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Breakdown
61 X Choice is a trips-based option route concept out of Shotgun Trips HB Wk with 10 personnel. The backside X runs an isolated choice route against single coverage, breaking based on the defender's leverage, while the three trips receivers stack vertical seams and an in-cut underneath to occupy the boundary defenders. The HB stays in to help pass protect, making this a max-protect passer read that stresses one-on-one matchups on the backside rather than attacking the trips side full field. Primary read starts with the X choice route pre-snap leverage, then progresses into the trips seams if the X is blanketed.
Defensive Reads
Watch the cornerback shading on the X receiver pre-snap, inside shade signals an outside breaking choice route while outside shade signals an inside break. Man coverage on an island for the X is the biggest vulnerability of this concept since the choice route is designed purely as a man beater on that side. Zone coverage with a flat defender sitting underneath the trips can undercut the shallow in-cut and force the quarterback to hold the ball longer. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers force the HB to stay in protection, so a delayed inside blitz or nano blitz can collapse the pocket before the choice route develops. Cover 2 or Cover 3 shells with deep safety help over the top take away the vertical seam threats from the trips side, forcing the quarterback back to the isolated X route.
Usage Tips
Check the cornerback's alignment on the lone X receiver before the snap since his leverage dictates which way the choice route breaks against man coverage.
If you see single high safety or man match coverage on the X side, throw the choice route hot and early before the underneath defender can jump the break.
Against zone shells, work your eyes to the trips seams since the choice route flattens out and loses value versus soft zone drops.
Pair this play with Zona Fade or Curls from the same set to keep defenders guessing between the isolated route and the trips concepts.
Best called on third and short to medium since the choice route naturally settles into an open window against man beaters, and the HB stays in to protect against extra pressure.
