Texas State's Choice Switch Concept
Texas State might have been the most exciting offense you didn’t watch last season, unless you’re from San Marcos, Texas. One of their go-to passing concepts, "Choice Switch," is a beautifully designed route combination that creates natural separation through a switch release. The inside receiver bends into open space, while the outside receiver pushes vertically, either carrying the route into a wheel or shutting it down with a stop.
Both receivers press vertically for the first five yards before crossing, with the slot receiver responsible for initiating the rub. This forces defenders into tough coverage decisions, making it a nightmare for man coverage and a stress test for zone responsibilities.
Choice Switch versus Cover 1
Against Troy’s Cover 1 look, Texas State runs Choice Switch, and while the defense does a solid job of staying tight on the switch release, the concept still creates an advantage. The bender route naturally works away from man coverage, giving the quarterback a clear target. It’s obvious the Bobcats have this rep’d to perfection as the QB shows no hesitation, confidently hitting the bender in stride before the safety can close, moving the chains for a first down.
Choice Switch versus Cover 3
When facing Cover 3, Choice Switch can play out in two ways. In this example, the curl/flat defender expands underneath the outside receiver, opening up a window for the bender. With the middle of the field vacated, the quarterback can step up and fire the ball into the soft spot before the deep safety can react.
If the curl/flat defender stays inside to bracket the bender, the quarterback shifts his focus to the outside receiver. With the deep third corner bailing, the stop route becomes the next read, which is an easy throw-and-catch underneath before the defense can rally. This simple adjustment keeps the concept effective against different Cover 3 reactions, giving the offense a built-in answer no matter how the defense plays it.
Choice Switch versus Firezone 3
Firezone Cover 3 plays out similarly to standard Cover 3, but with an added layer of pressure. In this case, the quarterback had a window to hit the bender, as the flat defender was in solid position to contest the stop route. However, sometimes great players just make plays. Instead of taking the bender, the QB confidently layers the ball over the flat defender, threading it to the stop route for a first down. Side note, this was one hell of a catch.