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The Four Vertical Concept - Part 2

Published on Friday, 28 June 2013 00:54


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Last week, X&O Labs presented the first installment of the four vertical concept a staple for most
programs entering this busy 7-on-7 season. We touched on pre-snap landmarks and post-snap route
progressions for the outside and inside receivers as well as QB read off of one and two high safety
defenses. Quite frankly, we were impressed with the intricacies of how coaches teach and develop this
concept. There are various tweaks and adjustments that coaches make to the scheme based on factors like
safety depth, corner leverage and linebacker leverage, etc. so well start this weeks research report on how
to utilize the four vertical pass game out of 3x1 formations.
Trips Adjustments/Variations:
It would be silly to address the four vertical concept without detailing how coaches utilize it out of 3x1
formations. Weve found that this concept is becoming more present in these unbalanced formations,
mainly because of two distinct reasons:
1. You have the presence of three vertical threats to one side of the formation. 2. You have the ability to
isolate the single receiver (X) to the backside of trips; often creating a mismatch with your better receiver
on the boundary cornerback.
Route Progressions for 3-Man Side:
Not surprisingly, weve found that when using the four vertical concept out of trips formations, 76.6
percent use the opposite hash mark by the number three receiver in trips as a landmark.
Many coaches will call him the "slicer" in the concepts, literally because its his job to cut through the
defense, ending up on the opposite hash. In whatever way he gets there, he MUST make sure he influences
that backside safety to distort his read (Diagram 1).

Nick Hajjar, the offensive coordinator at Ohio Northern University feels that the number three receiver in
3x1 formations should be the catalyst for the success of the play. Its his job to understand coverages and
what path he needs to get to his landmark, which is fifteen yards downfield crossing the near safety. Of
course, which safety this is may change based on coverage, but he must find the best path to influence that
near safety and react off his movement.
"Basically, we tell him (#3) to go over the Sam LB and under the Mike LB (Diagram 2)," said Hajjar.
"That Sam should be splitting number two and three or over number three so hes already underneath the
Sam. Hes trying to catch that ball fifteen yards down the field over his shoulder and the ball should be on
a rope. The QB shouldnt be leading him out to dry."

While Hajjar admits that his first read in a 3x1 progression is the X because of the possibility of single
coverage, his QB must be able to decipher between "depth" and "width" safeties in any two deep shell.
How can a QB tell if a safety will play with width or depth post-snap? Hajjar believes its all in the
demeanor of the player. "If they are width safeties, they are opening up with their outside foot and getting
into a crossover run for three steps and then backpedal," he claims. "Some will weave at an angle, but its
pretty easy for our QBs to see their demeanor. If its a depth safety hes on a vertical plane on a
backpedal."
So whats all this mean? "If we get cover two with a safety getting depth, we may be able to throw that ball
to the X right in the spot in the 15 yard rule and were off to the races (Diagram 3). But, if we see that
post snap safety get width, were off him now, hoping we can get number three who is replacing his
vacated area (Diagram 4)."

"The key for us is the number three receiver must understand whether it is a two-high or one-high safety
read, and he has to do it immediately after he clears the Mike linebacker." says Hajjar. "After he gets over
the Mike, he has to understand is it one high or two high safeties. If its two high, we tell him to split the
crotch of the backside safety and go right down the middle of the safeties as quick as you can. Once again,
were reading the boundary safety. If that safety is getting width, there is no way that front side safety to
get over to play him. The biggest thing our number three has trouble with is the backside safety doesnt get
to the midline vs. trips. He gets just inside that backside hash and works for depth. By rule, our number
three must cross his face, but he will see that its two high so he will take the middle of the field. So, if our
WR messes up, he needs to just take the top of the route and get vertical and well pass him up on our
progression."
What about a one-high safety read? "If its one high, hell speed roll that thing in front of him to the
opposite hash (Diagram 5)" says Hajjar. "The rule is to still cross his face." Hajjar even classifies some
form of Tampa 2 coverage to be one-high because of the depth of the Mike LB. "Some teams will drop the
Mike to 15 yards which is where we are telling that guy he should expect the football," he says. "So to him,
thats really a one high safety look. Hell play his rule and speed roll in front of the Mike (Diagram 6)."

To see video of those adjustments that Hajjar makes out of 3x1 click on the link below.
Troy Rothenbuhler, now the offensive coordinator at the University of Findlay (OH) has a different
progression read for his QB out of trips formations. Against one-high safety defenses, the primary receiver
is the inside seam away from safety rotation post-snap. This is ideal against zone pressure teams who may
rotate their coverage post snap, leaving a safety to leverage two vertical threats (Diagram 7).

"We want to hit the side of the inside seam with the most space based on the placement of the deep middle
safety," said Rothenbuhler.
"If he is being carried by an underneath defender, we go to the vertical read on that side, which should be
a comeback (Diagram 8). If thats not there, we go to the dump [well detail this later in this report]."
What Rothenbuhler will see sometimes is the safety leaning to the backside seam, while the field corner is
playing a divide technique with the field seam. In this case, he will exchange number one and number two
to the field inviting the corner to collapse on seam of number one or see number two coming out and
staying there (Diagram 9). Its a simple variation that, according to him, produces big time results.

Against two-high safety defenses, Rothenbuhler will eye the boundary safety on the backside seam read.
"If he is getting width, we take the backside seam read down the middle unless he is getting carried- then
we go straight to the dump (Diagram 10)," he says.

"If he is not getting width, we go to the vertical read down the sideline if hes winning (Diagram 11). If
hes not winning, well hitch and throw the comeback (Diagram 12). If a second level defender is under
the comeback, we hitch again and throw to the dump (Diagram 13)."

Shawn Behrend, the offensive coordinator at Bloomington High School (IN) will also try to create conflict
with that deep safety in his 3x1 sets. "Out of a 3 x 1 look we will usually have our number three receiver
cross the face of the safety, trying to get him to turn his hips," he says. "Then we will sneak the number
two down the hash, while the number one attacks the outside number of the corner back. In this case we
will read the Free Safety. The solo backside receiver must do a good job of eating up the DB's cushion and
getting him to turn his hips away from the middle of the field. This is what I tell the QB:
1. If the FS gets depth right away we can hit the #3 between the backers or down the hash over the top of
the backers (Diagram 14).

2. If the FS turns hips to chase number three, then we want to stick the throw down the hash (Diagram

15).

I emphasize the fact we need to get it in there and not hang it up there as good safeties will make a play."
Isolating the X Backside: According to our surveys, 32.1 percent of coaches use comebacks or
speed outs by the Single X in trips formations when using the four vertical pass concept.
Weve found that this may vary depending on whom that player is and which route is more effective
running, but it also will depend on how much of an influence that receiver is in your package. Some
coaches, like Phil Longo, the offensive coordinator at Slippery Rock University (PA) feel that the comeback
is a better option because its breaking at 15 yards and an outside linebacker cant get under those as easy
as he would on a speed out. Yet, some coaches feel that the speed out takes much too long to develop,
particularly if you have a considerable mismatch on the perimeter, and can get the ball to your X in a
hurry on an 8-10 yard speed cut.
To see some of Phil Longos four vertical concept out 3x1 sets click on the link below:
One of the more interesting X concept variations was submitted by Rodney Bivens Jr., the receiver coach
at Pell City High School (AL) who will use a "bang post" concept to the backside of trips in his four vertical
pass game. Its a tagged concept which is a quick post route, made famous by former 49er great Jerry Rice
in Bill Walshs West Coast offense. Although its efficiency was off the charts when Rice ran it, Bivens uses
it more as a second option against rotating safety coverage to the trips side. "We used the bang post to
create a safety net for the QB when the defense presented us with a strong field side rotation," said Bivens.
"It allowed us to essentially create a one-on-one matchup with a bigger receiver (X) on a smaller corner."
X Receiver Rules on the "Bang Post":
Landmarks are bottom of the numbers in high school or two yards behind bottom of the numbers in
college.
He will push vertical and make his break on his 3rd outside step (which should be at 10 yards). He
must break at a flatter angle at the near upright so that he will protect the throw from the DB.
He is not reading a defender, so he should always anticipate the ball. He should expect the ball to be
out coming upon his break. It should be caught between 12-14 yards.
According to Bivens, the post should NEVER conflict with the number three receiver because of the timing
of the play. "The QB will release the ball on a quick three-step plant and throw," he said. "It will happen
before number three ever reaches the opposite side of the field."
QB Progression on the "Bang Post": Vs. One-High Safety Defenses (Diagram 16):
1. Pick best match-up pre-snap (usually either Y or Z)
2. Hit X, if not there throw Y to B

Vs. Two-High Safety Defenses:


1. Read backside safety for the following two progressions
a. If safety remains on the hash, work to the strong side of the play (Diagram 17).

b. If safety works
off the hash toward the field, execute the bang post throw- quick three and throw (Diagram 18).

Getting Five Out: What weve found now is that more programs are starting to get five receivers out on the
route in four verticals. While it hasnt completely caught on 46.6 percent use a fifth receiver less
than half of the time it can be a solid option if you have a back that can catch the ball in space or if
you have a fifth receiver/tight end that can threaten the middle of the field. Makes sense to us for the
following three reasons:
1. Most tailbacks either dont enjoy pass blocking or are not very good at it, so why not tie them into
the route.
2. Gives offenses an opportunity to get their five best receiver on the field, and in the route, at the same
time.
3. Against any zone or man coverage, that fifth receiver will likely be paired up on an interior
linebacker, a major mismatch that needs to be taken advantage of.
Now, before thinking about releasing five, you must be able to protect the QB with five, a subject that one
of our columnists, Rich Alercio, will detail in a future report. But if youre able to do that, your possibilities
of sending another back/receiver out are endless.
Using the Back as the fifth receiver: Of those coaches that use the back as a fifth receiver, 37.6 percent
use a hole or dump route, while 33.2 percent use a check release into the flat. Since you can
find everything you need on the check release option in our exclusive interview with Atlanta Falcons
offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter (click here to read the interview), well focus more on the
hole/dump route.
For Rothenbuhler, he combines the dump and the check release into a read for the back. According to
him, the dump route landmark should be four yards deep between the B gaps (Diagram 19). If a
defender occupies this area, the back will escape flat toward the seam read player (Diagram 20). He tells
his QB to "not be afraid of the dump" because often times it is a mismatch against a slower, interior
linebacker, whose assignment is to play anything over the ball.

Using a Receiver/Tight End as the Fifth Receiver:


If your back doesnt have the ability to catch balls in space (but he could run the heck out of the power or
zone schemes) using five wide may be another option for you. Weve found that coaches who will use five
wide in their vertical pass game package will use that receiver in two ways:
1. A "jerk" or pivot concept
2. A cross or dig concept
Steve Canter, the quarterbacks coach at Norfolk State University (VA) prefers what he calls his "jerk"
concept because it creates natural separation against defenders. He will use a fifth wide receiver or an
athletic tight end. "Its better than a spot up over the ball because you get separation," he says. "He just
replaces the back and well run it off the first backer in the box. Usually, the Mike will have final number
three over the ball, so we have an advantage."
"We setup on outside shoulder of first backer in the box," says Canter. "We want him to match us man-toman, then we get the bend over the top of him. He separates inside. The backside LB should have walled
the weak #2 (bender) so he should be out of the way (Diagram 21) which is why were hitting him close
to 50 percent of the time. The QB has to be patient because it opens up late. Against quarters it should be
the throw, because everything else is dead. If you get blitz, he goes it right now. Its a terrific blitz beater.

Brian Flinn, the wide receiver coach at Villanova University (PA) teaches another form of his "jerk"
concept where he will have his number three player pivot outside the first linebacker in the box. Hes
taught to step on the toes of the interior linebacker, than quickly pivot outside looking for the ball
(Diagram 22). Since the Wildcats run so much pivot out of there base offensive packages, it has
tremendous carry over and he doesnt have to teach anything new.

Mick McCall, the offensive coordinator at Northwestern University mixes the pivot and the spot up with
what he calls his"jig" route which can be tagged for any receiver. "The receiver running the jig route comes
across inside," says McCall. "He slams on his breaks, comes back outside as if hes going to run a pivot
route and then works across the field. Of course, he has some parameters that he has to follow once he
gets to that area:
1. If no one comes outside with him, he can settle and look for the pass.
2. If the defender goes with him on the pivot, he comes back underneath to the inside and looks for the
ball.
Longo likes to tag a crosser out of empty in his four vertical package. Traditionally, hell have his inside
slots be "protection release players," making sure they work outside the defender over them in order to
open up space for the crosser. The crosser will cut his split down by five yards and run the shallow cross

(Diagram 23). "The QB reads high to low," says Longo. "Against two-high safeties, the QB reads strong
side first. He has the option to go to either drop out route. Against one-high safety, he still reads the
movement key (alley player) but we dont have a bender- now he looks to the crosser matched up on the
Mike LB."

Reader Request: Attacking Quarters Coverage Adjustments We saved the best question for last
in this report and that is how to attack some form of quarters coverage with the four vertical concept. We
realize that quarters coverage was implemented for the most part, to protect against four receivers
running vertically down the field- so defenses should have a man for a man in coverage (Diagram 24).
What weve found is that when offenses use the four vertical pass concept against quarters (and many still
do) their efficiency lies in one of two areas:
1. Take the best pre-snap matchup outside and go to it (comeback or speed out).
2. Or, get a fifth receiver out and match him against the hole defender (interior linebacker). This we
detailed above.

Marzka takes a more aggressive approach and decides to run his vertical regardless of the coverage and
keep all his reads the same, particularly for the inside receivers. "Against cover four, the route that has the
most flexibility is the read seam on the backside," says Marzka. "Hes doing the same thing as the front
side seam. Which is anytime he reads two high, he knows there will be a bender. He wants to get to his
seam landmark, which is three yards outside the hash and push vertical until he gets to the outside
linebacker. Once he gets to the outside linebacker, hes leaving the seam."
"We bend it behind the linebacker and in front of the safety regardless of his depth," said Marzka. "Now,
the angle of the bend will depend on the depth of that safety (Diagram 25). If its a cover two half safety,
we will have separation on him. If its quarters with a tighter safety, then he needs to bend that thing a
little harder. He still makes a decision. If that safety is too aggressive, now we have an open seam and
were going to beat him deep (Diagram 26). Weve seen guys that are playing a cover four safety at 8
yards. We can beat it deep. Its all up to the receiver on what he can do. For our QB, it would be a five-step
hitch throw for us."

"We practice that read seam 30 times a day every day for the entire year," says Marzka. "Its a default
route for us and Im confident that we can beat any coverage with it. Hes always reading the deep safety to
his side, regardless of coverage. Were always trying to stem (move) defenders. What were trying to do is
attack the midline of the defender so that we have a two-way go. If you attack the midline, you take away
his leverage- and we step on his toes before we make a cut."
To see how Coach Markza attacks quarters coverage, and to see some of his 3x1
adjustments click on the link below:

New Research
For more on this same topic, be sure to click through here to access Trinity's OC Mark Melnitsky's full
length clinic report explaining how his Trinity College (CT) offense averaged 465 yards per game this
season with a good chunk of it came from their four vertical concept off play action.
Concluding Report: A quick note that most of us coaches know already: Although this four vertical
concept with the jig route and the jerk route, etc. looks appetizing, it really must be something you believe
in and live by in order to be effective. Perhaps the best nugget of research we got from this report is the
fact that John Marzka told us he completes the seam route over 60 percent of the time because he
practices it over 30 times a day. Here is a coach committed to the concept. For anyone to install this and
run it with any deal of efficiency, it is our belief that you have to be sold on it. When conducting this
research, not one of the coaches we spoke with used this play as a "fad"- it was a major part of their
offense, a scheme they ran between 10-25 percent of the time. So, good luck this summer with your 7-on7s, hopefully you get some mileage out of this concept.
Questions or Comments? Post your questions or comments below and Mike Kuchar will respond
shortly.
Copyright 2012 X&O Labs
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