Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Bench Switch is a Singleback Doubles North pass concept out of 11 personnel that attacks the field with a switch release on the play side. The two receivers to the strong side cross paths at the snap, with the outside receiver bending into a deep bench route toward the sideline while the inside receiver climbs vertically before working back toward the middle, creating natural traffic for man defenders. Backside, the far receiver runs a deep out breaking away from the formation while his teammate crosses underneath toward the opposite sideline, and the running back releases on a quick check route into the flat. This is a man beater built on the switch release to shake off tight coverage, with the primary read starting on the switch concept to the trips side before working backside to the crossing routes if the initial matchup is covered.
Defensive Reads
Check the leverage of the corner over the switch release receivers pre-snap, since outside leverage invites the bench route to win to the sideline. Watch for a single high safety rotating late, which signals man coverage underneath and confirms the switch concept should win against man defenders. If linebackers show blitz depth or crowd the line pre-snap, expect the user to bring pressure, so the quarterback should be ready to check down to the running back in the flat immediately. Post-snap, track any user-controlled defender sitting in the middle of the field or lurking near the crossing routes, since that defender can jump the backside crosser and disrupt the secondary read. Zone coverage with defenders sinking into deep thirds can take away the vertical breakoff route, so identify Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells pre-snap and prioritize the bench route breaking to the sideline instead.
Usage Tips
Look for man coverage indicators pre-snap such as press corners or a single high safety, since the switch release is designed to create natural rubs that beat man defenders.
Motion a receiver before the snap if available to confirm man versus zone based on defensive shifts.
Hot route the running back to a flat or check release adjustment if you anticipate a blitz, giving quarterback an emergency outlet against pressure.
Pair this play with HB Dive or HB Ace Power on early downs to keep the defense honest on run fits before dialing up Bench Switch on second or third down.
Use Bench Switch after running Stick or Curl Drag from the same set so linebackers sit on shorter routes and get exposed by the vertical and bench combination on the switch side.
