Passing reads

The quarterback of an American football team must make split-second judgments on where to throw the ball to maximize yardage and points. The quarterback employs a series of alternatives called “passing progressions” or “reads” to make these calls.

It’s like taking a list of things you need to buy to the shop. When attempting to pass the ball, the quarterback also has many choices.

The quarterback compiled this list based on their coach’s instructions and their observations of the playing field. They can, for instance, observe where the other players are on the pitch and know who to toss the ball to.

When the quarterback’s intended target is out of range because of defensive pressure, they must seek an alternate target.

Finally, if the quarterback has no choice but to risk being tackled, he can toss the ball away.

To determine who to throw to, the quarterback considers his passing reads, essentially a menu of alternatives.