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Football Library · Plays

Four Verticals· 11v11 Tackle

intermediateaka Four Vertsaka 4 Verts
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FOUR receivers run vertical, stretching every coverage deep. The two outside WRs run Go routes; the two inside players (two slots in 7v7, slot + TE in tackle) run Seams to split the safeties. In 5v5/6v6 flag the roster has only 3 true receivers + a center-eligible (5v5) or single slot (6v6), so the concept adapts to '3 Verts + an underneath outlet' — the lenient matcher accepts this. The concept LITERALLY requires the vertical-stretch shape — a play with only two verts is NOT '4 verts', it's a different concept (e.g. seam-flood, dagger). Beats Cover 2 (verts vs 2 deep), Cover 3 (seams threaten the FS), and any single-high look.

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Coaching breakdown

Four Verticals — FOUR receivers run vertical, stretching every coverage deep. The two outside WRs run Go routes; the two inside players (two slots in 7v7, slot + TE in tackle) run Seams to split the safeties. In 5v5/6v6 flag the roster has only 3 true receivers + a center-eligible (5v5) or single slot (6v6), so the concept adapts to '3 Verts + an underneath outlet' — the lenient matcher accepts this. The concept LITERALLY requires the vertical-stretch shape — a play with only two verts is NOT '4 verts', it's a different concept (e.g. seam-flood, dagger). Beats Cover 2 (verts vs 2 deep), Cover 3 (seams threaten the FS), and any single-high look. reads Spread Doubles: take the open window — work the progression below in order.

Progression:

  1. 18-yd seam — clear the deep safety; throw if the corner gives a soft shoulder.
  2. 18-yd go — clear the deep safety; throw if the corner gives a soft shoulder.
  3. 18-yd go — clear the deep safety; throw if the corner gives a soft shoulder.
  4. 18-yd seam — clear the deep safety; throw if the corner gives a soft shoulder.
  5. 4-yd flat — outlet — last in the progression; take it on pressure or no read open.
  • : pass protect.
  • : pass protect.
  • : pass protect.
  • : pass protect.
  • : pass protect.

When to call it

Best on 1st-and-10 or shot plays vs single-high coverage — seam routes attack the safety's space, and a man corner can't run with a vertical for 50 yards. Avoid vs deep zone (Cover 4) which has too many bodies in the deep half.

Common mistakes

  • Inside receivers don't bend their seam — should track at 2-yard width inside the hash to attack the FS.
  • Outside receivers run pure verticals vs deep zone — should adjust to comebacks at 14-16 yards.
  • QB throws on rhythm without reading the safety; this is a read-then-throw, not a pre-snap throw.