Give Your QB & X Some Space(ing)

The Spacing concept is such great way to get the football out of a young quarterback’s hand. Many coaches find ways to run it out of multiple formations throughout the same game. If your quarterback understands what to look for with his pre-snap read then the read becomes very simple.

Essentially the quarterback is going to make a yes/no decision on the X receiver pre-snap. The decision is based on the cornerback’s cushion and average. If it is cover 2, the quarterback will also check out the widtho7 of the Will Linebacker. When he likes what he sees pre-snap, he is going to take a quick three or one step drop and get the ball to the X quickly.

If the pre-snap look to the X is not good the quarterback will once again take the snap and “machine gun” read all of his receivers weak to strong with the Spacing concept. He will once again get the ball to the first receiver who is open as quickly as he can. The idea is to put receivers in all of the underneath zones before the defense can adjust.

Get Your 7on7 DB’s Coached Up Too

Another thing that as a coach you can do to give the spacing concept a little more teeth is to allow your X receiver and the quarterback to have options with the “Individual” route. The X could have the option to run the route based on leverage. he two would communicate with hand signals. The X and the quarterback would obviously have three or four separate hand signals for this.

It’s important to remember that just because the X signals the route he “thinks” he can get open on does not mean the quarterback has to go there if he does not like the look. The QB can still get right to his weak to strong read with the other receivers if he chooses.

Related: Here’s A Bunch Formation Check With Me You Could Use

One last thing. This addition to the Spacing concept is no different than any passing game concept. It takes a lot of work and practice to get good at it. However, what a way for your special receiver and quarterback to spend time this spring and summer. It is great work that can be put in with two players, a ball and another player as the defender.