Stick is a quick-game pass concept that creates a simple high-low read on the flat defender. It's one of football's most reliable concepts, offering a consistent completion with yards-after-catch potential.
Overview
Stick is a three-level concept that attacks underneath coverage by putting the flat defender in conflict. The #1 receiver runs a quick out or flat route, the #2 receiver runs a "stick" route (a quick hitch at 5-6 yards that settles in the void), and the #3 receiver runs a vertical.
The quarterback reads the flat defender. If he widens with the flat route, throw the stick. If he sits on the stick, throw the flat. It's a simple, reliable concept that consistently produces completions.
Stick is particularly effective against zone coverage, where the flat defender cannot cover both routes. It's a bread-and-butter concept in Air Raid and West Coast offenses, and remains one of the NFL's most-called pass plays.
History & Origin
Stick evolved from Bill Walsh's West Coast Offense concepts, which emphasized high-percentage, timing-based throws. The concept was refined over decades and became a staple of both West Coast and Air Raid systems.
Key Principles
- 1#1 receiver runs flat/out route
- 2#2 receiver runs stick (5-6 yard hitch in the void)
- 3#3 receiver (optional) runs vertical to clear out
- 4Read the flat defender: wide = throw stick, sitting = throw flat
- 5Quick rhythm throw - get the ball out fast
- 6Stick must find the void in zone coverage
- 7Works best against Cover 2, Cover 3, Cover 4
When to Use
Stick is effective against virtually any zone coverage. Use it when you need a reliable completion, on third-and-medium, or to get the ball to playmakers in space. It's particularly effective against Cover 2 and Cover 3.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +High-percentage completion
- +Simple read for quarterback
- +Creates yards after catch opportunities
- +Effective against zone coverage
- +Quick release protects quarterback
Disadvantages
- −Limited big-play potential
- −Can be jumped by aggressive corners
- −Less effective against man coverage
- −Requires good route runners
What Coaches Call It
Different coaches use different terminology for the same concepts.
| Coach | Team | Their Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sean McVay | Rams | Sticky | His variation of stick |
| Mike Leach | — | Stick | Air Raid staple |
| Kyle Shanahan | 49ers | Stick | Standard terminology |
| Lincoln Riley | USC | Stick | Core Air Raid concept |
What You Need
Skills and jobs required to run this scheme effectively.
Critical
Stick receiver finds void in zone at 6 yards
Find void in zone coverage and settle. Read coverage and communicate with QB.
High
Rhythm throw on the break
Get ball out fast on rhythm throws. Compact motion and timing.
Medium
Read flat defender to throw or check
Pre-snap identification and post-snap adjustment. Film study and pattern recognition.
Stick receiver may face contact
Secure ball with contact coming. Concentration and toughness.
Matchups
Good Against
- +Cover 2
- +Cover 3
- +Cover 4
- +Soft zone coverage
- +Off coverage
Avoid Against
- −Press man coverage
- −Pattern-matching defenses
- −Aggressive corners who jump routes
Installation
What You Need
Prerequisites for running this scheme effectively.
- ✓WR who can find voids in zone
- ✓QB with quick release
- ✓Simple protection
When NOT to Use This
- !Don't force against man coverage
- !Limited YAC if defense is physical
- !Predictable if overused
Technical Variations
2 concepts in the Eyes Up playbook use this scheme.
Stick Left
LEFTPASS3-receiver quick game concept with stick route - Left
Position Assignments
RECEIVING
#1 receiver runs flat/shoot route
#2 receiver runs stick route (concept route)
#3 receiver runs corner route in stick concept
PASSING
QB reads coverage and makes protection calls