Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Bench Switch is a five man route concept out of Shotgun Tight Slot Open that stacks two receivers on the left in a switch release while running a corner and flat combo on the right. The left side runs a deep crossing route paired with an under route that clears out underneath zones, while the right side stacks a corner route on top of a low flat route to attack the sideline at two levels. The QB has a check release blocker and this is a full route progression, not a play-action or RPO look, built as a man beater through the switch release confusing man defenders and a zone beater on the right side with the high low corner flat stretch.
Defensive Reads
Check the strong safety depth pre snap, if he is shaded to the right side stacked receivers expect a corner blitz or a bracket over the corner route. Watch for man coverage indicators on the cornerback aligned over the switch release stack, this play is designed to win against man with natural rub created by the release. Post snap, identify any user controlled defender sitting in the flat trying to lurk the low route, if he bites the deep crossing route on the left opens up behind him. Against Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells, the corner route on the right is the primary answer since it settles in the seam behind the underneath zone and in front of the deep safety. If the defense shows a nano blitz look with linebackers crashing off the edge, get the ball out quickly to the flat route since the protection may not hold up against extra rushers.
Usage Tips
Look at the pre snap alignment of the cornerback over the stacked receivers on the left, if he shows outside leverage the switch release will create instant separation against man coverage.
Use the right side corner flat combo against zone shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4 since the flat route holds the underneath defender while the corner route sits behind him in the void.
Hot route the flat runner into a quick out if you see a linebacker with tight underneath depth trying to jump the flat.
Pair this play with Wheel Switch and RPO Peek Slant in the same set so the defense has to respect both switch releases and quick game answers from the same formation and personnel look.
Best called on second and medium to second and long when you have time to let the deep crossing route and corner route develop downfield.
