In this breakdown we to want explain how the defense knows how to identify receivers. Please keep in mind, this is based on real football, but can also be applied to video football games such as in Madden 12.
Receiver Numbering Pre-Snap
For the purposes of this breakdown, we are number are receivers strong side to the weak side of the formation. In the image above, the offense comes out in the Gun Doubles. The tight end (A) is lined up on the right side of formation, making the right side of the formation, the strong side.
Pre-snap receiver numbering is as follows:
1. Flanker (B)
2. Tight End (A)
3. Halfback (Y)
4. Slot Receiver (LB)
5. Split End (X)
Receiver Numbering Post Snap
When it comes to pattern reading, only the final position that the receivers are their routes after the ball is snapped is what really matters as far as how defenders read pass patterns. In the image above the play called is Gun Doubles Z Spot. The yellow numbers represent the pre-snap receiver numbering system that we are using. The red numbers, represent the post snap receiver system we are using. Notice the flanker, who is number 1 receiver pre-snap, becomes the number 4 after the post snap.
Post-snap receiver numbering is as follows:
1. Tight End (A)
2. Halfback (Y)
3. Split End (X)
4. Flanker (B)
5. Slot Receiver (LB)
As we continue doing articles on Pattern Reading, you will get a better understanding on how this numbering system comes into play based on how the defenders read the pass routes and how they cover them post snap.
I think there is a mistake, isn’t the flanker the #3 post snap and not #4? In the photo the red number has him as #3 but you state he’s #4?????
I strongly believe this receiver number system for defensive pre-snap reads to be completely incorrect in the first photo. Defensive pre-snap receiver numbering works from Low to High Number, from the Outside to In. Both outside receivers would be number #1, next both slot receivers would be numbered #2, then the Halfback would be number #3. So it would look like so below
X S OOOOO Y Z
#1 #2 Q H #2 #1
#3
In the second photo it seemed like your trying to teach Pattern Matching from a Zone Coverage. Maybe I didn't understand, but I think their is a better way to teach this to readers, though it would be more complicated.
Anyways, I enjoy your articles.
Plus, it seemed like you t