Hot Read.

What it teaches.

When the defense brings a Cover 0 blitz, the QB has 1.5 seconds to identify the hot route and throw. Hot Read drills that exact split-second decision: see the blitz, find the hot, get the ball out before the rush gets home.

Step by step.

1. Set up at the LOS with a QB and one hot receiver running a 3-yard hitch.
2. Coach signals 'blitz' just before the snap (point at the QB).
3. On the snap, the QB must throw the hot route in 1.5 seconds — even if the receiver isn't fully turned around.
4. Time every rep. If the throw is over 1.5 seconds, reset and rerun.
5. Mix in non-blitz plays so the QB has to actually read pre-snap.

What to watch for.

• Pre-snap scan — see the blitz BEFORE the ball is snapped.
• Don't take a normal drop. Catch and throw — 1-step drop max.
• Throw to where the receiver WILL be. They're still turning when the ball arrives.
• Hot receiver: turn fast, hands ready early.

Progress the drill.

Where it goes wrong.

• Taking a normal drop — gets sacked every time.
• Not seeing the blitz pre-snap — late processing kills the play.
• Late throws — the ball must be out before the rusher gets home.
• Hot receiver not turning fast — ball arrives at their back.