QB Pre-Snap ReadsUnderstanding Safeties, Boxes, and

what it all means.

Pre-Snap Read

Definition: A survey of the defense to determine the play / scheme that they are going to run.

Objective: Identify their play to speed up the decision that we must make once the ball is snapped.

Result: Allows us to better attack our opponents weaknesses and avoid their strengths forcing them to change their plans and giving us control.

Pre-Snap Reads

• Every snap, the QB will identify pieces of information that will define the defense and allow us to “play fast”. They are:

–Number of players in the “Middle”–Number of players “Box”

Defining the “Middle”

• Where is the middle?– The middle of the field is the space behind the

linebackers and to include the space behind our #2 and #3 receivers.

– The middle is not “hash to hash”, but a space that might move depending on where we are on the field and our formation.

– We are looking to identify the number of defenders or “safeties” in that zone (1 or 2)

Defining the “Middle”

Defining the “Middle”

Determining the Number of Safeties

• Defenses cannot have more than 2 safeties without having major problems stopping the run.

• Basically every defense that is run at any level has between 0 and 2 safeties.

• Knowing the number of safeties helps us greatly narrow down the potential plays that the defense can run and helps us “play fast”

Determining the Number of Safeties

• 0 Safeties (Called Black) = Cover 0 or Man. Expect blitzes.

• 1 Safety (Called Gold) = Cover 1 or 3. Box number can vary from 6 to 8 (explained later).

• 2 Safeties (Called Purple) = Cover 2, 4, or 20. Box number can vary from 5 to 7.

• The following slides will show you a few examples of each.

0 Safeties (“Black”) vs. Rip

0 Safeties (“Black”) vs. Reo

1 Safety (“Gold”) vs. Rip

1 Safety (“Gold”) vs. Reo

2 Safeties (“Purple”) vs. Reo

2 Safeties (“Purple”) vs. River

Communicating the Number of Safeties

• The QB will verbally and visibly communicate the “Middle” read to the rest of the team.

Number of Safeties

Verbal Communication Visible Communication

0 “Black __” to the right, “Black __” to the left

Hands visibly at the QB’s side through the verbal signal

1 “Gold __” to the right, “Gold __” to the left

One hand making a signal as “Gold __” is being said

2 “Purple __” to the right, “Purple __” to the left

Both hands make a signal as “Purple __” is being said

Note: The ___ that follows the color will be filled with our box information.

Defining the “Box”

• Where is the “Box”?– Width: The space between from tackle to tackle

including the any attached backs / ends.– Depth: Extends from the ball to the heels of the

deepest linebacker. – We are looking to identify the number of

defenders in the box in order to know how important stopping the run is to that team.• We are expecting a number between 5 and 8.

Defining the “Box”

Defining the “Box”

Determining the # of Box Defenders

• Defenses are telling us how important stopping the run is by how many players they put in the box.

• The number of box players is connected to the number of safeties (see later slide).

• Knowing the number of players in the box shows us where the space is and helps us “play fast”

Determining the # of Box Defenders

• 5 players (Called 50) = Likely has 2 safeties and 3 line players. Meant to stop the pass.

• 6 players (Called 60) = Likely has 1 safety. Could be 3, 4, or 5 man line. Considered to be balanced against run and pass.

• 7 players (Called 70) = Likely has 2 safeties and at least 4 line players. Used to stop the run.

• 8 players (Called 80) = Likely has 1 or 0 safeties. Used to shut down the run.

5 Man Box: 3-2 Defense

5 Man Box: 4-1 Defense

6 Man Box: 3-3 Stack

6 Man Box: 4-2 Defense

7 Man Box: 4-3 Defense

7 Man Box: 5-2 Defense

7 Man Box: 3-3 Stack + Tuff Dog

8 Man Box: 4-4 Defense

8 Man Box: 5-3 Defense

Communicating the Number of Players in the Box

• The QB will verbally communicate the “Box” read to the rest of the team.

Number of Players Verbal Communication

5 “__ 50” to the right, “__ 50” to the left

6 “__ 60” to the right, “__ 60” to the left

7 “__ 70” to the right, “__ 70” to the left

8 “__ 80” to the right, “__ 80” to the left

Note: The ___ that precedes the number will be filled with the middle color.

Decision Accelerators

• The two reads that have already been outlined help us define much of what the defense is going to do.

• Decision Accelerators are additional reads for the can give us additional information.

• These include:– Corner Depth– Dog Leverage

Corner Depth

• The “corner” is defined as the defender over the #1 receiver.

• His depth can help define specific coverages.– Cover 2 vs. Cover 4– Cover 3 vs. Cover 10

• 2 Basic Alignments:– On: Player is inside 6 yards depth or obviously

playing man coverage.– Off: Player is 6+ yards depth or consistently bailing

“On” Corner

“Off” Corner

Dog Leverage

• The “Dog” is the linebacker that is outside of the tackle on either side.

• The alignment of the dog helps us better understand the goals of the defense and how they plan on addressing our different players / formations.

• Many variations are possible and will be taught in further sessions.