Four Verticals
Four receivers stretch the field vertically and the quarterback reads the safeties.
Concept: Line sets full drop-back protection while receivers spread and bend seams versus the coverage.
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 full drop-back protection and read the safeties to find the open seam.
Check-release or pass-block the first free rusher.
Set full drop-back protection.
Set full 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 full drop-back protection while receivers spread and bend seams.
- 2Receivers read the safeties and bend their verticals into the open windows.
- 3QB reads the safeties to pick the open seam.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Receivers run straight without reading coverage — teach bending the seam.
- !QB holds too long — protection has limits, so 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.