In the passing game, mirror concepts are popular in 2×2 formations because they give the QB the same look on both sides of the field and simplify reads. A&M and Jimbo Fisher take this concept one step further and have players of the same alignment run the same routes. In the Hitch-Out concept A&M runs, both receivers on the line of scrimmage run a hitch and both receivers off the line of scrimmage run an out route. This means regardless of formation (3×1, 2×2, 1×3), the QB knows he has a high-low read on the hitch-out. Looking at the pre-snap alignment tells him who his high-low read is on the play.
Hitch-Out Play Concept
The offense is in a 2×2 alignment with the RB aligned to the QB’s left. The boundary slot is on the LOS and the boundary receiver is aligned 1×1 off of him. The TE is the field slot and aligns off the line outside the hash. The field receiver aligns on near the numbers on the LOS. Because they are on the LOS, both the boundary slot and field receiver are running three yard hitch routes. The boundary receiver and TE are running five yard out routes. RB runs a swing route to the boundary. The QB has a high-low read, reading the out routes back to the hitch routes. If all else fails, throw the swing to the RB if he is left uncovered.
Executing Hitch-Out
Zach Calzada is aligned in shotgun with Isaiah Spiller to his left. Jalen Preston is the boundary slot and Demond Demas is the boundary receiver. Jalen Wydermyer is the field receiver aligned off the LOS. Ainias Smith is the field receiver aligned on the LOS. At the snap, Spiller goes into his swing route. Preston fights off the press coverage and runs a hitch. Demas runs inside Preston and then runs a 5 yard out. Wydermyer motions to the slot pre-snap and then run a 5 yard out. Calzada’s read to the left is out-hitch-swing. Smith fights off the press coverage for outside leverage, then cuts back inside. Calzada hits him for an easy catch. Result of the play is a 2 yard TD reception.
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