Lane Teaching the Vertical Switch Concept

By Eric Struck
Offensive Coordinator
Lincoln High School (SD)
Twitter: @EricStruck

At Lincoln High School, the choice concept is close to 90% of the drop-back pass game. In fact, we only use one other concept and we’ve run it a total of 15 total times last season. The choice is the day one install and it’s the first concept worked in June through fall camp. Once we decided to do it, we committed to it and said we are going to do it as much as possible.

Lane Basics and Landmarks:

The entire premise of our deep choice system is built on space. Our players must understand the importance of separation. So, one of the first things we do as a staff is teach the field as a four-lane highway:

• Lane 1- This is the top of the numbers to the sideline.
• Lane 2- This is the top of numbers to the hash
• Median- This is the area between the hashes. In 2x2, we try to stay away from that area.

This is the foundation of the deep choice menu. Within that framework, we build in the following deep choice concepts:

• Outside Choice Concepts
• Inside Choice Concepts
• Switch Choice Concepts

Outside WR’s Choice Concept: “Cobra”

Since “Cobra” has an “O” in it, it depicts an outside choice concept. Cobra is run when we are looking to exploit a one-on-one vs. a corner. We build our alignments off the outside choice based on leverage. Our alignment to the field is the top of the numbers to the bottom of the numbers. Our alignment to boundary is 3-5 yds from the sideline. If the ball in the middle we are anywhere from 5 yds from the sideline to the bottom of the numbers. Again, the premise is we are trying to get a one on one vs. the corner.

We can tag both outside receivers or just one to run the choice. On the snap, the receiver is taught to sprint at the belly button of the corner for ten yards and then make one of the following choices based on his reaction:

1. If we’re even, we’re leaving on a vertical route
2. If the DB lifts, we work our stop route. This is most common.
3. Against any press technique, we will take the best release (inside or outside) and stack him once we get past him.

2X2 INSIDE RECEIVER RULES

The next receiver inside the tagged outside receiver runs the “bury” route. His objective is to keep the lane two defender inside to clear out lane one for the choice. He will feel the overhang defender and work to aim for the inside number of the safety, looking to cross his face. He’ll work off the following two reactions:

1. If the overhang widens past you look for the ball right away
2. If the safety widens out over number, hold the seam open

In essence, his job is to take two defenders (safety and overhang) to clear space for the stop route. Then he looks for grass to it sit down. When the overhang disappears, that is the QB’s next option. Once you get good at it that’s all you need to do. It’s two on one. Find grass and go.