The “Swing/Bubble” or the “Flat Path” route – which one is better to run out of a shotgun, 2 x 2 formation off of Zone Read?
The Swing route, also known as the “Bubble” is the most used route for the Slot WR on the back side of a Gun, Zone Read play.
The Flat Path route is one that is being used more and more as of late where the Slot WR pushes off the upfield foot and starts backpedaling toward the sideline behind the line of scrimmage (LOS).
I had always used the Swing route until I saw Purdue running the same Zone Read play about 10 years ago with a Flat Path route instead of the Swing route. Once I tried it, I was hooked and have been using this route instead of the Swing ever since. Even adding this route into some other RPO (run/pass option) or drop back pass concepts instead of the Swing or even the Arrow route gives the initial appearance of a run play to the defense while still offering the same reads as an Arrow route.
The following are my thoughts as to why the Flat Path route is better than the Swing on the example of a Zone Read play out of a 2 x 2 formation:
Positives of the Flat Route:
-Gives the QB a better target than the Swing route as the WR is “showing his numbers” to the QB as opposed to the Swing where the WR is running away and on an angle.
-This throw is also a much easier throw (straight line to WR) than the Swing where the WR is at an awkward angle and the QB is trying to “lead” him.
-Gives the WR a better opportunity to “get his eyes upfield” after the catch and the ability to change direction a little easier than after the catch of a Swing.
-Easier route to throw on the run. When the QB is on the run after a “keep” read by the DE, attacking the overhang defender (Safety or OLB), and that read tells him to throw to the Slot.
-Forces the overhang defender to make a decision much faster than on a Swing as the Flat Path can get width right now and quicker than the Swing can.
-Allows the Slot to get upfield and throw a potential block a little easier for the QB if the QB keeps the ball.
-QB has a little more margin of error on throw as the WR can stick his foot in the ground and go get a less accurate ball than he can on a Swing.
-Coaching points on the Flat Path (aim for the numbers) are much easier than on the Swing (throw slightly upfield “lead the WR”, at waist level and never behind him).
-You can still run all the same play-action (fake the Zone to RB) with the outside WR on a Slant, Direct, or Vertical as you do with the Swing route.
-Its an easier catch for the WR as it is coming right to him.
-Allows you to take out of the playbook one of the harder routes for any QB to throw.
Coaching Points for The WR on the Flat Path:
-For timing purposes, he may want to take a jab step upfield before he backpedals toward the sideline.
-Taking the jab step also sometimes “softens up” the overhang defender by getting him to take a backpedal step.
-Make sure WR stays behind the line of scrimmage as there will be offensive linemen downfield.
-“Show your numbers” – make sure that the jersey numbers of the WR are visible to the QB.
-Have WR slow down his backpedal when he sees the numbers of the field at his feet so he doesn’t continue out of bounds.
-If QB keeps, get upfield and look for a block.
-Make sure the WR doesn’t stand straight up as he is backpedaling as he may fall backwards. He should keep weight slightly forward on backpedal.
-If ball is thrown short, have WR stick foot in ground, redirect forward, and go get ball.
General Notes:
When three skill players are on the backside of the Zone Read, I have always preferred to use the Tunnel Screen with the Outside WR as the outlet on his screen course as the #2 and #3 WR’s are blocking the number 1 and 2 second level defenders from the outside. The QB still has the same second read (the overhang defender) as he does out of a 2 x 2 formation.
Have your QB rep throwing the Flat Path route on the run with the coach being the overhang for the QB to read.