Playbooks

986switch

Shotgun·Empty Base·11
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This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 1 playbook

Superstar HB Receiving

Breakdown

986switch is a route combination out of Empty Base Shotgun that deploys three verticalized routes (9, 8, 6 numbering) with a switch release at the top of the play to create natural pick action against man coverage. The switch release crosses two receivers near the line to confuse man defenders and create leverage issues for corners playing outside technique, making this primarily a man beater with vertical shot potential. The primary read progression starts with the switch-released receiver working for immediate separation, then climbs the ladder to the deep out or corner breaking route, and finishes with the deep vertical clearing space underneath for a checkdown or scramble drill throw.

Defensive Reads

Check the corner alignment pre-snap on the switch release side, if he is playing tight man press technique the rub action will win immediately off the release. Identify single high versus two high safety shells before the snap, single high Cover 1 or Cover 3 man leaves the switch release wide open while two high Cover 2 or Cover 4 forces you to climb the progression to the deep out. Watch for user controlled defenders lurking in the shallow crossing lanes since a heads up user linebacker can jump the switch release route and bait an interception if thrown late. Key the linebacker depth at the snap, shallow drops signal zone match coverage that can undercut the intermediate breaking routes, so hold the ball and let the deep route work instead. Recognize blitz packages by counting box defenders, if the defense brings a nano blitz or overload pressure package get the ball out immediately to the switch release since your protection may not hold up long enough for the deep route to develop.

Usage Tips

Look for man coverage indicators pre-snap such as corners aligned tight and inside linebackers mugging the box before calling this play, since the switch release is designed to rub off man defenders.

Use your right stick to scan the switch release first on the snap because that route wins fastest against Cover 1 and Cover 3 match man principles.

If the defense shows two high safeties pre-snap, expect zone drops underneath and be ready to climb your progression to the deep out or corner route instead of forcing the switch throw.

Pair this play with 686 or Curl Flats earlier in a drive to condition the defense to expect shorter combinations, then hit 986switch on a passing down to attack overplayed underneath zones with the vertical shot.

Best called on second or third and medium to long when you need a explosive gain, since the switch release combined with a deep route stresses both underneath and deep defenders simultaneously.

Hot route the deep vertical receiver to a comeback if you see a single high safety cheating over the top, giving you a sudden change of direction against a defender playing off leverage.

Other Plays in Empty Base