To become an effective quarterback, you will need to learn to read defense like a book. Do you want to improve? Keep reading.
Steps
Step 1. Observe the safeties; if they are deep, call a racing game or throw a quick pass
If they aren't, call a play-action to give the impression that you are running the ball.
Step 2. Check if the defense is in the zone
If it is, the safeties will play in the central area of the pitch.
Step 3. Look for holes in the defense; this is the most important component
If a catcher won't run into the hole, it changes its running trajectory.
Step 4. Try to anticipate the blitzes
The hungrier the defenders seem, the higher the likelihood of a blitz.
Step 5. Learn about the different covers adopted by the defense
You will need to be able to recognize cover 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Step 6. Learn about the weak spots, the hard-to-cover areas, which are the areas of the pitch that are easiest to hit for each type of cover
Step 7. Try to figure out which defenders cheat or make up for their shortcomings by changing positions, for example a safety that in a cover-2 exceeds the 15-yard distance
A quarterback must recognize these situations and make the safety pay for the error with a feint pitch and then a pass to override it on a catcher's fly track..
Step 8. Observe if the position of the cornerbacks is far or close to the receivers
If they leave a cushion between them and the receivers, you'll need to perform quick steps like a screen, quick out, curl, stop, or slant. If, on the other hand, they play close together to find contact, you will have to prefer fly, corner, fade, deep post or deep out tracks.
Step 9. Recognize mismatches (one-on-one favorable)
If you are lucky enough to play with an exceptional wide receiver, there will be cases where the defense will be forced into mismatches. You will have to immediately recognize the cases in which an unskilled defender finds himself covering that receiver, and exploit them by throwing for him. Put the ball in his hands and let him do the rest.
Step 10. Watch your games carefully
To be able to read the defense like a book, you will first need to understand the language in which it is written. Watch the footage carefully and observe the body language of all defenders before each action. Look for repeating patterns, and when you are on the pitch, you will know exactly what to expect.
Step 11. Do most of the work before the snap
You won't have much time to read the defense after the snap. When the ball is in play, quickly look at the defense to make sure the cover shown was not a deception, then throw on the running lines that you know will be free.
Step 12. Read as much information as possible while reading before the snap
If the safeties, for example, are at the same height while the cornerbacks are close to the receivers, the safeties play a cover-2 defense, while the cornerbacks mark a man. If a safety lines up with the tight end, all defensive backs play man.
Step 13. After snapping, don't keep your gaze fixed on one point
During the backward steps, remember the position of the running lines. The defense can follow your gaze.
Step 14. Read the defense one layer at a time
Safeties, linebackers, line of defense. Read the coverage played by the safeties, which will make you understand the movements of the defensive backs. Then move on to the linebackers. If one is not present, find the receiver running into that space. Finally, the line of defense. To understand where the pressure will come from.
Advice
- If you want to be a good quarterback, you will need to practice.
- The more games you play, the better your defense reading will be. Play as much as possible!
