Spread Four Verticals
Four receivers run straight downfield in even lanes. It stretches a small defense thin and teaches quarterbacks to find the open lane.
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Who does what
- CCenterSnap to the quarterback. No route is drawn for the center on this play; stay clear of the rush.
- QBQBChoose a side and compare its two lanes. The animation targets Z; if the deeper options are covered, check RB underneath.
- XWRRun straight up the far left lane.
- YWRRun straight up the inside left lane.
- ZWRRun straight up the inside right lane.
- HWRRun straight up the far right lane.
- RBRBRelease up from the backfield, then angle left into the short middle.
Not sure what a position does? Read the position guide or look up a term.
How to teach Spread Four Verticals
By FlagPlays · Updated . Practical starting points for volunteer coaches. Check your competition’s rules before using a play.
Left and right refer to the diagram. Route depths are illustrations; adjust them to your field and players. Check eligibility, running and rush rules.
- When to try it
- Teach four distinct downfield lanes. Choose reachable depths instead of treating the drawing as a required long throw.
- Quarterback's plan
- Choose a side and compare its two lanes. The animation targets Z; if the deeper options are covered, check RB underneath.
- Teaching cue
- Stay in your own lane and keep looking for the ball.
- Common mistake
- Every receiver drifting toward the ball and closing the space between routes.
- pass
- deep
- spread
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