Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Bench Switch is a Shotgun Tight Slots pass concept out of 11 personnel that runs a switch release on both sides of the formation. The outside receivers on each side run flat routes while the slot receivers on each side push vertically upfield then break outward, with the left side flattening into a deep out and the right side working a corner route, creating a high low stretch on both edges. This is a zone beater built to attack cloud coverage and flat defenders by stacking two receivers into the same landmark and forcing a defender to choose, with the primary read starting at the flat route on either side before working up to the switch release breaking to the boundary.
Defensive Reads
Identify two high safeties pre-snap since this concept exploits seams in split field zone coverage on both sides of the formation. Watch the flat defenders at the snap, if they widen too fast to the outside receiver the switch release will sit down or break open underneath them. Key the cornerback technique on the slot receivers, soft press or off man alignment signals the switch release should win outside leverage quickly. Against Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells, look for the underneath zone defender to sink with the vertical stem, this opens the flat route as the built in checkdown. Beware disguised blitzes that bring extra defenders off the edge since both protection assignments are stretched thin with routes releasing to both sides, a hot route to a quick flat concept can neutralize aggressive man pressure looks.
Usage Tips
Check pre-snap for two high shells since this concept thrives against zone coverage that leaves flat defenders with conflicting assignments. Use the switch release to manipulate cornerbacks playing off man technique, the natural pick at the top of the route stem creates separation versus press man. Hot route the backside flat defender into a shallow drag if you see Cover 3 sink hard to take away the deep out. This play works well on second and medium to long since both switch routes take time to develop into the boundary. Pair Bench Switch with Bench or Curl Outs from the same set to keep the defense guessing between the switch releases and simple flat curl combos, this forces linebackers to respect multiple route depths from identical formation looks. Look to attack the side of the field where the defense shows single high safety rotation since the corner route on that side has more room to work against a lone deep defender.
