Progression is a pass play successively administered by one player to a selected receiver in succession. This sequential method is a forward movement of a football by the offense. 

The progressions focus on leverage, passing lanes, open windows, box or square technique, the triangle and open grass. This includes the Bill Walsh and air raid philosophies. The latter is a 65 to 75 percent open grass passing offense, in which you only run if the defense drops in coverage.

The progression passing game is one of the methods used by the offense in all levels of Football. The personnel groupings usually includes three receivers and one running back outlet pass route receiver. Many different personnel groupings can be used in the progression or concepts. 

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Each receiver is numbered by sequence from 1 to 3 or 1 to 4 with an outlet. The No. 1 is the primary receiver selected first on the quarterback’s rhythm throw. If the No. 1 is covered, the quarterback will look at the No. 2 receiver after the gather step. If the first two receivers are not open, the QB will turret and reset to the No. 3 receiver. Time is a factor for quarterbacks to finish the progression is the problem. Frustration sometimes sets in if they’re not able to finish the progression. 

There are limitations to the use of the progression method. 
• The QB stares down the receivers 
• It’s frustrating for coaches and quarterbacks If receivers are open.
• You don't pre-read who to throw to.
Each receiver runs a specific route unless the type of defense changes it. These adjustments are called alerts or pattern adjustments. 

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The alert call has various specific routes built in to gain leverage and open grass on the defense and defenders. Only the most experienced players totally understand the adjustments and how they work.

Quarterbacks must learn how they work. It takes time. With good coaching and film work, quarterbacks will learn. Playing experience is the only true way to learn.

There are 12 basic specific progressions. Once the receivers and QBs learn all this information, you can automatically change primary routes.

Three of the 12 progressions are for the Quick passing game, with quick three- and five-step drops. For example: The Alerts are to run a flat then slant route. Another example is to run an outside route, then adjust to an inside passing route. This all depends on the disguise of the defense at levels two and three.

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The last example is a four-yard stick route to continue to an outside flat route with good pressure steps. The "Y" and slot receivers in specific personnel groupings usually run these routes. 

The other nine progressions are for the regular drops by the quarterbacks. This includes the big  three-, five- and seven-step drops.

There are many different progressions to learn, including: 
A) play action 
B) deep, shallow, crossing and screens. 
The big question is, should the offense use progression or a coverage read? These two methods are essential for any team offense.

Coverage reads
They are exclusively used in the NFL. Coaches look at pictures that are taken up in the booth at the defensive scheme after each series of plays. Those photos are relayed to the coach and quarterbacks on the sideline. The mission is a pinpoint throw to a specific receiver or two in most cases, taking advantage of the weakness in the coverage during a game. This is an automatic adjustment that counters the coverage. In pro and college, teams must make adjustments in order to stay ahead of their opponents.

Advantages of the concept read
• Elimination of progression of three to five receivers open
• Elimination of the quarterback making up his mind who to throw to before the snap 
• Read certain defenders and the coach is on the same page.
• The quarterbacks will not stare down the receivers. This is a natural look-off of the defenders.

All levels of football use progressions and concepts, including the NFL. Every coach has a preference on one method or the other. My personal preference is to determine what type of quarterback I have, then move forward appropriately. 

As a coach, do your homework before installing that specific offensive system, and be very flexible to cover all the basics. Teach and be prepared for the unexpected. This is a clear sign of a great coach.

Bill Hewitt is a former college football coach, NFL scout and film grader for the Buffalo Bills. He also is a retired physical education teacher. Follow him on Twitter @HewittCoach.