The Far Tight Twins Slant Hook is a basic play that does a great job of attacking the entire field when enhanced the SportsGamer way. The Slant Hook can be run successfully just as it is shown on the screen. However, we like to make a couple quick adjustments before the snap to improve the spacing on the field. Take a look below as SportsGamer shows you how to create some serious headaches for your opponents.
Far Tight Twins - Slant Hook
Console(s)
XBOX / PS2
Playbook(s)
Seattle
Quick Setup
Step 1 - Make sure your two fastest running backs are in the backfield.
Step 2 - Hot route the #1 receiver to perform a streak route (on the far left side of the field).
Step 3 - Hot route the running back to perform a streak route.
Step 4 - Motion the running back out to the right and snap the ball before he sets to avoid the bump from the defender.
Play Breakdown
Figure 1 - The Arizona Cardinals have come out in the Far Tight Twins Slant Hook. The first change that we need to make before beginning this play is hot routing wide receiver Anquan Boldin's route. The reason we want to change Boldin's route is to create more space over the middle of the field for tight end Leonard Pope.
Figure 2 - In this image we've hot routed Boldin to perform a streak route downfield. This change provides us with a deep threat on the left side of the field now.
Figure 3 - The next change that we make is hot routing running back Edgerrin James to perform a streak route as well.
Figure 4 - The last step we take before beginning the play is motioning James to the right to give us an option in virtually every area of the field.
Figure 5 - We snap the ball just before James sets when motioning him out to the right. Snapping the ball before he sets allows him to avoid the bump from the defender and get upfield as quickly as possible.
Figure 6 - You can see James begin running upfield on the far right side of the image as quarterback Matt Leinart drops back to pass.
Figure 7 - James blows by the defender as we take about a two step drop and deliver a well-timed bullet pass with Leinart. The great thing about this route is that you can look to hit this receiver both early and late depending on how the defense reacts.
Figure 8 - James easily makes the catch before the cornerback or the strong safety can get there in time.
Figure 9 - Your next read after the quick pass to the running back on the right side of the field is the swing pass to the fullback moving into the flats on the left side of the field. This player will be open consistently if you have enough speed at the position.
Figure 10 - We continue to let this play develop as we move on to our next read. The tight end running the hard angle route is extremely difficult to stop, espescially when using a player the size of 6'8 Leonard Pope to catch the high passes.
Figure 11 - Last, but not least, your receiver running the slant curl route usually does a great job of getting inside position on the defender. This player is basically going to be your outlet pass if you get into trouble in the backfield.
Final Thoughts
The Slant Hook is a solid play that we would definitely recommend checking out the next time you head onto the practice field. This is the type of play that can be run successfully out of 2-3 different formations. Even though the way that the Slant Hook play was shown above is the most effective, be sure to experiment with this play from a number of different aspects to utilize it to the fullest.
