, and trick plays that combine routes with backfield action.

Defensive Coverages

16

Man, zone, match, bracket, press, and prevent coverages with diagrams for coverage responsibility.

Pressures and Stunts

31

Four-man rushes, blitzes, simulated pressures, stunts, and run-fit adjustments for attacking protections.

Special Teams

10

Kick, punt, return, block, and fake calls that decide field position and late-game leverage.

Y-Cross diagram and notes#

Y-Cross Teaching diagram with offense in circles, defense in diamonds, the line of scrimmage, and arrows showing the play path or coverage responsibility. Y-Cross LOS LT LG C RG RT X H QB RB Y Z E T T E W M S CB CB FS SS Circles = offense • Diamonds = defense • Blue arrows = offensive action • Red arrows = defensive action • Dashed = fake/read
Y-Cross teaching diagram.

Family: Pass concept

What it is: A tight end or slot runs a deep crossing route while other routes occupy the flat and deep outside zones.

When to use it: A staple against zone because the crosser can keep moving or settle in a void.

Good against: Cover 3, Cover 4, and linebackers that lose depth on play-action.

Bad against: Man coverage with a good matchup defender, robber safety, and pressure that cuts off the crosser.

Pairs well with: Pairs with Air Raid, play-action, and backside comeback.