The quick game can not only be an efficient means of moving the ball, but it can also become a QB’s best friend. Below is a breakdown of a quick game concept used by 8-time Oklahoma state champion Bixby High School: their Stick / Spacing / Snag concept.
This video is taken directly from our video release The Bixby Offense: The Complete Series.
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Bixby Stick-Spacing-Snag Concept
Bixby Offensive Coordinator Tyler Schneider states that they primarily run this concept out of a 3x1 formation. The single receiver to the boundary runs the Spartans’ version of a choice route.
He can run a vertical, hitch, pivot, slant, or curl. Instead of the Run-and-Shoot style of the choice route where the receiver makes his decision post-snap, Bixby’s choice receiver makes his decision before the snap. According to Schneider, if the choice receiver runs the curl route, it becomes a secondary read for the QB as he moves through his progression.
If the QB sees a favorable look or match-up to the choice receiver side, he can immediately throw it to him after the snap.
On the trips side, the #3 receiver runs the slot fade. The #2 receiver runs the “sit” route after the #3 clears through on the slot fade. He aims for the inside of the flat defender while pushing for seven yards of depth. To be even more specific, the sit route needs to settle inside of the hash.
The #1 receiver to the trips side is tasked with running the “hitch-escape” route. After the snap, the #1 receiver runs a hitch route at around seven yards. If he doesn’t get the ball immediately, he starts working toward the middle of the field looking for open grass.
Finally, the Tailback has a token fake with the QB where he flashes run action to the defense. This is an attempt to trigger the defense’s run fits and create space for the route concepts. After the run fake, the Tailback runs out to the boundary flat as a check-down for the QB. Schneider adds that if the defense is showing blitz, the Tailback and QB abandon the fake in order to let the Tailback block the extra rusher.
Conclusion
Whether you call it Stick, Spacing, or Snag, this quick game concept for the Bixby offense is something that every offense can implement. It provides flexibility with the choice route and hitch-escape routes, efficiency with the stop route, and the opportunity to take a shot with the slot fade.
Want more?
Check out Coach Schneider's incredible video series on the Bixby Oklahoma Football Offense.