Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn HB Choice is a bunch formation pass concept that sends both bunch receivers vertical, with one running a corner route toward the sideline and the other pushing a deep post from the mountain (stacked) alignment, while the X receiver on the line runs a short hitch off the line of scrimmage. The HB releases out of the backfield on a choice route, sitting in the shallow flat area or working up the seam depending on the leverage of the nearest defender, giving the quarterback a built-in conflict read against man coverage. The primary progression starts with the HB choice route against a linebacker or nickel defender, then works to the deep corner if the defense rotates a safety down to cover the backfield.
Defensive Reads
Read the middle linebacker depth at the snap, since a shallow drop or blitz key indicates man coverage on the HB choice route, which is the primary target. Watch for safety rotation toward the bunch side, which signals zone coverage and opens up the deep corner and post combination for a bigger play. Identify if the defense brings a nickel blitz off the bunch side, since the HB choice route becomes a quick outlet against the vacated underneath zone. User linebackers who lurk in the shallow flat can jump the HB choice route, so quarterbacks need to read the leverage and be ready to reset to the deep post if that window closes. Press man corners on the X receiver can disrupt the timing of the hitch, so scan the deep bunch routes first if you see press alignment across the formation.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion on the bunch to identify whether the defense is playing man or zone before the snap, since the choice route reacts differently against each shell.
Target the HB choice route immediately on third and short or third and medium, since it settles based on the defender's leverage and is one of the best man beaters in the playbook.
If the defense shows two-high safeties, prioritize the deep corner route out of the bunch since it attacks the void between the corner and rotating safety.
Pair this play with Mtn China Cross or Mtn Mesh Cross from the same set to keep the defense guessing on whether the HB stays in to release or the bunch receivers cross underneath.
Hot route the X receiver's hitch into a slant if you are facing a hard press corner, since the quick game window can be taken away by aggressive press man technique.
