Rhythm Passing Concepts Schemes, reads, footwork and mechanics for success in rhythm passing game.

Scheme Our rhythm passes are intended to stretch the field vertically and horizontally with timing based routes that work against a variety of coverages.

Scheme That Means: QB drops must be consistent and accurate QB read progressions must be quick and precise WR routes must be consistent and they should know when to expect the ball. Line Protections must create more time for the QB to get rid of the ball.

Footwork / Coaching Points Shotgun 3 step + gather Focus on the “rhythm” of the drop and the reads Footwork Shown “Big, Little, Little” “Gather” “Active feet” Shoulder ALWAYS Perpendicular to the read L R R L L R R

Footwork / Coaching Points L Under Center 7 step drop “Big, big, big, big, big, little, little” Footwork shown Reach for depth. Balance and active eyes are key. Never throw moving backwards R L R L R L L R R

Pre-Snap Read Assess coverage. Communicate with receivers Blitzes? What is the Safeties job? What is the corners job? Communicate with receivers Our A and Z receivers can make adjustments to their routes in the rhythm passing game. You must know what they see and how they plan to attack the defense. Blitzes? Think through where you will go with the ball if a backer leaves an area. Don’t over think it. Attack.

Post-Snap Reads Progression Read This means we read from one offensive player to the next with an understand of what defender can take away their route. For example: The 7 route is the first read, the corner is off so we know the 7 route has inside access, that means the safety will determine whether we can or cannot throw the 7 route. So instead of staring at the 7 route to see if he is open we can see the route and the safety at the same time and determine if that pass can be thrown.

Progression Read: Defender / Receiver 7 Route: Blue Players If he doesn’t move toward the 7 there will be space to complete the pass. 7 Route: Blue Players Notice the corner is giving the inside so the safety will determine in the seam is open for the 7 route.

Progression Read: Defender / Receiver 3 Route: Red Players It is the receivers job to find the space and get there to catch the ball. Also, if one or more of these defenders blitz they are making your job easy. Replace them with the football 3 Route: Red Players This route is meant to find a hole behind the LB’s. As you “read” whether or not to throw this pass, you are really just looking for open space.

Progression Read: Defender / Receiver 1 Drag Route: Black Players It is the receivers job to find the space and get there to catch the ball. If they are in man coverage and a backer is chasing him, we should still be able to complete that pass. 1 Drag Route: Black Players This route is meant to drag under all the linebackers into the void behind the DL. As he you “read” that player you are looking for a linebacker that has stepped up in front of him.

Progression Read: Defender / Receiver 6 Route: Yellow Players If the near safety does not move to the sidelines at the snap of the ball we can complete this throw. 6 Route: Yellow Players The corner will determine if we have access to this route. If he is in an “on” alignment then we have access and we look to the safety to “read” if he can make a play on the sideline.

Post-Snap Reads Progression Read (cont.) These reads are set up to happen in a natural line of site and are timed with the drop The QB should never be looking left, right, left or look left throw right. Always right to left / left to right and high to low / low to high or a combination of the two (See example on next slide)

Progression Read Example: Rt to lt and High to Low 1st Read 3rd Read 2nd Read Note: This route is both Right to Left and High to Low.

Plays There are two base plays in the Rhythm portion of our offense. Each has a few different variations. Rhythm Plays: Shallow Verticals Player Routes Unlike the Quicks, players are assigned routes that DO NOT change if they are the #1, #2, or #3 receiver. No matter where they line up, the run the route on their card. ex. #1-6 rt , ex. #2-1 drag