Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
61 X Choice out of Pistol Trips Open shows a three receiver stack to the trips side with the X isolated backside on a vertical release up the numbers. From trips, the outside receiver runs a deep vertical to clear space, the middle slot runs a seam up the hash, and the inside receiver breaks on a choice route working back across the formation underneath. There is no run action shown, this is a straight dropback pass concept designed to stress zone defenders with the choice route sitting down in holes while the two verticals occupy deep coverage, making it primarily a zone beater with the choice route as the built in man beater option based on leverage.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap identify if the defense is showing two deep safeties or a single high shell, since single high leaves the choice route more space to work underneath. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they carry the seam route vertically the choice route will have a bigger throwing window against zone. Man coverage with press corners on the trips side can jump the choice route quickly, so user a defender to rob that in breaking window if you suspect man. Cover 3 zone defenses struggle with this concept because the flat defender has to choose between the choice route and the vertical, creating a natural conflict read. Blitz packages that bring pressure off the edge can disrupt the timing needed for the choice route to develop, so spy for overload blitzes pre-snap and consider a hot route adjustment if you see six or more defenders near the line.
Usage Tips
Read the choice route first since it adjusts based on leverage, sitting in a soft zone window or breaking away from man coverage for an easy conversion throw.
Use the two vertical routes from trips to hold safeties deep and open up the middle of the field for the choice route and the backside X vertical.
This play works best on third and medium to third and long when you need a conversion route that can beat both man and zone without needing a hot route audible.
Pair this with Levels or Z Spot from the same set to keep defenses guessing between horizontal stretch concepts and this vertical clear out design.
Against off man coverage look to the backside X vertical as a big play window since the defense has to respect the trips side first.
