Line of sight passing

Coach:

It is a concept the Coach Cunerty and I at the West Coast Passing School have developed. There really isn't a book out there. So many coaches, especially clinic speakers go through 8-12 different types of reads; i.e., 2 versus the sidelines; hi / lo; 3 on 2 (verticals), etc. Coach Q & I believe that with all of the different types of reads, it can be confusing to a QB. Consequently we have developed the concept of the "line of sight".

The "line of sight" is based upon the QB throwing the ball into the void; i.e, seeing the hole and throwing it there. The receiver must find the same void. What happens is the QB throws opposite the "key defender" idenified for the route. We have found that our QB's have fewer interceptions because they are watching defenders, not receivers. Therefore, they don't lock-on and defensive backs don't get as good of a read.

When we talk about designing a passing game, we try to put three receivers in the "line of sight"; i.e., triangle concept, or what Coach Norm Chow calls the "BYU Oblique". The QB then makes a "line of sight" decision; i.e., if there is a void throw the ball, if there is a defender in the lane, then (1) escape up the middle, or (2) hit the mascot.

We moved away from the 2 versus the sideline, verticals, etc, three years ago, and now talk about (1) the line of sight, (2) match-ups only.

If you have any more questions, we can keep this discussion thread open and moving forward.

Coach Lyle

Coach Lansdell,
How many different plays do you use? Seems to me that the number of plays could be endless. I apologize for my ignorance but am intrigued by all the possibilities. Where would you begin? Perhaps a basic play that could be implemented and then expanding the concept to other plays with similar reads? I must warn you in advance I am more of a visual learner than most so take it easy on me when you write your descriptions. HA! I have been interested in learning more since we met you in Atlantic City, and really appreciate your help. Just an aside...When is you r QB CD update going to be complete? Will it contain any info in regards to line of sight reads?
Thanks,
TopCat

Key Defender: The key defender is identified for the each pattern; i.e., curl / flat; out / corner; flat / drag / corner ; etc. However, the Key Defender is typically the second defender in because they have to cover two zones.

Regarding our routes, we component teach. We have 10 basic combination routes that are based upon the passing tree, with complimentary routes, and rules for the backside or 3 rd receiver on the compo side. So you are correct in your point about endless possibilities. When you start adding "switch", "change" and "mirror" type tags there is no additional teaching, and the QB's key defender does not change. The concepts is:

- the first time you throw a pattern, you have an 80% chance of completion
- the second time you throw the same pattern (same formation) you have a 50% chance of completion; and
- the third time you throw the same pattern (same formation) you have a 50% chance of interception.

So we try to attack the same basic areas of the defense with our combination routes, but with different looks or different receivers getting to the same spot. The QB is going to throw off of the "key defender". The receivers are running their routes to find voids off of the the next defender in or out depending upon their break, and they position themselves to do this based upon the defender over them . What I mean is that the stem of the route is meant to position the receiver to find the void off of the inside or outside defender, not the defender over them (unless its man - then it's is man versus man challenge; or match-up decision for the QB).

Each receiver has a key defender, and the QB is going to read a line-of-sight based upon the key defender. When you passing scheme creates a triangle, the QB really has three receivers with two defenders in his line-of-sight. The most difficult part of teaching this is that the QB's want wait on receivers to get to the void, as opposed to throwing the ball trusting that the receiver will be there. This idea is based upon "beating the defender by the narrowest margin". Coach Q talks a lot about this because is you beat a defender to badly, then there is a pretty good chance you are running into, or toward another one. That is why we focus on the "key defender" and beat him by the narrowest of margin - i.e., "ball-up" is my key to the QB that if he still has the ball in his hands, he is late!

Regarding coverages, we still teach our QB's and receivers about the basic coverages because it is important foundational information. However, when the game is on, we cut and break off of "key defenders" not coverage.

Coach Lyle

Coach Lyle,

Could you elaborate on each of the "8-12 different types of reads" a little more? Thanks. Matt

Coach - Let's say the O comes out in single back, double slot. The D comes out in an alignment which is obviously Cover 2 zone in a base 43 front. Could give me an example of what you might teach (please pick the pattern or progression you would like to execute) the QB/Receivers to do for a basic route vs this D. Please identify who is your "key defender" and why in the route. Thanks Coach. Matt