Reading the box
Count the defenders near the line before the snap, and you'll know whether the defense is daring the offense to run or to throw.
The box is the area near the ball: about as wide as the offensive line and tight ends, and a few yards deep. Counting the defenders in it is one of the quickest reads in football - quarterbacks do it before every snap.
The count shows what the defense is guarding against. More defenders in the box means it's built to stop the run, at the cost of fewer players in coverage. Fewer means it's protecting against the pass, and leaving room to run.
The offense's rule of thumb: as many blockers as there are defenders in the box, and the run looks good. One more defender than it can block, and it would rather throw.
Two safeties deep, so only six defenders are in the box: four linemen and two linebackers. The nickel back is out over the slot receiver, outside it.
Read the play step by step
- Count the box: Two safeties deep, so only six defenders are in the box: four linemen and two linebackers. The nickel back is out over the slot receiver, outside it.
- Count the blockers: Now count who can block them: five linemen and the tight end. Six blockers for six defenders - on paper, every defender in the box has someone to block him.
- The play develops: The offense runs at the light box. Every defender near the line is blocked, and the nearest free defenders are the safeties, 12 yards away. This is why an offense checks to a run against a light box - and why defenses bring a safety down to stop it.
How to spot it
- Count from tight end to tight end: the linemen, the linebackers, and any safety or nickel back standing within about 5-8 yards of the ball.
- Then count the offense's blockers: five linemen, plus any tight ends and fullbacks who stay in to block.
- Watch for a safety walking down late. A box that goes from six to seven right before the snap is a defense reacting to a run look.
- Broadcast shorthand: a light box has fewer defenders than the offense has blockers; a loaded or stacked box has more - seven or eight against a typical formation.
Key terms
Quick quiz
1 / 3Two safeties are deep, and four linemen and two linebackers are near the line. How many defenders are in the box?