Curl-flat diagram
- 1
Outside receivers curl at ten yards and the slots run to the flat. The flat defender can't cover both, so QB throws away from him.
When to call Curl-flat
Call it when you see three deep defenders and four underneath. Four defenders cannot cover the full width of a 7v7 field, so the two on the outside get stretched.
It is a sound call on first down and on third and medium.
Curl-flat: each player's job
QB
Watch the flat defender on the right. Throw the curl to Z if he widens with Y, and throw Y in the flat if he drops back.
C
Hitch at 5 yards. With F you occupy the two inside defenders so they cannot slide out to the curls.
X
Push to 11 or 12 yards on the left like a go route, then turn in and come back to 10.
Z
You are the quarterback's first read. Sell the deep route, stop at about 11 yards and work back toward the quarterback.
Y
Get from the right slot to the right flat fast. Your speed is what moves the flat defender.
H
Run the flat route to the left, a couple of yards past the line of scrimmage.
F
Run 4 yards straight up the field and turn around. You are the short option in the middle.
What the quarterback looks at
The diagram works the right side, so the quarterback reads the underneath defender nearest that sideline. When that defender runs to the flat with Y, a lane opens to Z on the curl. Throw it as Z turns.
When the defender hangs back in the curl lane, get the ball to Y quickly so he has room to run.
How to teach Curl-flat at practice
- 1
Put a cone at 10 yards for each outside receiver. They run 2 yards past it and come back to it.
- 2
Add the slots on flat routes. They should be near the sideline before the curl receiver turns around.
- 3
Use a coach as the flat defender on the right. He widens or drops and the quarterback throws to the open man.
Common mistakes
- The curl receiver stops at 7 yards and the flat defender covers both routes with a short drop. Get the curl to 10.
- The outside receiver turns and stands still. He has to step back toward the ball or the deep defender breaks on it.
- The slot angles his flat route upfield. Keep it within 2 or 3 yards of the line so there is space between him and the curl.
Curl-flat FAQ
Why does curl-flat beat Cover 3?
Cover 3 has four underneath defenders for the whole width of the field. The outside one has to cover the flat and the curl lane, and curl-flat puts a receiver in each.
What do I call if the defense is in Cover 2?
Cover 2 has a cornerback sitting in the flat, so both routes are harder. Smash is the better call because the corner route goes over that cornerback.
How is curl-flat different from stick?
Both read the flat defender. Stick is a 5-yard throw from trips, and curl-flat pushes the first route to 10 yards from a balanced spread.
This play is drawn against cover 3 defense.
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