Snag creates a triangle concept that stretches defenders vertically and horizontally. It's one of football's most versatile pass plays, working against both man and zone coverage.
Overview
Snag is a spot concept that creates a three-level triangle read for the quarterback. The #1 receiver runs a corner route, the #2 receiver runs a "snag" (a short settle route at about 6 yards), and the #3 receiver runs a flat.
The concept creates both vertical and horizontal stretch. The corner route pulls the deep defender, the snag settles underneath in the void, and the flat stretches the linebacker. The quarterback reads high-to-low: corner if open, snag if the defender jumps the corner, flat if they both sink.
Snag is particularly effective from bunch and trips formations, where the compressed spacing creates natural rubs and pick opportunities. It's a core concept in modern spread offenses.
History & Origin
Snag developed as coaches looked for ways to create triangle stretches against zone coverage. It became a foundational concept in the West Coast Offense and was later adopted by Air Raid systems.
Key Principles
- 1#1 receiver runs corner route (7-cut)
- 2#2 receiver runs snag (settle at 6 yards)
- 3#3 receiver runs flat
- 4Creates vertical and horizontal stretch
- 5Read high-to-low: corner → snag → flat
- 6Natural rubs occur from tight formation
- 7Snag must find the void and settle
When to Use
Snag is effective against any coverage, but particularly dangerous against zone. Use it from trips and bunch formations for natural picks. It's excellent on third-and-medium and in the red zone.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Works against man and zone coverage
- +Creates natural rubs from tight formations
- +Three-level stretch overwhelms defenders
- +Corner route provides big-play potential
- +Consistent first-down conversion play
Disadvantages
- −Requires patience to read all three levels
- −Corner route takes time to develop
- −Can be disrupted by press coverage on #1
- −Snag must be precise in finding void
What Coaches Call It
Different coaches use different terminology for the same concepts.
| Coach | Team | Their Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Leach | — | Snag | Air Raid staple |
| Lincoln Riley | USC | Snag | Core spread concept |
| Kliff Kingsbury | — | Snag | From bunch formations |
What You Need
Skills and jobs required to run this scheme effectively.
Critical
Snag receiver settles in triangle void
Find void in zone coverage and settle. Read coverage and communicate with QB.
High
Fast decision and delivery
Get ball out fast on rhythm throws. Compact motion and timing.
Medium
Turn short completions into yards
Make plays after the catch. Vision, elusiveness, and physicality.
Low
Clearing route to open underneath
Beat defender deep with speed. Pure speed and release moves.
Matchups
Good Against
- +Cover 3
- +Cover 4
- +Soft zone
- +Pattern-matching zone
- +Quarters coverage
Avoid Against
- −Press coverage on #1
- −Tight man coverage
- −Heavy pressure before routes develop
Installation
What You Need
Prerequisites for running this scheme effectively.
- ✓WR1 who can win vs press
- ✓QB who can read three levels
- ✓Formation versatility (trips/bunch)
When NOT to Use This
- !Don't call against heavy pressure
- !Needs time to develop
- !Corner route can be bracketed in red zone
Technical Variations
2 concepts in the Eyes Up playbook use this scheme.
Snag Left
LEFTPASS3-receiver triangle stretch concept - Left
Position Assignments
RECEIVING
#1 receiver runs flat/shoot route
#2 receiver runs stick route (concept route)
#3 receiver runs corner route in stick concept
PASSING
QB reads coverage and makes protection calls