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

RL

RL

R

Footwork / Coaching Points

• 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

L R

RL

RR

RL

RL

L

Pre-Snap Read• Assess coverage.

– 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 PlayersNotice the corner is giving the

inside so the safety will determine in the seam is

open for the 7 route.

7 Route: Blue PlayersIf he doesn’t move toward the 7 there will be space to complete the pass.

Progression Read: Defender / Receiver

3 Route: Red PlayersThis 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.

3 Route: Red PlayersIt 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

Progression Read: Defender / Receiver

1 Drag Route: Black PlayersThis 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.

1 Drag Route: Black PlayersIt 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.

Progression Read: Defender / Receiver

6 Route: Yellow PlayersThe 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.

6 Route: Yellow PlayersIf the near safety does not move to the sidelines

at the snap of the ball we can complete this throw.

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