Playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn H-Choice out of Shotgun Tight Base Flex sends both outside receivers on vertical takeoff routes to clear the deep field, while the H-back runs a choice/option route off the ball that can settle, sit or break based on the leverage of the underneath defender. The TE runs a corner-breaking route from the slot that crosses the field flat and turns upfield behind the choice route, creating a natural coverage conflict for a flat or curl defender, and the HB releases into the backfield flat as a checkdown outlet. This is a man and zone beater built on the option route: read the choice route first against man coverage for a natural separation break, then work to the flat or vertical shots if defenders sit on it.
Defensive Reads
Key the flow of the linebacker or nickel defender over the H-back immediately after the snap, since his depth and leverage tell you if the choice route will sit, break out or break in. Watch for a user-controlled defender sitting in a shallow zone or spying the middle, since that lurk threat is the biggest danger to the choice route and can jump the option break for a pick six. If the safeties rotate down into the box or show Cover 3 buzz, expect the flat defender to widen with the HB release, opening a window for the choice route to break inside. Man coverage with no safety help over the slot is the green light look, since the vertical releases from the outside receivers will pull the corners deep and isolate the H-back on his choice route. Beware of a blitz where the defense brings extra rushers off the edge, since the choice route needs time to develop and a quick pressure package can force an early, low percentage throw before the option route fully declares.
Usage Tips
Presnap, identify whether the defense is showing single high or two high safeties, since the choice route works best when there is no immediate deep help over the H-back.
If you see man coverage, motion the H-back before the snap to get a free release and confirm man versus zone based on whether a defender follows.
Against zone coverage, hold the ball a beat longer and let the choice route settle into the soft spot between the underneath zone and the vertical releases from the outside receivers.
Use the HB flat route as your dump-off against blitz looks, especially in third and short situations where the defense is selling pressure off the edge.
Pair this play with Mtn H-Angle or F Choice Spot in the same set to keep the defense guessing on whether the option route will break in or out, forcing linebackers to hesitate on their zone drops.
