Chad Wilson
May 13, 2025
One of the most overlooked skills in safety play is diagnosing run vs. pass — fast. A delay in reading the play can pull you out of position or get you beat over the top. Great safeties don’t just react — they anticipate.
This guide gives both players and coaches a framework to train quicker reads and improve pre- and post-snap recognition.
What to Look At — and When
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Pre-Snap: Alignment and Formation Tips
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RB Depth: Deeper backs (7+ yards) usually signal a run or play-action. Flat or even-level backs may suggest pass.
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TE/Y Off Ball: Tight ends off the line often run routes. Watch split width too — tighter splits often = run support.
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WR Stance: Wide receivers in relaxed stances or looking around = likely run plays.
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Snap-to-Step Key Reads
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OL High Hat / Low Hat
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High Hat (pass): Linemen pop up vertically — no fire out.
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Low Hat (run): Linemen come off the ball aggressively with forward drive.
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RB Flow
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Is the back pressing the line of scrimmage or immediately moving laterally? Look for flow indicators.
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QB Behavior
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Quick drop back = pass.
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Turned shoulders or stretch handoff = run or play-action.
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Training the Run-Pass Key
For players:
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Start every play with eyes on your run-pass key: usually a guard or the near tackle.
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Process quickly, then move. Speed without clarity is a mistake waiting to happen.
For coaches:
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Use half-speed recognition drills where safeties read OL off the snap.
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Mix in play-action reps to train eye discipline.
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Quiz your safeties in film sessions: “Run or pass? Why?”
Elite Safeties React Fast Because They Recognize Fast
The top safeties aren’t just fast physically — they’re fast mentally. With the right eye discipline and reps, you can train that skill too.
Want to see these concepts in action?
Check out the All Eyes DB Camp YouTube Channel for breakdowns on DB fundamentals, safety reads, coverage tips, and real film analysis. Whether you’re a player trying to level up or a coach sharpening your teaching toolbox, we’ve got videos that bring it all to life.
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Chad Wilson is the owner of All Eyes DB Camp and author of "101 DB Tips". He played college football at the University of Miami and briefly in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks. Over his 15 year high school football coaching career, he tutored over a dozen Division I defensive backs and as a trainer has worked with NFL All Pros, first round draft picks, college football All Americans and Top 10 ranked high school football prospects.
