Learning to read the EBK Playbook

Introduction

This is a standard Playcard. The black line represent the line of scrimmage. The X’s at the top is how where the binding rings go

when the playcard is added to the playbook. The white box is where the name of the play goes. The numbers on the sides are approximate yardage

markers.

Playcard Color Coding

Playcards come in several colors:

Short

Core

Goal line

Trick

Offensive Player Positions

Positions are represented by a blue box with the position name (letter) inside.

A red box indicates the player receiving the snap.

Offensive Alignments

Alignments for each play are depicted on the playcards.

Offensive alignments vary drastically from play to play. Always pay attention to the starting position.

Our Common Alignments:Normal Spread Bunch

Route Color Coding

Routes come in several colors:◦ Black is a decoy route.

◦ Red is a secondary route.

◦ Green is a primary route.

◦ Purple is an alternative execution route.

Common Route Indicators

Not all of a routes design can be depicted with arrows.◦ W’s “21” route means he is coming inside, flashing his hands at the QB

trying to get the defender to bite inside, and then breaking outside.◦ X’s inside curl route indicates he is running to the LB, or inside shoulder of

an OLB, and turning around to face the QB. His job is to occupy the defender.

◦ Y’s angled deep route indicates he is running at, or inside of the Safety.◦ Z’s outside slant route indicates a delay in the timing before the cross.

Basic Play Design

W, X, and C all run decoy routes.

Z is the Primary target on this play.

Y and H are the Secondary Targets.

Designed Read Progressions

Stars represent the order in which the QB will likely progress through the WR routes.

Stars are located approximately where the WR will be receiving the ball, or at least having the ball thrown to them by the time they reach that spot.

Purple Stars (not pictured) represent the progression during an alternate execution.

Motion

Here is the same play, but W comes in motion pre-snap and aligns between Y and Z.◦ The signal for going in motion is when the Center places the ball on the ground.

Alternative Execution

Here, the play has two executions:◦ First, is the original play with Black, Red, and Green

routes.

◦ Second, is where players that have purple routes follow them instead of their original route.

Calling the Alternative Execution

Always execute the standard play unless specifically instructed to run your alternate route.

Crossing Routes

When two WRs cross the same area of the field, whichever route is on top of the stack goes first.

Here Y goes first, and then Z crosses underneath.

Route Stacking

When two WRs cross the same area of the field, whichever route is on top of the stack goes first.◦ The Center runs in front of everyone.

◦ Z runs underneath everyone.

◦ Y runs in front of Z, but under the Center.

Option Routes

An Option Route is where the WR reads the defense during the play and adjusts his route to run to the open space.

Example Play

This play can be executed two ways:◦ To the left, with Z as the primary

◦ To the right, with Y as primary

Z goes in motion, and runs an option route. X is the only WR whose route changes based

on the play execution.

Example Play Continued

Stars represent progression order W is running a deep fly route, but getting

outside of the CB first. The left QB is receiving the snap. X, W, and H are all secondary options.

Recap

There are goal line, short, core, and trick play card types.

Playcards show the formation an alignment. There are decoy, secondary, primary, and

alternative execution route. Read progression is labeled by stars. Route order is determined by the stack. There are several nuances in some route

designs, like the quick out slant, the “21”, and the angled base routes.

Some plays have alternate executions, or Option routes, making them flexible for many situations.