Vertical Stack or Horizontal Stack?

[kenkam3]

Which stack do you prefer to run when you're in need of a quick organized plan to work the disc down field? What are some advantages or disadvantages of either one?

Mention any other popular plays that are easy to assemble on the fly.

Ken Kaminski
Kettnetic Thunder (http://kettneticthunder.com)

[canis216]

In a vacuum I prefer to play HO, but I've not honestly run many plays out of it--the teams I've been on (hastily constructed, usually) have generally just tried to flow. The obvious advantage of HO is the available deep space--everybody is a threat to go deep, and deep help is harder to coordinate and more easily punished. I like getting the offensive players spread out, particularly on the break side. (Break-side cuts in a vertical offense are often taken too close to the middle, where the stack is. Or break-side cuts aren't made at all. Inexperienced cutters try to make the break-side throw "too easy" or don't even recognize that the handler can throw that break. Drives me crazy, 'cuz I have a killer I-O break that people FORGET TO CUT FOR!) I also like cutting from the weak side of the HO stack, which presents great opportunities to set up deep cuts.

Vert can be great for teams that encourage their handlers to strike up the line, what with all the sideline space available. A handler with great break throws is a huge asset in any offense, but in vert with savvy cutters I've been able to connect on 30-40 yard-gaining I-O breaks, which just kills a defense. With a set vertical stack it is often possible to hook up on the break side without an actual cut made. The receiver can just take a couple strides to the break side, defender trailing, and catch a pass. Unfortunately, it can often be harder to get clean deep looks in vert because the stack will often get too stretched out--a deep cut that starts 40+ yards from the disc is no good for all but the most powerful huckers.

[stephenghubbard]

One thing is that against a team committed to poaching, I feel that it is easier for a team of experienced players to to see and punish the poaches in vert stack. As I type this, I don't really know why thats the case, but it seems to be.