Pattern Reading & Interceptions For the second year in a row interceptions by the defense are down for USC. Even after intercepting two passes versus California the Trojans are only up to a total of just nine for the season. At the current pace the team will finish around the same mark as last season or just half the level of the three previous years. So what is behind the decline? Unfortunately I suspect it is no one single factor. I've read some articles over the years and the consensus seems to be the following and the order is debatable of course: 1. Interceptions come from strong pressure placed on the quarterback. That angle certainly holds true for USC at least in the past. From 2002 to 2004 the Trojans did a good job of pressuring the QB with the front four and were along the nation leaders in sacks totaling 45, 55, and 50 for example.  In 2001, 2005 and 2006 USC had sack numbers in the low to mid 30's and this year is trending at about the same level so this could be a partial explanation for the decline but not a full one. (Note: Of course the inverse is true as well. Good coverage by the secondary makes the QB hold onto the ball longer and gives the front four more time to make a sack). 2. Interceptions come from QB confusion due to a mix of coverage schemes. I ran across a Tony Dungy comment that more passes are intercepted in zone coverage than in man coverage from his analysis. The reason he states is that in man coverage the defender normally has his back to the ball. Man coverage often results in better pass completion defense but it also tends to give up bigger plays. Stay in man defense too long and the coordinator will run crossing routes, and other "man beater" schemes that will chew up the defense. Zone coverage allows more eyeballs to stay on the QB and the ball when it is released. This leads to interceptions especially when coupled with good front four pressure but it has its down sides as well. Stay in any zone scheme (Cover 2, 3, or 4 for example) too long and the QB will pick apart the defense as they figure it out. For this reason USC plays a healthy mix of schemes in the secondary including man, Cover 1, Cover 2, Cover 2 man under, and other zones despite what some fans and the media seems to think. In articles Pete Carroll seems to prefer to play Cover 1 Flex and other coverages and mix in some blitzes when possible but it depends upon the down and distance as well as the opponent of course. 3. Interceptions come from some luck A fair percentage of intercepted passes come from being in the right place and the right time when a pass is tipped or batted up into the air. Teams practice "tip drills" and other ways to keep players alert and able to come down with balls that get batted up in the air. USC has come close to several of these but not come down with very many it seems this year... 4. Player skill level and ability to "pattern read" Interceptions are also created by "smart players" reading the play and stepping into passing lanes. Will Poole intercepted 7 passes in 2003. Ronnie Lott picked off 8 one year decades ago for USC. Sharp players have a knack for making big plays and it is not accident. Casually this gets mentioned as "instinct" or other terms that don't get to the heart of the matter. Good players see situations over and over and eventually come to recognize a fundamental pattern (more below). When it comes to passing situations astute players are tipped off by the formation, motion, personnel on the field, or the how the QB angles his shoulder before he throws the ball. It only takes a split second of recognition for a DB to break on a ball and come away with an interception. 5. Interceptions come from big leads and teams having to play catch up I've seen this one voiced on TV and by fans a lot. Unfortunately in the case of USC it does not hold true at all. I check interceptions going back to 2002 quarter by quarter of each game and compared it with margin of victory. I even put it through correlation and regression analysis steps. There was almost no correlation at all (about .1 or in other words less that 10% of interceptions could be explained by being behind and having to play catch up). Sounds good in theory and might be true for other teams but it was not the case for USC over the period in question. Something else has to explain the other 90%... In USC's case this season my guess is that the interception drop off is a mix of all the above but mostly number one and number four. I don't have any plans to study it further unless I come across something interesting or the coaches make some comments on the matter. The pressure angle is easy to understand. For those interested in the Patten Read angle I ran across some research and an article by a former Graduate Assistant at LSU named Mark Miller. Mark is now a high school coach and wrote an article for American Football Magazine some time ago.  I'll excerpt the second part of his article here for those interested. The article is a good example of what study and analysis goes on behind the scenes in football. If you want to learn more please subscribe to the magazine - you'll learn a lot every month. Note: This article is part two of a two part series. Part one was entitled: Landmarks: The Foundation of Zone Coverage. Pattern Reading serves three purposes for the defense. Today nearly all pass defenses today utilize a system of ‘Pattern Reading’ to get an early indicator of what type routes the offense is going to execute. It also serves to reduce the number of possible route combinations that the defense must anticipate and defend. Thus, maximizing the efficiency of how we leverage routes in zone pass coverage. Stretch Principle Diagram 1. Stretch Principle The first aspect of pattern reading is teaching the fundamental principle of an offensive passing game, vertical and horizontal stretch. Offenses will stretch the defense vertically and horizontally three ways: by formation, the receiver’s releases and complementary route packages (See Diagram 1). The cause and effect relationship of this principle is to understand that for every shallow route there is a deeper one behind it. We tell our players, “For every under, there is an over and for every over there is an under.” Understanding Formations Understanding formations is a three phase process: acknowledging the core, recognizing eligible receivers as well as their splits, formation identification and stress point recognition. The Core Diagram 2.Core of Formation The initial aspect of understanding formations is to acknowledge the core of the formation. With eleven men on offense, the myriad of possible formations would be confusing. However, six offensive players are static, their alignment won’t change. The static part of offensive sets is the offensive line and the quarterback. As a general rule, the center will align over the football, the guards and tackles will assume two foot splits off of the center and each other respectively. Furthermore, the quarterback will align under the center or behind him in the shot gun. This is the ‘Core of the Formation’ (See Diagram 2). Eligible Receivers The ‘Core of the Formation’ has reduced the number of eligible receivers to five. Five offensive players can align anywhere they choose to create an offensive formation, as long as two of them are on the line of scrimmage, making seven men on the L.O.S. Moreover, if an eligible receiver aligns on the line of scrimmage outside of another eligible receiver, covering him up, that inside receiver is ineligible, and may not execute a route. These five players can attach themselves to the core as a TE or backs in the backfield, thus creating extra gaps to defend. They may also align out wide and set the perimeter, leaving only one back in the back field or no backs in the backfield. The key points to recognize is the location of the extra gap to defend, who and where the immediate vertical threats align. When identifying these eligible receivers, we assign them a number designation. We split the formation in half at the center and count from the outer most perimeter receiver toward the core, up to #3 (See Diagram 3). Diagram 3.Eligibles Analyzing WR Splits The second aspect of understanding formations is to analyze wide receiver’s splits, where they are lining up. A receiver’s split refers to the width he has displaced himself from the core of the formation. This split dictates what type of route he is going to run, a type of vertical, an inside breaking route or an outside breaking route. It is further defined by the ball being placed in the middle of the field or on a hash mark. Splits are identified in three general categories: normal, wide and tight. ‘Normal’ refers to where the receivers lined up most often, and may execute any facet of their offensive attack. ‘Wide’ refers to a split that is wider than normal, and ‘Tight’ being a split that is tighter than normal. Each category is defined by four criteria: the ball being placed in the middle of the field or on a hash, the type of formation, the most frequent routes executed from these specific alignments and run / pass relationships. These split tendencies are defined during the off season video study. Every opposing offense is analyzed to determine the most frequent routes we defend, each split and at which point we can anticipate only inside breaking routes or only outside breaking routes. This process gives us the foundation for our off season application of applying split rules. Each category of normal, wide and tight may have slight differences within each league (Pro, NCAA or high school), conference (SEC, Big 10, Big12, PAC 10, WAC etc.) or high school district. Definitely, each individual team will have specific split tendencies. If a receiver assumes a normal split, we must account for basic formation and situation tendencies. Furthermore, we must execute the fundamental leverage principle of the coverage called. Against a basic 2 – Back formation, with the ball in the middle of the field, a displaced #1 receiver’s split is considered normal if he aligns on top of the numbers (See Diagram 4). Diagram 4.M.O.F. Basic 'Normal' Splits With the ball on a hash mark, there is a normal field split and a normal boundary split. A displaced #1 receiver’s split is considered normal if he aligns half-way between the top of the numbers and the hash. A displaced #1 receiver’s split into the boundary is considered normal if he aligns in the middle of the numbers (See Diagram 5). Diagram 5.From Hash Basic 'Normal' Splits Generally, twins and 3 x 1 types of formations are executed from a hash mark. The #1 receiver of a twins set is still considered to be normal if he aligns half-way between the top of the numbers and the hash mark. The #2 receiver of a twins set is considered normal if he aligns on the field hash mark (See Diagram 6).   Diagram 6. Twins 'Normal' Splits 3 x1 WR formations dictate that the trips receivers adjust what is considered normal. The #1 receiver in a trips formation is considered normal if he aligns minus 1 yard inside the top of the field numbers. The #2 receiver of a trips set is considered normal if he aligns plus 1 yard outside the field hash. The #3 receiver of a trips set will be considered normal if he splits the difference between the #2 receiver and the offensive tackle (See Diagram 7). Diagram 7. 3x1 'Normal'splits Formation Identification & Stress Point Recognition There are three basic types of formations: Pro – Sets, 1 – Back Sets and Empty Sets. By alignment, every formation presents specific ‘Stress Points’ on the defense. These stress points are areas where the offensive formation stretches the defense horizontally and the releases of the receivers determines the vertical stretch. They are areas where the defense can anticipate being attacked in the running game and the passing game. A Pro-Set is identified by three points. A Pro-Set is defined by two backs in the back-field, a TE and two displaced receivers on either side of the formation. For simplicity of this article, we will only define one type of pro set, I – Pro (See Diagram 8). Diagram 8. Basic I-Pro Formation Because of the presence of the tight end and two backs in the back field, the pro set is special. The presence of these three players attached to the core demands that the defense address the threat of a power running game. Typically, in the passing game, we can primarily anticipate play action, quick game and then drop back passes. Theoretically, the stress point on the strong side of an I – Pro formation originates in the B – Gap and extends out to the #1 receiver at a depth of 8 to 14 yards. The weak side stress point originates in the B – Gap and reaches the seam at a depth of 8 to 14 yards. 1 – Back sets can be categorized into two sub groups: 2 x 2 formations and 3 x 1 formations. The removal of either the tight end or one of the running backs specifically decreases the likelihood of a power running game. Typically, in the passing game, we can anticipate quick game, drop back passes and bootleg types of passes. 2 x 2 formations are balanced (See Diagram 9). Diagram 9. Basic 2x2 Formation The stress point on either side of a basic 2 x 2 balanced formation originates in the B – Gap and extends approximately +2 yards outside the #2 receivers at a depth of 10 to 25 yards. Generally, the seams are the stress points of 2 x 2 formations. 3 x 1 formations are unbalanced and we can anticipate these types of formations against our balanced 8 – Man Front defenses (See Diagram 10). Diagram 10. Basic 3x1 Formation The stress point on the strong side of a 3 x 1 formation originates over the offensive tackle and reaches a point over the alignment of the #1 receiver approximately 8 to 14 yards deep. Specifically, the passing game stress point on the strong side originates over the #2 receiver and extends out over the #1 receiver at the same depth of 8 to 14 yards. The stress point on the weak side of the 3 x 1 formation is the seam. Empty formations are special in their own category. The only true threat of a running game is the quarterback draw. Generally, the type of formation is a 3 x 2 set. Although, in isolated situations, an offense will line up in a 4 x 1 set (See Diagram 11). Diagram 11. Basic Empty Formation Empty formations place an extreme horizontal stretch on the defense. They have the ability to run a shallow crosser across the formation while still pushing two verticals up each seam. Shallow crossers are usually caught in the no cover zone along the same location as a seam. The seams remain the stress point of basic empty formations. However, theoretically, the threat of a receiver releasing directly up the middle of the field, widens each seam by approximately two yards. Understanding offensive formations and displaced receiver’s splits is a vital part of defensive football. The examples listed in this article are general formation and split tendencies. Specific tendencies are broken down by league, conference and team. Receiver Releases We have introduced the concept of the ‘Stretch Principle’. Also, we identified offensive formations and the receiver’s splits within those formations. Now, we can analyze the receiver’s releases. There are six possible receiver releases. However, for simplification purposes, we categorize them into three groups: Basic Pass Releases, Special Release and Quick Indicator Releases. There are three Basic Pass Releases: A ‘Vertical Release’ being straight down field and defined when the receiver gets even with or behind the linebackers. An ‘Inside Release’ defined as shallow and toward the core of the formation. Finally, an ‘Outside Release’, which is shallow and away from the core of the formation (See Diagram 12). Diagram 12. 3-Basic Pass Releases One Special Release is a reverse release. This is defined as inside and underneath the core of formation toward the backfield (See Diagram 13). Diagram 13. I-Special Release (Reverse) Generally, a tighter split is utilized during a reverse type of release. #2 – Quick Indicator releases are identified as a ‘Bubble’ and a ‘Block’. The ‘Bubble’ is when a displaced #2 or #3 receiver releases with depth and width behind the line of scrimmage away from the core. A ‘Block’ release is identified by the receiver’s engagement of a defender and low hat drive off of the line of scrimmage. Typically, any outside flow from the back field is a potential threat of a crack block (See Diagram 14). Diagram 14. 2-Quick Indicator Releases These releases can be identified within 2 to 3 steps by the receiver off of the line of scrimmage. We must recognize their departure angle and speed off of the line of scrimmage. The Significance of Release Types This is the application process of understanding the significance of the ‘Stretch Principle’. ‘Pattern Reading’ is the cause and effect relationship of the overall knowledge of formations, splits and releases. The relationship between vertical and horizontal stretch implies that the routes of the receivers work in conjunction with one another creating complementary route packages. The vertical and horizontal stretch of these route combinations work together to create throwing windows for the quarterbacks to place the ball down field. Again, “for every under there is an over.” In accordance with the fundamental principle of defending routes from the inside out, the initial key in the pattern reading process is the #2 receiver to each side of the formation. The release of the #2 receiver will determine the possibilities of what type of route the #1 receiver will execute. There are 3 – Basic Pass Releases to read from the #2 receiver: Vertical, Inside and Outside. A ‘Vertical’ release by the #2 receiver is identified as a straight drive off of the line of scrimmage that declares once he gets even with or past linebacker depth. This release has declared itself as the vertical stretch. Therefore, the #1 receiver will most likely run a shallow route to serve as the horizontal stretch (See Diagram 15). Diagram 15. Vertical Release by #2 Overall, there are four routes from #1 receiver that a defense must defend when #2 pushes vertical: Hitch = 27%, Fade = 24%, Curl = 15% and In = 10%. Moreover, if #1 runs a hitch route, 80% of the time #2 is going to execute a Flag. Three of the top four routes are inside cuts. Therefore, when #2 releases vertically, we must anticipate and plan to leverage the Curl, Hitch and In routes. An ‘Inside’ release by the #2 receiver is identified as any drive off of the line of scrimmage toward the core of the formation and underneath linebacker depth. This release has declared itself as the horizontal stretch. Accordingly, the #1 receiver will most likely execute a deeper route to serve as the vertical stretch (See Diagram 16). Diagram 16. Inside Release by #2 Overall, when #2 executes an inside release, 73% of the time the #1 receiver is also going to run an inside cut: Slant = 25%, Curl = 24%, In = 15% and Smash = 10%. All four of the top route possibilities are inside cuts. Thus, when #2 executes an inside release, the defense must anticipate and leverage these inside cuts by #1. An ‘Outside’ release by the #2 receiver is identified as a drive off of the line of scrimmage away from the core of the formation and underneath linebacker depth. This release has declared itself as the horizontal stretch. Thus, the #1 receiver will most likely execute a deeper route to serve as the vertical stretch. A key point to emphasize is to consider any outside release as a ‘fade’ or ‘wheel threat.’ Overall, when the #2 receiver executes an outside release, 63% of the time the #1 receiver will run an inside cut: Curl = 80% and Slant = 17%. The top four routes that the #1 receiver tends to execute are: Curl = 50%, Flag = 20%, Fade = 15% and Slant = 11%. 63% of the time anticipating an inside cut by the #1 receiver and 80% of those inside cuts being curl routes, this is the first route we want to anticipate and plan on leveraging. Thus, if #2 goes out, look for #1 coming back in (See Diagram 17). Diagram 17. Outside Release by #2 Conclusion: All of the tendencies stated in this article are general concepts and principles within the game of football. The specifics listed within the aforementioned percentages are the results of playing for and working with three different offensive coordinators and the conscientious video study of every offensive opponent’s passing attack over a five year period in the SEC. Literally, three different play books and thousands of plays in the video evaluation are the foundation for the data. Pattern Reading involves the understanding of cause and effect relationships. Understanding these relationships, allows a defense to execute in the most efficient manner possible, thus, making the defense as productive as possible. These are fundamental concepts and principles. Defensively, we must acknowledge that every individual opponent is going to have their own personal tendencies. Accordingly, we must study and defend each team individually.