Four Verts sends all four receivers vertical, attacking the deep zones with numbers and forcing safeties to make impossible choices. It's the ultimate Cover 3 beater and big-play concept.
Overview
Four Verts is exactly what it sounds like: four receivers all running vertical routes. The concept attacks deep zones by sending more vertical routes than the defense has deep defenders. Against Cover 3, that's 4-on-3. Against Cover 2, it's 4-on-2 (though the corners help).
The outside receivers typically run go routes while the inside receivers run seams, bending their routes based on the safeties' leverage. Against Cover 3, the inside receivers split the safeties. Against Cover 2, they attack the hole between the safeties.
Four Verts requires time to develop but creates big-play opportunities when executed properly. It's a high-risk, high-reward concept that can break games open.
History & Origin
Four Verts became a signature concept of the Air Raid offense that Hal Mumme and Mike Leach developed. It embodied their philosophy of attacking deep and taking calculated risks.
Key Principles
- 1Four receivers run vertical routes
- 2Outside receivers: go routes up the sideline
- 3Inside receivers: seam routes with leverage adjustments
- 4Attack the deep zones with numbers advantage
- 5Against Cover 3: split the safeties with seams
- 6Against Cover 2: attack the middle of the field
- 7Requires time to develop - need solid protection
When to Use
Four Verts is the go-to concept against Cover 3 and when you want to attack deep. Use it when you have good protection and need a big play. It's excellent on play-action and when backed up against your own goal line.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Big-play potential on every snap
- +Creates numbers advantage against deep zones
- +Simple concept for receivers
- +Excellent against Cover 3
- +Opens up underneath routes on future plays
Disadvantages
- −Requires time in protection
- −High-risk if coverage is right
- −Less effective against two-deep safeties
- −No short option if coverage is good
What Coaches Call It
Different coaches use different terminology for the same concepts.
| Coach | Team | Their Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Leach | — | Verticals | Air Raid terminology |
| Lincoln Riley | USC | Four Verts | Standard terminology |
| Kliff Kingsbury | — | All Verticals | Descriptive |
What You Need
Skills and jobs required to run this scheme effectively.
Critical
At least 3 receivers who can win deep
Beat defender deep with speed. Pure speed and release moves.
High
Need time for routes to develop
Absorb bull rush and hold ground in pass protection. Core strength and technique.
Throw receivers open on seams
Throw before receiver breaks open. Trust, timing, and ball placement.
Find the open window in coverage
Pre-snap identification and post-snap adjustment. Film study and pattern recognition.
Must beat press to run deep routes
Beat press coverage at the line of scrimmage. Technique, hands, and footwork.
Matchups
Good Against
- +Cover 3
- +Cover 1
- +Single-high safeties
- +Soft coverage
Avoid Against
- −Cover 2
- −Two-high safeties
- −Heavy pressure
- −Tight man underneath
Installation
What You Need
Prerequisites for running this scheme effectively.
- ✓Four receivers who can threaten deep
- ✓QB with arm strength
- ✓OL who can protect 4+ seconds
When NOT to Use This
- !High-risk if coverage is right
- !No short option if routes are covered
- !Requires elite protection