This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
Matt DeBerry, OC at College Station High School (TX), provides a detailed explanation (along with game film) of how they run their naked boot.
Their routes are rule-based. On each naked play:
#1 runs a mandatory outside release fade
#2 runs a climb from the backside or a sail from the frontside|
#3 Post
#4 Off-Ball TE/Back runs Arrow
You can catch his entire presentation on Glazier Drive: Bootlegs & Play-Action Passes out of the Spread Offense.
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Core Route Structure
- Every bootleg play features three primary routes: fade, climb, and post
- Number 1 receiver (call side): Outside release fade route (or corner if condensed/tight end)
- Number 2 receiver: Climb route (stair-step/sail/deep out at 12-15 yards)
- Number 3 receiver: Post route
- Off-ball tight end or back: Arrow/flat route (3 yards deep, staying flat)
Read Progression
- Quick peek at fade route (rarely thrown)
- Primary read is the arrow/flat route
- Progress to climb route
- Finally to post route
- Read pattern: low to high
Coaching Points
- Arrow route should stay flat at 3 yards (common error: drifting upfield)
- Quarterback must “whip head around” after fake to quickly read the flat
- In red zone, fade becomes “wrong way” route instead
- Routes can be reassigned with simple tags (ex: tagging outside receiver on climb shifts other routes)
- Multiple run action looks can be used (outside zone, toss, bug sweep)
- When executed properly, the play creates explosive gains (40+ yards mentioned)
Coach DeBerry emphasizes versatility through formation shifts while maintaining consistent route concepts and shows multiple game examples of successful execution.
