Reading keys in a 5-man crew
 

Between the wings and BJ, who keys on what? I understand that BJ keys on the strong side (if balanced, then LJ's side), but who does he key on? And who does the strong side wing key on?

Thanks!

Depends on your mechanic.

In Alabama on 5-man, BJ initially keys on inside receiver on strong side (usually TE) and wingman initially keys on widest receiver. As the play progresses, we shift to zone coverage.

The Federation mechanic as stated in the officials' manual is that the BJ keys on the widest receiver on the strong side. Or if trips, then the two widest. The strong side wing picks up the inner most receiver. Weak side wing has it all on his side.

Keys are for the initial action only.

In Louisiana, our mechanics manual has the wing men keying on the widest receivers and the Back Judge keying on the next receiver in (usually the TE).