Master Pre-Snap Reads & Decision-Making for Canadian 12-Man Football
What is QBDT?
Quarterback Decision Training (QBDT) is an interactive training tool designed to develop elite quarterback decision-making skills through realistic pre-snap read simulations. Built specifically for Canadian 12-man football, QBDT challenges QBs to identify defensive coverages, read safety alignment, and make optimal throwing decisions under time pressure.
Unlike traditional film study or static playbooks, QBDT provides instant feedback through our proprietary READ-IQ (RiQ) scoring system, which measures decision quality based on coverage matchups—not just completion probability. This means a smart checkdown scores higher than a forced deep shot, teaching QBs to take what the defense gives them.
Why QBDT?
🎯 Develop Football IQ – Learn to read coverages like a pro
⏱️ Train Under Pressure – Make decisions with realistic time constraints
📊 Track Progress – READ-IQ scoring measures decision quality, not just outcomes
🏈 Canadian Football Focused – Built for 12-man wide-field concepts
🔍 Master Coverages – Study Cover 0, 1, 2, 3 HOLD, and 3 CUT in depth
How to Use QBDT
Step 1: Choose Your Mode
📚 Practice Mode (Learn at Your Own Pace)
- Choose any play from our 9-play authentic playbook (4 Man concepts, 5 Zone concepts)
- Access the C.A.V.E tool anytime to study coverage structures
- No time pressure – perfect for learning new concepts
- Study specific matchups – focus on trouble areas
- Beginner-friendly – safety glow and coverage zones guide your reads
Best For: QBs learning the system, studying new coverages, or preparing for specific defensive looks.
🎯 Game Mode (Test Your Skills Under Pressure)
- Auto-sequenced 20 plays – fair distribution across playbook
- Cannot choose plays – simulates real game unpredictability
- Cumulative performance tracking – measures consistency
- Timed decisions – replicates game pressure
- Authentic conditions – no training wheels
Best For: QBs testing their knowledge, measuring improvement, or simulating game-day decision-making.
Step 2: Master Pre-Snap Reads
The foundation of elite QB play is identifying coverage before the snap. QBDT teaches you to read the safety:
👀 Safety Count = Coverage Tell
🔵 TWO Deep Safeties → Cover 2 Zone
- Lighter box (fewer defenders near the line)
- Easier run game opportunities
- Attack the middle seams and flats
🔴 SINGLE High Safety → Cover 1 Man or Cover 3 Zone
- Heavier box (more defenders stacked)
- Tougher run game
- Exploit 1-on-1 matchups on the perimeter
⚫ NO Deep Safety → Cover 0 Blitz
- All-out pressure coming!
- Hot routes and quick throws
- High-risk, high-reward situation
💡 Pro Tip: In Beginner Mode, safeties glow yellow pre-snap to help you identify alignment quickly.
Step 3: Understand READ-IQ (RiQ) Scoring
QBDT doesn’t just reward completions—it measures decision quality. A safe checkdown against tight coverage scores higher than a contested deep shot.
RiQ Score Breakdown:
| Score Range | Quality | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 70-100 RiQ | 🌟 Elite Decision | Perfect read, exploited coverage weakness |
| 60-69 RiQ | ✅ Good Decision | Solid read, safe and smart choice |
| 40-59 RiQ | ⚠️ Risky Decision | Forcing the ball, defense has advantage |
| 0-39 RiQ | ❌ Poor Decision | Bad read, high turnover probability |
Example:
- Throwing a checkdown against Cover 0 blitz = 72 RiQ (elite decision)
- Forcing a deep shot into Cover 2 = 28 RiQ (poor decision)
This teaches QBs the NFL/CFL mindset: take what the defense gives you.
Step 4: Make Your Decision
Once the ball is snapped, you have a limited window to make your throw decision:
- Identify the open receiver based on coverage
- Click on your target to throw the ball
- Receive instant RiQ feedback on decision quality
- Use QB RUN button if coverage is tight (safety valve)
⚡ QB RUN Button Progression:
The QB RUN button unlocks tiers based on usage, simulating increased pressure:
- 🔴 Tier 1: RED (5.0 seconds) – Initial decision time
- 🟡 Tier 2: YELLOW (4.0 seconds) – Unlocked after first run
- 🟢 Tier 3: GREEN (3.5 seconds) – Elite pressure simulation
💡 Pro Tip: Running for 5 yards is smarter than forcing a throw for a potential interception. The QB RUN is not failing—it’s smart football!
Step 5: Study with the C.A.V.E Tool
The Coverage Alignment Viewer Exercise (C.A.V.E) lets you study defensive coverages without game pressure.
How to Use C.A.V.E:
- Select Coverage Type – Choose Cover 0, 1, 2, 3 HOLD, or 3 CUT
- Study Pre-Snap Alignment – Observe safety depth, CB positioning, LB placement
- Click “SNAP BALL” – Watch defenders drop into their zones
- Identify Weak Zones – Green highlighted areas show coverage vulnerabilities
Best Practice: Spend 10-15 minutes in C.A.V.E before starting Practice Mode to familiarize yourself with defensive structures.
Training Recommendations
For Beginner QBs:
- Start in Beginner Mode (safety glow + coverage zones)
- Study all 5 coverages in C.A.V.E first
- Run Practice Mode for 2-3 sessions
- Focus on achieving 60+ RiQ average before advancing
For Intermediate QBs:
- Practice in Beginner Mode, test in Advanced Mode
- Challenge yourself with Game Mode (20-play sequence)
- Target 70+ RiQ average for elite decision-making
- Use QB RUN progression to simulate pressure situations
For Advanced QBs:
- Train exclusively in Advanced Mode (no assists)
- Run Game Mode repeatedly to track consistency
- Aim for 75+ RiQ average across full 20-play games
- Master Tier 3 QB RUN (3.5-second decisions)
Our 9-Play Authentic Playbook
QBDT features real Canadian football concepts:
Man Concepts (4 plays):
- Designed to beat man coverage with route combinations
- Exploit 1-on-1 matchups on the boundary
- Quick decisions against Cover 1
Zone Concepts (5 plays):
- Attack coverage weak spots in Cover 2/3
- Stretch defenses horizontally and vertically
- High-percentage throws against zone looks
Each play has multiple coverage scenarios, creating 45+ unique decision situations.
Difficulty Modes
🟢 Beginner Mode:
- ✅ Safety glow (yellow highlight shows key defenders)
- ✅ Green zones display coverage weaknesses
- ✅ Correct receiver highlighted post-decision
- ✅ More forgiving RiQ calculations
🔴 Advanced Mode:
- ❌ No safety glow (raw reads only)
- ❌ No coverage zone hints
- ❌ No receiver assistance
- ✅ Authentic game conditions
Pro Tips for Success
🎯 Take What the Defense Gives You – Smart checkdowns beat forced deep shots every time
⏱️ Use Your Pre-Snap Time – You have 5+ seconds before snap—read the safety first
🏃 Don’t Fear the QB RUN – Taking 5 yards on the ground beats a turnover
📚 Master C.A.V.E First – Learn coverage structures before training under pressure
🎮 Practice Builds Confidence – Master concepts in Practice Mode before Game Mode
📊 RiQ > Completion % – Focus on decision quality, not just “completions”
Get Started Today
Ready to elevate your quarterback IQ?
Questions? Contact Capital QB’s at capitalqbs@gmail.com]
About Capital QB’s
Capital QB’s is dedicated to developing elite quarterback talent through innovative training methods, expert coaching, and cutting-edge tools like QBDT. Our mission is to help QBs master the mental game—because physical talent only gets you halfway there.
Train smarter. Decide faster. Play elite.
QBDT is designed for training purposes and simulates Canadian 12-man football concepts. All plays and coverage schemes are based on authentic CFL/Canadian football systems.
