READING DEFENSES

Every passing play begins before the football is snapped. Great quarterbacks gather information from the deepest defenders to the line of scrimmage, creating a picture of the defense before confirming it after the snap. While defenses often disguise their intentions, following a consistent pre-snap process allows quarterbacks to anticipate coverage, identify pressure, set protections, and prepare for their progression.

QB PRE-SNAP CHECKLIST

1. Count the Safeties - MOFO or MOFC?

2. Read the Corners - Leverage?

3. Find the Conflict Defender - Who to attack?

4. Locate the Mike

5. Identify Pressure & Set Protection

QB POST-SNAP CHECKLIST

1. Confirm the Rotation

Did the safeties stay put or rotate?

2. Confirm the Coverage

Man or Zone?

3. Find the Conflict Defender

Who is responsible for defending two routes?

4. Work through Progression

Trust the concept and let your eyes work through the progression.

5. Deliver the Football

Throw on time and in rhythm.

KEY COACHING POINTS:

Confirm, Don't Guess.

Pre-snap gives you clues. Post-snap gives you the answer.

Trust Your Eyes

If the defense rotates, don't force the throw you expected before the snap.

Stay on Schedule

Work through your progression with proper footwork and timing. Trust it. Don't speed up or skip reads unless pressure forces you to.