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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
HB Choice out of Shotgun Bunch Y-Flex sends the backside X on a deep corner route while the HB releases out of the backfield on an option route with a rub off the X, giving him a natural pick against man coverage. On the bunch side, the three receivers run a combination of a deep post, a corner, and a flat/out route that stretches the field vertically and horizontally, forcing zone defenders to declare their drops immediately. This is primarily a man beater thanks to the natural rub at the line, though the layered vertical and flat routes on the bunch side give it enough zone beating traits to punish spot drop coverages as well. The primary read progression starts with the HB option route off the rub, then works to the bunch side flat/corner combo if the backside is taken away.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and alignment over the bunch, if both safeties are deep and the corners are pressed on the outside receivers, expect man coverage and the rub route to be live. Watch for a linebacker or slot defender walking out toward the bunch pre-snap, that usually signals zone coverage or a possible bunch side blitz. Post-snap, key the flat defender's reaction to the HB option route, if he sits and reads the quarterback's eyes instead of stepping up, that is a lurk threat that can jump the option route. If the defense brings pressure off the edge, look for the HB to release quickly into his option route as a checkdown valve against the blitz. Cover 3 with a hard flat defender and a deep third corner can take away both the option route and the corner route, forcing the quarterback to hold the ball longer and check down underneath.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a quick alert to see if the defense shifts a defender to the bunch, that tells you if you are facing man or zone coverage.
If the defense shows man coverage, prioritize the HB option route off the rub at the snap since the natural pick will nearly always spring him open against man defenders.
Against zone shells, work the bunch side flat to corner combo and look to hit the receiver settling in the void between the shallow flat defender and deep zone defender.
This play works best on second and medium to third and short since the option route and flat routes give the quarterback a quick, high percentage completion if the deep shots are covered.
Pair this play with 49er HB Choice or Curls Y Swirl from the same set so you can run similar formations and motion but attack different levels of the defense, keeping the defense guessing on whether you are going quick game or attacking vertically.
