Basic Pass

Smash Concept

 

The Smash concept is an easy read.  Designed to be Part of the quick passing game allows this play to be great vs. Zone, Blitz and Man coverage.  The concept starts with a 2 on 1 read on the CB.  We try to get 2 WR’s to Hi-Low the CB with a low read at 5 yards and a high read at 15 yards.  The simplicity of this read allows the QB to have confidence as he makes his decision on who to throw to.  The CB cannot be right as he cannot cover both WR’s due to the depth constrictions. 

 

Low-Hi Read

The first read is to look short on the Smash Concept.  The QB is told to catch the snap and throw the short route first.  He is to throw this route every time unless the CB makes him throw the deep route.  As most defense’s have their CB take the deep coverage this read is an easy pitch and catch.  The defense gives us the short route and we take the easy yards.  This quick hitter has the potential to be a big gainer if the defense does not make the tackle.  This read is a great way to get your athletes in space and let their natural talent take over.  This read is great against Blitz and heavy pass rush as the QB is getting rid of the ball immediately.  

Read It

The Read it is the QB reads what the CB is doing.  If the CB drops he throws the short route.  If the CB covers the short route he throws the deep route.  The Advantages to this read is the QB does not have to worry about disguising defenses as he makes his read after the defense reacts.  This allows the QB to deliver the right pass to the right WR not matter what the defense does.  The dis-advantage to the read is the ball is held longer and the QB has to worry about blitz, the rush and protection breaking down.

High Read

The High Read is used whenever we need a long gain; the defense is not covering the Deep route or man coverage.  This read is a great play for 3^rd and long as it will give you the yardage for a first down.  The QB knows he needs more time on this read so he will drop 3 steps and deliver the ball on the WR’s break.  Another time this read is great is against cover 2 where the Safeties are responsible for covering the deep outside zone.  Since the safeties have to be aware of a WR running to their inside they cannot jump the outside where the Smash Concept is going.  This allows the WR to fake inside and open up in the deep outside area.   When the CB comes up in man coverage on the WR this also gives the QB the automatic High read.  The advantages of the High read is the QB is confident and knows where he is going to pass the ball.  The Dis-advantages are like the Read it he has to worry about the Blitz and pass rush. The Wing running the Flat route becomes a secondary check down if the QB cannot throw the High read

Conclusion
The Smash Concept is a great quick hitter, takes what the defense gives and has the potential to be a long gainer.  The easy read allows the QB to be confidante in his decision making process and concentrate on delivering a great throw.  The versatility of only having to make one read with having the diversity of running a lot of plays gives the offense an advantage as the defense has to determine and practice the many scenarios it creates.

 

Wing Route

The Wing will line up 1 yard out by 1 yard deep from the TE. He runs a speed flat route trying to gain depth as he runs toward the sideline.  He should have an angle as if he would run out of bounds at 7 Yards.  He needs to outrun the defender to the sideline.  He needs to get his head and numbers around quickly and look for the ball immediately from the QB as he is the first read.  The TE should naturally pick the OLB with his release allowing you to outrun him to the sideline.  If the CB jumps you keep running to the sideline as you might outrun him with your horizontal route.  If not the QB will read it and hit the TE deep behind the CB. The QB needs to make this throw ASAP.  This route opens up now and the ball should be delivered then.  The throw needs to be thrown at the back of the Wings head as this angle should put the ball right on the money as the wing turns his head and numbers back to the QB.  This throw needs velocity to get the Wing the ball and let him turn up field for a big gain.  The QB should try practice catching the snap and throwing the ball without the laces as this will speed up the throw...

TE Route

The TE can run a traditional break at 10 yards Corner route but I prefer a diagonal Corner route as it puts a bigger strain on the Hi-Low read on the CB.  The TE needs to run at the outside shoulder of the OLB and cover 2 Safety.  He should try to naturally pick the OLB with his vertical release. When he gets to a depth of 10 yards he runs diagonally to an area 15-20 yards behind the CB.  The TE needs to look for the ball after he makes his breaks. He must try to maintain the High part of the read on the CB.  If the CB drops Deep and takes away the Corner route. The TE can adjust his route to a15 yard Out route.  Another adjustment on a deep CB is to sit in the open area 12-15 yards after making his corner break.  The QB needs to throw the ball with some velocity, high and over the top at a height about 13-15 feet.  This will allow the TE to catch the ball in the seam, over the CB or away from the safety.

 

Bomb

The Bomb is a great add on and homerun type play.  The backside TE runs a Middle Post route.  This is a great call on any team that plays Cover 0 or against an Over agressive FS who flys up in run support or jumps the TE on Smash.