Play Description
11 Dragon-Smash is the play to call when you’re not sure what to call. This play utilizes a split field route concept to test the defense in multiple ways. Split field simply means that each side of the field is running a totally different play, giving you good options against multiple coverages. In this instance, the left side is running Dragon (slant-flat) and the right side is running Smash (hitch-corner).
The beauty of Dragon-Smash is its ability to find weaknesses in any defense the opposing coach can throw at you. Even when faced with a disguised coverage, the Quarterback will be able to connect with an open receiver by finding a patch of open grass to throw to if the initial read fails.
Although it may not be your best play, it’ll likely be your most versatile. Call this play against any coverage.
Assignments & Key Reads
The left side of the field (orange and blue) runs Dragon (slant-flat) while the right side (purple and green) executes a Smash concept.
- WR (orange) – Three steps and cut at roughly a 30 degree angle upfield. Pass close enough to the TE/C to high five.
- TE/C (blue) – Flat route to a depth of five yards. Pass close enough to the orange WR to high five.
- Slot (green) – Corner route breaking at seven steps. Look for the ball out of your break.
- WR (purple) – Five steps straight down field, plant on their outside foot, and turn inside to face the QB.
- QB (red) – Read depends on the defense. See below.
The best part about calling a split field concept, like Dragon-Smash, is that the QB and Coach know someone will be open. It’s like putting together a puzzle based on pre-snap alignment and post-snap movement. No matter what else you’re able to install prior to Game 1, make sure your team knows how to execute this versatile play.
Beating the Defense
Because it is actually two plays combined, Dragon-Smash is a good call against almost any defense.
Beating Cover 1
There is no single route that is more difficult to cover for a Cover 1 Safety than a corner route from the slot. That player is all alone deep and has to cover the entire field. When the ball is snapped, they have to read all of the routes and decide who to cover. In this case we force them to cover an athletic player in space.
If you have a QB that can make the throw, this corner route vs. Cover 1 will be difficult for any Safety.
Beating Cover 2
Dragon (slant-flat) attacks Cover 2 by isolating the left CB and forcing a decision of who to cover.
If the CB stays outside to cover the flat route, the slant will be open in the window between the CB and LB (wide open if the LB blitzes).
If the CB follows the slant route inside, your QB has an easy five yard pass to the blue receiver in the flat (with room to pick up yards after the catch).
Beating Cover 3
Against Cover 3, both routes to the shallow outside (flat) zones should be open,. The Smash concept is likely the right move here.
Simply hit the purple receiver on the quick hitch. The blue and green routes should hold the right CB in position off the snap, and green’s Corner route will occupy the right Safety. Take the easy five yards and hope your receiver can make someone miss for a big gain.
Beating Man Coverage
If the defense is in Man-to-Man, Dragon creates separation using a rub route on the left side (your receivers should pass close enough to high five each other). The QB reads the point where the blue and orange routes cross and throws to the player with more separation.
If neither is open, look for an athletic mismatch in the Slot (green).
Final Notes
Dragon-Smash may not be the best answer for every situation, but it can be effective against any defense. Think of it like the Swiss Army Knife of the Air Raid 5v5 Playbook. It has an answer for any scheme the defense can throw at you. 11 Dragon-Smash is a good tool to probe a defense for weaknesses before attacking with the rest of the playbook.
As a bonus, your youth players will dig the name. Dragon! Smash!
If you haven’t already, check out our guide to reading flag football coverages to get better at calling plays on the fly.
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