Football Library · Plays
Curl-Flat· 5v5 Flag
High-low read on the flat defender. Outside receiver runs a SHORT curl (~5 yds, settling at the soft spot just past the LBs); slot or back releases to the flat at 0-3 yds. The flat defender can't cover both — sit on one and the QB throws the other.
Coaching breakdown
Curl-Flat Right: curl @ 5yd (high), flat @ 4yd (low) — high-low on the flat defender (5v5: C is the eligible underneath outlet). sit @ 6yd; go @ 18yd to clear.
When to call it
Call on 2nd-and-medium or 3rd-and-short vs zone underneath — the flat defender can't cover both layers. Avoid vs man press if your outside receiver can't separate at the top of the curl.
When not to use
Avoid it vs tight man press when the outside receiver can't separate at the top of the curl, and vs two-deep zones with a hard-squatting corner already sitting on the curl-flat level. It moves the sticks — it isn't a chunk play.
How to adjust for situations
Read the flat defender: he widens to the flat, throw the curl behind him; he sinks under the curl, dump the flat fast — it's the cheaper completion. Use the clear-out route to hold the deep third so the curl has room, and take the backside option if the middle opens.
Common mistakes
- Curl receiver settles too deep — the LB beneath him stays in the throwing lane. Settle at 5-6 yards, not 8+.
- Flat release tangles with the curl. Spacing should be at least 5 yards apart at the snap.
- QB stares at the curl; if zone rotates, throw the flat fast — it's the cheaper completion.
Strong / weak against
Strong against
Contested
- Cover 0 — Anything that develops slowly — pressure gets home first Better answers: Four Verticals, Mesh, Slant-Flat, Smash
- Cover 1 — Outside vertical shots — the free safety caps them over the top Better answers: Mesh, Drive, Smash, Y-Cross, Four Verticals, Levels
- Cover 2 — The flats — the corner squats and jumps anything quick outside Better answers: Smash, Four Verticals, Flood
- Tampa 2 — The deep middle — the Mike runs it, so a straight seam is contested (unlike base Cover 2) Better answers: Smash, Flood
Used in these coaching guides
See how Curl-Flat fits into a small package, when to call it, and what to teach before and after it.