Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 15 playbooks
Breakdown
Shuffle Mtn Levels is a trips-based Levels concept out of Shotgun Trips TE that stacks two in routes on top of each other on the trips side while the backside X runs a quick slot cross under a deep dig from the outside receiver. The backside receiver breaks into a shallow drag underneath, the slot runs a corner-breaking route, and the outside trips receiver climbs to a deep in, while the running back checks protection and releases into a swing to the flat as a shuffle pass outlet. Against man coverage the layered in-cuts create natural picks and rub points, while against zone the levels stack stresses underneath defenders vertically, making this a true zone beater with man-beating traits built into the stack. The primary read starts with the shallow drag/cross underneath, progresses to the deep dig at the intermediate level, then climbs to the deep in breaking route before checking down to the swinging back.
Defensive Reads
Watch the linebacker depth at the snap, since shallow drops signal zone coverage that this levels stack is designed to exploit vertically. Key the flat defender and the underneath hook player, if they widen with the drag route it opens a throwing window for the deep dig behind them. Identify press man corners on the trips side presnap, since the stacked in routes create natural traffic that disrupts man coverage leverage. Post snap look for a user lurking underneath the levels stack trying to jump the dig route, if you see this user peel off early hit the shallow drag or checkdown instead. Cover 2 shells with deep half safeties are especially vulnerable here because the underneath levels stress the hook and curl zones before the safeties can rotate over the top.
Usage Tips
Presnap identify whether the defense is showing two high or single high safety, since this concept thrives against two high shells that soften underneath zone drops.
If you see man coverage across the trips side, hot route the shallow drag into a burst release to create instant separation off the rub from the stacked in routes.
Use this play on early downs or third and medium, since the levels stack takes time to develop and needs a clean pocket for the quarterback to climb the progression.
Pair this with Mtn Bench or Mtn Z Spot in the same set to keep the defense guessing on whether you are attacking underneath or working the sideline off similar trips looks.
If the defense sits on the drag route with a linebacker spy, look to bail the pocket and check down to the swing route for a manageable gain instead of forcing the dig.
