Coach -

Taking chunks out of the defense (explosive plays) and protecting the run with plays that do that is a sound strategy for any type of offensive system. 

Today Coach Kauffman digs into the vertical passing game sharing a variety of ways that vertical concepts can exploit a defense. 

Be sure to check the end of the article for where you can save on a bundle of every clinic presentation he highlights. And be sure to sign-up for the D3 Top 25 Virtual Clinic presented by Coach and Coordinator Podcast that begins Monday.

-Coach Grabowski

Rise Above: Mastering the Vertical Passing Game

The vertical passing game is something all of us football heads learn early. Who doesn’t love running a hail mary on Madden when they are growing up? But, at its core this is one of the most potent weapons that an offense can implore. 

Eating up a chunk of yards and in a hurry, not to mention its ability to cause the defense to guard a larger section of the field, the vertical pass game is one of the most feared items for defenses. Look at the recency of successful teams, Kansas City, Buffalo, and this year the Dolphins. Each of these teams have something in common. That is their QB had over 500 passes over 20 yards. 

Leveraging the speed and agility of receivers, coupled with the quarterback's arm strength and accuracy, teams can orchestrate explosive plays that shift the momentum of a game in an instant. 

Forcing defenses to attempt to defend high opens up the ability to run the ball and in the end compliments the entire offense very well as they play more on their heels. This approach not only challenges opposing defenses to defend the entire length of the field but also opens up opportunities for big gains and game-changing touchdowns.

Progressing through the topic I think that you have to look at this strategy through a variety of lenses. I believe in pushing the bill with your vertical pass game and attempting to utilize it in a variety of situations, formations, and personnel groupings.

2x2 The Starting Point

The starting point for all of this will be your 2x2 packages. Guiding us through the vertical switch game is Coach Curt Fitzpatick the Head Coach and QB’s Coach at SUNY Cortland.

Video: 2x2 - 4 Verts Switch (diagram) / Game Clips

Switch verts from 2x2 sets introduces a complex challenge for defensive backs, demanding acute communication and vision to counter its effectiveness. This tactical approach capitalizes on the alignment and movement of receivers, often forcing defensive backs into split-second decisions amidst potential confusion. 

As receivers execute vertical routes while switching positions, it creates a dilemma for defenders, requiring quick recognition and coordination to maintain coverage integrity. 

The fluidity and deception inherent in switch verts place allows the play to flow and put immense pressure on the defense. Consequently, this strategic maneuver emerges as a potent tool for offenses, exploiting the vulnerabilities in defensive coordination and vision to create advantageous opportunities downfield.

Note: Coach Fitzpatrick is part of a line-up of D3 coaches speaking at the D3 Top 25 Virtual Clinic presented by Coach and Coordinator Podcast. Coaches from the Top 25 teams as well as statistical category leaders are presenting. Tickets start at just $39 and you can save if you you bring 2 or more coaches. Get Tickets here: D3 Top 25 Virtual Clinic

3x1 Verticals

Building upon the switch vert set you add in a 3x1 sets that Coach Scott Brisson of Lehigh dives into below.

Video: Progression

Incorporating 3x1 vertical passing concepts alongside the traditional 2x2 formations introduces a strategic evolution, opening avenues for isolation plays and exploiting alignment mismatches. With three receivers stacked on one side, the offensive formation inherently challenges the defense, forcing adjustments that often create vulnerabilities in coverage. This can be added to with the differentiation of bunch plays and alignments creating rub routes as well. 

Additionally, the versatility of adding a running back into the mix within the 3x1 formation creates levels of depth in route concepts, offering diverse options opening up the field and forcing the defense to defend more territory.

Furthermore, the adaptability of the 3x1 alignment allows offenses to deploy various personnel packages to suit specific game situations and exploit defensive weaknesses. Whether utilizing tight ends for matchup purposes, or occasionally staying in to block, we see a situation where play calling can be made very creative. 

This flexibility not only keeps defenses on their toes but also allows offenses to potentially incorporate hurry up systems with vertical concepts out of higher personnel groupings.

Empty - Hoss Juke

Once you have installed your 2x2 and 3x1 looks it is natural to add in some empty package just for more variation. Boston College Head Coach Bill O’Brien brings us his empty package here. 

Video: Hoss

When exploiting these empty looks with vertical routes, the primary aim may be to capitalize on the potential for long completions. However, this strategy offers more than just deep passing opportunities; it also creates openings for scrambling and movement, particularly advantageous for athletic quarterbacks. 

As defenders are drawn downfield to cover the vertical threats, gaps and lanes emerge in the defense, providing agile quarterbacks with room to maneuver and extend plays with their legs. 

This dual threat adds an unpredictable dimension to the offense, forcing defenders to be aware of both the aerial attack and the quarterback's mobility, thereby amplifying the effectiveness of the vertical passing game.

Two Back Verticals

Maybe you have some of these elements already available in your passing game and you want to add a wrinkle. Another easy way to do this is adding vertical concepts out of a 2 back look. Matt Mumme of Colorado State explores this tactic below.

Video: Two Back

In numerous instances, running backs emerge as some of the most versatile and dynamic athletes on the field. Strategically integrating packages that feature two running backs can pose significant challenges for opposing defenses, disrupting their assignments and leveraging mismatches. 

By incorporating RB rail routes and routes of varying depth into the vertical passing game, offenses not only amplify their aerial threats but also introduce elements of unpredictability and mismatch exploitation. Deploying such sets can be particularly effective against defenses as they take run-heavy approaches, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of the offensive scheme.

Slot Fade RPO

A final wrinkle that can be brought out of the attention of the run game is vertical RPO’s, recent San Diego State Offensive Coordinator Jeff Hecklinski breaks this down.

Video: Slot Fade RPO

Integrating a vertical RPO game into offensive strategies provides a structured framework for RPOs, utilizing various mesh tempos to create diverse looks and presenting unique challenges for opposing defenses. 

By incorporating vertical elements into RPO designs, offenses can effectively stretch the field vertically while maintaining the flexibility to exploit run or pass options based on defensive reactions. 

This multi-dimensional approach not only keeps defenses guessing but also maximizes offensive options, allowing quarterbacks to make split-second decisions. Moreover, the varied tempos and routes within the vertical RPO game demand extensive preparation from the defense.

As Always,

Compete!

Coach Kauffman

Expand on your Vertical Passing attack and book these clinic presentations bundled together HERE, for a 50% discount in the next 72 hours.