Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn Wheel Levels Switch is a switch release passing concept out of Shotgun Trips HB Wk with 10 personnel. The HB releases from the backfield into a wheel route up the sideline while the inside slot receiver runs a deep post to the opposite corner, creating a natural switch/pick element that confuses man defenders. On the trips side, one receiver runs a deep in cut (dig) at intermediate depth while the outside receiver runs a shallow crossing route underneath, forming the Levels concept that stretches zone defenders horizontally and vertically. The primary read progression starts with the HB wheel against man coverage, then works to the Levels combo (dig to shallow cross) on the trips side if the wheel is covered.
Defensive Reads
Watch the linebacker or safety assigned to the HB out of the backfield, if he bails to the flat immediately it signals man coverage and the wheel route is live. Check corner depth on the trips side before the snap, a corner playing off suggests zone drops that open the shallow cross underneath for an easy completion. Identify single high safety alignment as a cue for man beater potential since the wheel route punishes press or trail technique down the sideline. Post snap, track any user controlled defender flying to the flat or wheel lane, this is the biggest threat to the play since it can undercut both the wheel and the shallow cross simultaneously. Cover 2 with aggressive corner jams at the line can disrupt the timing of the Levels combo, so be ready to check to a hot route on the shallow cross if the jam holds up.
Usage Tips
Look for man coverage indicators pre-snap such as safeties showing single high or corners lined up tight on the wheel side to prioritize the HB wheel route. If the defense shows Cover 2 or Cover 3 shells, work the Levels combo on the trips side since the dig and shallow cross create natural conflict for underdrops and corners sinking into their zones. Use motion at the snap to identify man versus zone by watching if a defender follows the HB across the formation. This play pairs well with quick game concepts like Quick Slants or Stick from the same set to keep the defense honest against underneath throws before hitting the wheel deep. Best called on second or third and medium when you have time in the pocket to let the wheel and dig routes develop, and mix in Levels Switch with Mtn Slot Curls to keep linebackers guessing on flat versus intermediate crossers.
