Four Verticals
Four receivers run vertical seams and the quarterback reads the safeties.
Concept: Line sets drop-back protection while receivers bend seams against the coverage shell.
Grows with your players
Same play, more layers as they age up — teach it once and build on it every season for a consistent program.
- 12UIntroduce: Learn the footwork and the primary read; protect first, then complete the easy throw.
- 14UAdd the pass: Add the play-action throw off this run action. Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.
Every position's job
Set in drop-back protection and read the safeties on the four verticals.
Check-release or pass-block the first free rusher.
Set drop-back protection.
Set drop-back protection.
Set protection on the edge.
Set protection on the edge.
Run a vertical seam or check-release.
Run a vertical, bending the seam versus the coverage.
Run a vertical seam, bending against the safety leverage.
Run a vertical, bending against the coverage shell.
How to teach it
- 1Line sets drop-back protection while receivers bend seams against the coverage shell.
- 2Receivers read the safeties and bend into open windows.
- 3QB reads the safeties to pick the open seam.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Receivers run straight without reading — teach bending the seam.
- !QB holds too long — read and throw on time.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.