The Beauty of the High/Low

by: Marc Kolb
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Creating quick reads for your quarterback that can  lead to receivers gaining big yards after the catch.

The beauty of the high/low read is how it can create success for every position group on the field. We succeed with big receivers or fast receivers and with strong-armed quarterbacks or smaller, more athletic quarterbacks. In addition, it creates a quicker passing game so the offensive line does not have to protect too long. It even creates an immediate blitz throw for the quarterback without having to use hot principles. The quarterback is able to get rid of the ball relatively quickly and has a simple, consistent read while our receivers have a chance to gain yards after the catch.

    In any passing attack the quarterback is ultimately the limiting factor to the size of the package. Specifically, the ability of the quarterback to handle the various reads against all of the possible coverages. By repeatedly using the high/low we are able to have a very large package without having too many reads. We do not have to teach the strengths and weaknesses of each coverage; rather, just where the high/low is being created. Because the read is so repetitive, the quarterback becomes a much more efficient decision maker while the reaction of the receivers to the different defensive looks becomes more consistent.

    In short, the high/low provides us the best chance for success in almost every situation and for every player on the field.

The Basics

    Since any two receivers can be used to create the high/low, every receiver will take reps at both routes during practice. The crossing route will always stay on the move regardless of the coverage. By staying on the move, the crossing route will be able to gain more yards after the catch. Also, if the crosser is covered, the movement helps open the window to the second level throw. The second level receiver will work to find a hole in zone coverage or will stay on the move against man coverage. The holes in the zone between linebackers are shown in Diagram l.



    As we teach the read, we focus on an area of the field instead of a specific defender. Though we typically see multiple defenses during each game, our quarterbacks have become much more confident by focusing on the area of the read instead of trying to locate the read defender pre-snap. This is particularly beneficial when playing against teams that are very good at disguising coverages or blitzes.

The Practice Progression

    Against man coverage, the quarterback is simply looking for separation between the receivers and the defenders. Rarely do we drill against man coverage. The real teaching happens when working against zone coverage. Initially we use a single defender in practice to represent the key read. it is important to allow the defender the freedom to react to the high/low in any way he chooses. This creates a realistic picture for  both the quarterback and the receivers. Typically you see three types of defensive reaction.

    If the read defender turns his back and goes second level (See Diagram 2), immediately dump the football to the crossing route. Once the ball is thrown, the second level receiver is now in perfect position to become a blocker on the defender. If the defender waits for the crossing route (See Diagram 3) then allow the crossing route to clear and throw to the second level. The final reaction is the most difficult to defeat. If the read defender drops for depth but keeps his shoulders square to the quarterback, then the defender is ready to react to any throw in front of him while still constricting the second level window (See Diagram 4). The quarterback can either stare at the crossing route to try and move the defender in order to open the second level throw or must let the second level receiver move into another hole in the zone.







    As the teaching progresses, we will eventually add a second defender and then a third defender into the drill (See Diagram 5). By adding defenders, it is increasingly more difficult for the quarterback and limits the amount of space for each passing window.



        One of the biggest benefits to adding defenders to the drill is the possibility there will not be an open receiver. Too often quarterbacks are not put in this situation but are expected to make the right decision on game day. Sometimes the best outcome of a play is to not make the stupid throw.

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