How do you read Curl-Flat? It’s a pattern that’s been around forever. I have experience coaching in systems which used every one of the examples I’m about to review and I think every one of them can be rationally defended as a "proper" way to read the pattern. But this post is not really about Curl-Flat. In looking at this simple pattern I want to make a larger point, which is that "optimal" ways of reading patterns are situational and subjective. Let’s look at some reading methods first. Option 1 is to read it inside out. This is how the old West Coast Offense “Hank” concept was/is read. The QB progresses from the over-the-ball sit route outside to the curl-flat combo. By reading the sit route 1st, the playside inside LB, who is a danger player for the curl, is held inside. The sit gives the QB an option vs fire zone pressure as well. If the sit is squeezed there should be a throwing lane to the curl. If the curl is not there the ball is thrown to the flat. Option 2 is reading the flat first. The idea is to take the easy flat throw over and over until the hang player is forced to defend it. When he sprints out to cover the flat, the Curl opens up and if the QB gets a color flash from inside he checks it down to the sit. Coaches argue that this method gets the curl open by forcing a quicker reaction from the flat player. Option 3 is also another old West Coast tactic used on the traditional 22 Z-In as well as various other in-breaking patterns. The QB is going to throw to the curl on rhythm off his first hitch step. If covered by the curl defender he throws the flat. The sit is again an outlet. Here is a link to a Bill Walsh article in which he describes 22 Z- In as well as X Hook, both of which use this method. Finally, Option 4 is what many refer to as an object read. The QB again starts with the curl, but sees the entire pattern structure. The key is “who covered the curl?” If the curl is not open, it has to have been invaded from inside or outside. If invaded from inside the ball goes to the sit. If from outside the ball goes to the flat. The QB is essentially taking a picture of 3 routes in one eye fix even if he can’t actually see all 3 routes. By concentrating on the apex of the triangle made by the three routes he knows where to go with the ball. Now, I’m using Curl-Flat as an example, but the 4 options I just reviewed can be applied to multiple pattern structures. Some coaches will stand on the table for one read type or another. But….wouldn’t it be optimal to have a system where you are able to do all four?
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