The Number One Thing That Makes 4 Verticals Work
Today is not about all the coaching points of 4 verticals like how to read it and all the different variations.
Instead, today is about the number one thing to making the play work.
When we first started running the play consistently, there was one issue that always came up. It was easy to identify this problem and once we solved this problem, our ability to get through the play seemed to increased tenfold.
Here's the number one thing: collision.
That is, in regard to the seam route. This key point matters to the same degree for both QBs and WRs.
For QBs, collision is the biggest visual cue we've experienced in helping our QB get through his progression. Overhangs will carry the vertical seam (to a degree) regardless of coverage (unless they are in true "Country Cover 3"). So if the WR does not defeat collision, then we tell the QB to move on. Don't wait for the WR. Trust your eyeball and move on.
For the WR, defeating collision is obviously key on any route. However, one way to NOT defeat collision is by running inside the overhang on the seam route. This method has proved disasterous for us. We teach the QB to treat an inside release (whether the WR runs it on purpose or the overhang is super aggressive in getting outside) just like collision. And usually the WR is getting collisioned if he runs inside.
I said I wouldn't get into how to read 4 verts, but it's important to mention how you read the play affects this key point. If you read the play seam to seam, then it's tough to see collision on the second seam in the progression. However, the tradeoff is you really get the FS moving with your eyes if the first seam isn't there.
This read is great vs. Cover 3. There are other ways we read the play depending on the defensive structure too. We don't read the play the same every time -- totally depends on the defensive look we're getting pre-snap and post-snap (more on how we talk about defensive looks in tomorrow's email).
One coach who provided some clarity for me on 4 verts was Jeff Mullen -- he doesn't like the seam to seam read for reasons he gives in his course, and he gives alternative solutions which we also use. Like I said -- we can change our read based on the defensive look.
If you're interested in seeing how Coach Mullen does it, here's the link (affiliate) to that course:
Emory Wilhite