Reading On The Run

At the snap of the ball, things speed up. The brain and the body must work together to make appropriate reads and execute the play. At this point, the particular play affects the action of the quarterback. If its a run play, the quarterback’s job is to safely and quickly get the ball into the hands of the running back. He must look the ball into the pocket of the running back’s arms and ensure a safe handoff. The QB is then responsible for carrying out an effective fake to hold linebackers and the secondary from crashing on the run too quickly. Furthermore, it gives the QB an opportunity to see how the linebackers and secondary respond to the run play. If they are crashing too hard on the run, then a fake run and pass play could be very effective.

If the play is a pass, the QB must identify his targets and read the defense. This can be extremely difficult as the offensive linemen in front of him are creating a pocket for him to pass from. The QB must identify if a blitz has occurred and if that blitz will be picked up or if he needs to hit a short receiver, designated on most plays as the ‘hot’ receiver who should be open in the case of a blitz from the defense.

The goal of most passing plays is to identify a choice between a primary and secondary receiver. The goal is to force the defense to make a choice between those two and then identify in the moment which receiver will be open and to throw an accurate and catchable pass. The QB also has ‘backside’ receivers or multiple ‘check-down’ options is the defense effectively covers both of the primary and secondary receivers. A good QB will make a decision with these receivers and deliver a pass within four seconds of taking the snap.

Being able to make decisions on the fly, when you are being pursued and time is ticking is important in being an effective QB, as well as an effective person.

The success comes in the preparation and practice before the play takes place. Then, being able to handle the pressure and stress of being ‘in the moment’ to throw the ball or to deliver the presentation or to meet the goal laid out in the preparation. Reading on the Run takes four important attributes.

1. Preparation
2. Practice
3. Focus
4. Confidence

If the preparation and practice has been diligent and thorough, then having the focus and confidence to deliver in the moment of stress will come naturally and effectively.

In what areas of your life might you apply these four principles?