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Football Library · Plays

Curl-Flat· 7v7 Flag

basicaka Curl/Flataka Hook-Flat
All plays

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.

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Coaching breakdown

Curl-Flat Right: Z curl @ 5yd (high), B flat @ 4yd (low) — high-low on the flat defender. S sit @ 6yd as secondary, X go @ 18yd to clear backside.

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

  • Cover 3 — The flats — four underneath defenders can't cover all five underneath zones (curl-flat / slant-flat)
  • Cover 4 — Underneath and the flats — only three short defenders (stick / snag / quick game)

Contested