Playbooks

61 X Choice

Shotgun·Trips·10

Option Route Pass Play

Play diagram for 61 X Choice from Shotgun Trips in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetTrips

Personnel

101 RB · 0 TE · 4 WR

In 1 playbook

Run And Shoot OffenseOffense

Breakdown

61 X Choice out of Shotgun Trips features an option route from the backside single receiver (X) breaking upfield with a choice/option stem versus man or zone leverage, while the trips side runs a vertical clear out combo: the inside slot runs an out breaking route toward the sideline off a stem upfield, the middle receiver runs a vertical seam, and the outside trips receiver runs a deep vertical to stretch the top of the defense. There is no visible run action or screen element here, so this is a straight drop back pass concept designed to isolate the backside X receiver in a favorable matchup while the trips side occupies deep defenders. The primary read starts with the X choice route based on the corner's leverage, then progresses to the vertical shots on the trips side if the defense rolls coverage away from the single receiver side.

Defensive Reads

Watch for the cornerback's press or off alignment on the X receiver, tight press coverage signals man and the choice route will break inside away from the defender's leverage. Identify single high safety shells since this tips zone coverage rotation toward the trips side, opening up the choice route in one on one space. Key the underneath linebacker depth on the trips side seam route, shallow linebacker drops mean the seam will sit down for a easy completion versus zone. User the deep half safety toward the trips side to take away the vertical shots, this forces the quarterback to work the choice route on the backside. Beware of a nano blitz or overload pressure package since the single receiver side offers no extra protection help, quick pressure off the edge can disrupt the timing before the choice route develops.

Usage Tips

Check the alignment of the cornerback on the X receiver before the snap, if he is playing off man coverage the choice route will break inside for an easy pitch and catch.

Use this play on third and medium to third and long since the choice route can settle into a sit read against zone drops or break upfield versus man coverage.

Pair this with Four Verticals or 60 Go from the same set so the defense has to respect the deep trips shots every time you come out in this personnel.

If the defense shows two high safeties pre snap, prioritize the X choice route since single high looks favor the trips side verticals clearing out the middle of the field.

Hot route the inside slot receiver to a shallow drag if you see man coverage with no safety help underneath, this gives you a quick answer against blitz looks.