DIAGRAM 1: “4-Vertical.” This is one of our most effective plays. The “4-Vertical” concept allows the offense to attack and stretch the defense. We normally designate our areas of attack as 18 to 22 yards downfield. The specific parts of the field targeted to attack include the area 4-yards outside of the numbers on each side of the field, 2-yards outside each hash mark and, in some cases, directly down the middle of the field. We will also have a lower-level control route. This concept can be used against any kind of coverage we see — no matter if it’s man-to-man or any type of zone coverage.
Z runs a vertical route that can be converted to an out route versus a Cover 3. Y runs a vertical route up the seam about 2 yards away from the hash mark. Against a blitz, Y will run an outside release. The RB runs a check-release to the flat and looks to get separation from the MLB. If the flat area is vacated, the RB sits. W runs a vertical route up the hash mark. Against a Cover 2, he can turn the route toward the middle. X runs a vertical route that can be converted to an out route versus a Cover 3.
The QB’s progression is 1) Determine the pre-snap coverage. 2) If the middle is open, make a quick look to the split end and then throw opposite the Sam LB. 3) If the middle is closed, influence the FS and throw opposite of him. 4) Looks to dump the ball to the RB.
DIAGRAM 2: “Double-Slant.” The double-slant is our 3-step passing game and is the bread-and-butter of our offense. We’ll throw it at any time, from anywhere on the field. We prefer to use it against Cover 2, Cover 1 or against any blitz. This is a high-percentage play. Our team has successfully run this play with an 80- to 85-percent completion rate. The play can also be run out of trips formation.
Z runs a 5-yard read slant route and attacks the inside leg of the defender. He should keep the DB on his hip. Y runs a 3-yard slip route and attacks the inside leg of the defender. He must get inside first, then turn the route vertical. Against a 5-man front, the RB blocks the sixth defender to the call side, attacking the inside leg of the defender. Against a 6-man front, the RB blocks the sixth or seventh defender to the call side. W runs a 3-yard slip route, attacking the inside leg of the defender. He must get inside first, then turn the route vertical. X runs a 5-yard read slant route, attacking the inside leg of the defender. He must keep the DB on his hip.
The QB’s progression is 1) Determine the pre-snap coverage and determine which is the best side to attack and which is the best match-up. 2) Reads from the Sam LB to the SS to the Will LB. 3) Reads from the Sam LB to the SS and as the Will LB runs with the wing back, he looks to hit the split end behind them. 4) Reads from the Sam LB to the SS and if the Will LB sits low, he looks to hit the wing back inside on the slant.
—Mike Emendorfer, Head Football Coach,
University of Wisconsin — Platteville,
Platteville, Wis.