Fade Out Breakdown & Cut Ups (10U, 12U, 14U, High School)

I love the versatility of the #FadeOut concept. It is a #QuickGame concept, so it is typically used early in downs or short yardage situations. It can also be used as a simple, easy to recognize audible when the QB see leverage on OLB and CB has a Deep 3rd responsibility.

When using it in the middle of the field we run it with the outside receiver on the concept side, running an outside release, re-stack Go route (see diagram below). When in the Red Zone, the outside receiver route transforms to a true Fade route, meeting the ball at the back pylon.

This play was utilized by 3 levels of our youth program (#10U, #12U, #14U), with the #MiddleSchool levels running it at a high rate throughout the season. During the #HighSchool club season in which I was the OC, this may have been our best #RedZone play. You will see cut ups from all 4 levels below.

Formations

• Ace/Open (2x2), Late/Early (3x1), Blue/Green (2 Back), Black/Brown (2 Back Heavy) Star/Lazer (Empty)

Concept Routes

• R: Mandatory outside release Go route.

• Y: 5 yard speed out, looking for call immediately out of his break, staying horizontal

• F/H: Swing/Shoot to the concept side, ready to receive the ball and head upfield.

Conflict Defender(s)

• First: Concept side CB; Need CB to declare responsibility; Deep zone (bail); Flat zone (slow play); Man (turn and run).

• Second: Concept side Overhang Defender (OLB/Nickel); Need Overhang to declare responsibility; Hook; Flats; Man. Looking where his jersey color flashes.

Field position

Center of the field

• Quick game used early in downs. Concept side vertical Go running an outside release, re-stack Go route.

Red Zone

• Quick game used early in downs. Concept side vertical Go running an outside release, true Fade route, meeting the ball at the back pylon.

Case Study

• Formation: Early (3x1) Fade Out

• Field Position: -20 yard line

• Down & Distance: 1st & 10

• Defense: Cover 3

Pre-snap Process

• Scan defense left to right gathering vital information (DBs alignment / depth / body position, Safety(s), potential coverages)

• Note: Have an idea (educated guess) of defensive coverage to help diagnose post-snap movement more efficiently (thinking Cover 3, CB bails so QB can move to combo quickly)

Post-snap Progression:

• If the backside WR’s defender had more than seven (7) yards depth on his pre-snap alignment, snap the ball and throw it to that WR with urgency.

• If not, the backside is dead and the QB should not come back to that side of the field.

• Read 1: Outside Release Go

• The QB takes his 1 step drop and reacts to concept side CB. If WR is able to get even or close to even and CB stays in zone facing position, QB makes the throw.

• Note: Type of fade per the Safety alignment (hole shot vs moonshot)

• Read 2: Combo

• It is a simple if/then scenario:

• If the Overhang defender to the concept side goes to the flats, and/or goes with flats route, the QB hits the H on the stick

• If the Overhand defender stays in the Hook, hit the Y on the Speed Out

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