Playbooks

Switch Z Curl

Shotgun·Trey Open·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

Air Raid Classic OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Switch Z Curl is a route combination out of Shotgun Trey Open that uses a switch release concept to create natural picks and separation against man coverage while also settling into soft spots against zone. The Z receiver runs a curl route off the switch release, working with crossing patterns from the other receivers to confuse man defenders at the line and clear underneath space for the curl sitting down against zone. The primary read progression starts with the switch release curl to the Z, then works to the crossing routes underneath if the curl is capped, and finally checks down to the backfield outlet if both are covered.

Defensive Reads

Check linebacker depth before the snap, if the hook defenders are sitting shallow they can undercut the curl route and bait a turnover. Watch for a user controlled defender lurking in the middle of the field, since Switch Z Curl relies on the curl sitting in a soft spot that a lurking defender can jump if the quarterback stares it down. Cover 3 with a hard sitting middle linebacker is the toughest shell to beat with this concept, so be ready to move to your checkdown or backfield outlet quickly. Against man coverage, the switch release should create a natural rub, but be wary of a robber defender sitting underneath who can jump the switch action if the offense runs this concept repeatedly. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge can be exploited here because the curl and crossing routes settle in quickly, giving the quarterback a fast rhythm throw before pressure arrives.

Usage Tips

Identify the coverage shell pre-snap by checking safety depth, if both safeties are deep it is likely a two high shell that favors the curl sitting down in the soft zone between the flat and hook defenders.

Against man coverage, trust the switch release to naturally rub off the defender covering the Z, giving you a clean throwing window on the curl without needing to hot route.

Use this play on second and medium to third and short situations where the defense expects a quick underneath throw, since the curl settles in front of linebackers and is tough to jump if timed correctly.

Pair this play with Curls or Stick from the same set to keep the defense guessing between quick game concepts, then mix in Y Cross or Mesh Dig once the defense starts jumping the curl routes.

If you see man coverage pre-snap, consider hot routing the underneath crosser to a speed out to punish aggressive corners playing tight technique.

Other Plays in Trey Open