What Are Run and Shoot Choice Routes?
Choice routes are receiver routes where the WR reads the defense and breaks his route based on what he sees. The receiver isn't locked into one specific pattern — he chooses between 2-3 options mid-route.
Hawaii's "Get Open" play is the PERFECT example. You get three streaks running deep, plus two choice route receivers who can break curl, out, or snag routes depending on coverage.
Formation: Gun, Five Wide Receiver Trips
Play: Run and Shoot "RNS Get Open"
Playbook: Hawaii
Here's what happens:
- Three outside receivers run streaks — just getting open downfield
- Inside slot (A route) runs curl that can break inside or outside
- Right slot can curl, snag outside, or run pure out route
The beauty? Your receivers actually GET OPEN. They read coverage and adjust. It's not some scripted route that gets blown up by good defense.
When Should You Call Choice Routes?
Choice routes destroy defenses that like to disguise coverage or switch up their looks. Here's when they're MONEY:
Against Coverage Cheaters: Defense showing one thing pre-snap, doing another post-snap? Choice routes adapt automatically.
When You Need Consistent Completions: Can't figure out what coverage they're running? Let your receivers figure it out for you.
Red Zone Situations: Compressed field means choice routes find the soft spots in coverage.
Third and Medium: 3rd and 5-8 yards — choice routes consistently find that first down marker.
Don't call these on obvious running downs or when you need a specific deep shot. Choice routes work best when you need reliable completions, not explosive plays.
How to Execute Choice Routes Effectively
Pre-Snap Read: Identify the coverage. Are they showing man? Zone? Two-high safety look?
Post-Snap Timing: You gotta predict what your receiver will do. Watch his stem — is he setting up for an out? Sitting down in a curl?
The receivers do a REALLY good job making the right read. But you still need to be on the same page.
Custom Stemming for Better Timing
Here's where choice routes get nasty:
- Press the receiver icon (A, B, X, Y)
- Hold LEFT BUMPER for custom stem
- Adjust the route depth
Why This Matters: Stemming down one step creates better timing on out routes. Stemming up gives you more separation on curls.
Both choice route receivers can be custom stemmed. Adjust based on down and distance.
Reading Your Progressions
First Read: Check the choice route receivers — they develop fastest
Second Read: Hit the streaks if safety coverage breaks down
Checkdown: RB or tight end underneath if everything's covered
Don't stare down individual receivers. Read AREAS where routes are developing.
What Defenses Give Choice Routes Problems?
Aggressive Man Coverage: Physical press coverage can disrupt the timing of choice routes. Receivers need clean releases to make proper reads.
Cover 0 Blitz: No safety help means quick pressure. You need protection or hot routes to counter.
Pattern Matching: Smart defenses that match route concepts with specific coverage adjustments can limit choice route effectiveness.
Counter These Issues:
- Use block seven protection against blitzes
- Motion receivers to create picks against press coverage
- Have hot routes ready if choice routes get jumped
Common Mistakes with Choice Routes
Throwing Before the Break: Choice routes need time to develop. Don't panic and throw into coverage early.
Not Reading the Same Coverage: If you see Cover 2 and throw an out, but your receiver reads Cover 3 and sits in a curl — PICK SIX.
Forcing the Deep Ball: Three streaks running doesn't mean you have to go deep. Take the underneath completion.
Ignoring Custom Stems: Default stems work, but custom stemming makes choice routes unstoppable.
Poor Protection: Choice routes take 2-3 seconds to develop. Make sure your line can handle the rush.
Why Choice Routes Work So Well
Simple — they put the decision-making on your receiver instead of forcing you to guess what coverage is coming.
Most offensive plays are scripted. Run this route to this spot, throw the ball here. Defense knows this too.
Choice routes flip the script. Defense shows Cover 2? Receiver breaks out. They rotate to Cover 3? Same receiver sits in the curl.
It's like having an audible system built into every route. Your receivers become extensions of your pre-snap read.
Plus, Hawaii's "Get Open" play lives up to its name. Receivers genuinely find soft spots in coverage. It's one of the most reliable passing concepts in the game.