Back to School: Pivot vs. Shake
Football’s strategy has never been just about raw power or speed; it’s the finesse, the nuance, the little moves that often make the most significant difference. Two such nuanced routes in a receiver’s arsenal are the Pivot and the Shake. But while they may seem similar, their intent and execution differ. As players navigate Madden and compete in PML, understanding the distinctions between these routes can give an edge. Let’s dive into the specifics of the Pivot and Shake, see how they manifest in Madden, and highlight the formations and sets that best showcase them.
Pivot: Changing Directions on a Dime
Route Characteristics:
- In-and-Out: The Pivot route starts with the receiver running a few steps forward, breaking inside like they’re running a slant or in-route, and then quickly pivoting to turn back outside.
- Space Creation: The main aim is to get the cornerback or covering defender to commit to the inside break, creating separation when the receiver pivots back outside.
Best Out of: The Pivot route works well from formations that have slot alignments, where the receiver has space to operate both inside and outside.
Shake: Deception and Double Move
Route Characteristics:
- Initial Fake: Starting similarly to the Pivot, the receiver begins with an inside move. However, instead of pivoting back outside, the Shake sees the receiver fake outside and then continue back inside, often deeper into the field.
- Deep Threat: The Shake is generally a longer-developing route designed to exploit a defender biting on the initial outside fake.
Best Out of: “Gun Trips” and “Gun Doubles” are ideal for the Shake route, particularly when the receiver has a two-way go, being neither too close to the sideline nor too congested in the middle.
Madden Implications and Optimal Personnel:
- Pivot Proficiency: In PML, the Pivot is excellent against aggressive man coverage or off-zone defenders. Quick, agile receivers who excel in change-of-direction skills are ideal for this route.
- Shake Success: The Shake can torch defenders in Madden who jump the initial outside fake. It demands a receiver with not just agility, but also the speed to capitalize on the second part of the move.
In the dance that is receiver route running, the Pivot and Shake are intricate steps meant to wrong-foot defenders. Whether you’re orchestrating plays in real life or manipulating defenders in PML, knowing when and how to deploy these routes can be a game-changer. It’s a reminder that in football, as in chess, sometimes it’s the deceptive moves that crown the king.
