The Three "R's" for QBs: Read! Read! Read!

I WAS WOODY HAYES who expressed his contempt for the forward pass with the aphorism: "Only three things can happen when you pass, and two of them are bad."

As a Wing-T coach who loves to run the ball, I have always been tempted to string along with Woody, but the day of one-dimensional football has long gone, and you now have to be able to throw the ball and avoid interceptions.

And to do that, you have to have a quarterback who can make simple reads.

During my years at Elk Grove, we were a predominantly running team with the Wing-T as our base. But we always believed we had to have a simple drop-back package to add to our arsenal.

First, because it allowed us to be more multiple.

Second, because it exploited our opponents' off-guard, who usually prepared all week for our Wing-T.

Third, because it allowed us to run a two-minute drill and gave us a chance to come back whenever we fell behind.

Our drop-back package involved a five-step, half-rollout system based on timing routes and the quarterback's read of the coverage. It may seem complicated, but it actually was easy to implement and the reads were simple.

The passing tree was based on the "out" pattern, using 45-degree breaks and counting steps (Diag. 1). Each outside pattern was complemented with an inside pattern (Diag. 2).

The end result was a receiver on either side of the #2 defender vs. three-deep coverage (Diag. 3).

The QB simply read the movement of the #2 defender and threw to the open area. The QB's rule-of thumb was: Anytime you see the defenders back, throw the inside pattem.

If you see the defender's chest, throw the sideline pattern.

If you're not sure, throw the sideline pattern. Our saying is "When in doubt, throw the out."

We work these read drills with the QB and stationary receivers first, with only the defender being read moving. We then progress to live receivers and routes (Diag. 4). This allows for multiple reps in a short period of time.

As long as the QB throws to the open area and not the man, we shouldn't have interceptions.

The half-roll aspect also has some advantages:

1. Makes the out a short throw for the QB with average arm strength.

2. Enables the QB to make only one read, simplifying the process.

3. The five-step drop reduces sacks, as the ball can be thrown within 2.5 seconds.

4. Whenever the defense overcommits, the backside routes will be open.

5. Screens become more effective.

Other advantages to this passing attack:

1. Since most high schools play only 3-deep, 2-deep or man, the QB reads are pretty basic.

2. Defensive coordinators who want to add extra coverages during the week to confuse our passing game won't have time to effectively prepare for our Wing-T attack -- the bulk of our offense.

3. By putting this package in during the summer, you will only need about 40 minutes a week to practice it during the season.

As offensive coaches, we have to teach our teams how to make the kind of adjustments that win games. We believe that this combination of a dynamic run offense and a simple drop-back pass package will keep our opponents off-balance and give us the best chance to succeed.

So, whenever you want to do what is best for your QB and offense, teach him to read, read, and read!

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