---
title: "Mastering the Naked Bootleg: Create Explosive Plays From Multiple Formations (Coach's Guide) - Matt DeBerry"
description: Discover how to effectively implement the naked bootleg from multiple formations to generate explosive plays. This coach's guide provides practical techniques, formation variations, and key coaching points to maximize your offense's big-play potential.
---

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# [Mastering the Naked Bootleg: Create Explosive Plays From Multiple Formations (Coach's Guide) - Matt DeBerry](https://www.glazierclinics.com/football-coach-resources/mastering-the-naked-bootleg-create-explosive-plays-from-multiple-formations-coachs-guide)

 Written by [Glazier Football](https://www.glazierclinics.com/football-coach-resources/author/glazier-football) | Mar 6, 2025 2:38:07 PM

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](https://production.glazierdrive.com/library/bootlegs-play-action-passes-out-of-the-spread-offense-1).

 

## 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.

 

[View full post](https://www.glazierclinics.com/football-coach-resources/mastering-the-naked-bootleg-create-explosive-plays-from-multiple-formations-coachs-guide)

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