SIMPLIFYING DEFENSIVE

COVERAGES BY CONCEPTS
In this article, I will discuss how I break down our coverages by concepts. In the
New England Small College Athletic Conference, we have a roster limit, so we
have to be very meticulous about personnel. At Bowdoin College, our defensive
staff’s job is to get the best 11 players on the field. Teaching coverages by
concepts allows us to plug in the best available player. I will use our base coverage
of Cover 3; it can be 3 deep 4 under or 3 deep 3 under (Diagram 1).

We will show both a 2 high safety look and a 1 high safety look. I break it down into
four concepts for the secondary. They need to know the following concepts: True
Third Player, Closed Third Player, SCIF Player, and Post Player. We need to be
able to cross train the secondary players to play in any of these four concepts. If
our #2 corner is athletically better than our #2 safety, then he will play before the
other guy.

There are different techniques involved with the four different concepts which must
be taught and drilled. But as we teach each concept, corners and safeties, even
though they are different types of players, will do the same technique drills for the
different concepts.
TRUE THIRD PLAYER

Description: When you have two detached wide receivers from the formation. It
can be to both the field and boundary. Deep as Deepest True Zone/Quarterback
Technique. Maintain Depth as long as quarterback or ball carrier is behind line of
scrimmage. Don’t play any 3-step and quick game moves. Needs to be on top of all
routes.

Alignment: #1 receiver, 1 x 8 based on divider, D6 or C6 vs. Nub tight end.

Key: Ball action to quarterback indicators. Hard Key tight end to Nub side.

Run: Pass first player. Crack or Kick Replace. Fill where needed, pursue outside to
inside.

Footwork: Skate to crossover run (Zone Bail)

Notes:

 Used with SCIF or Flood Side.

 Communicate split of #1. “Buzz” tells flat defender to attack the out. “In” tells flat
defender to hold curl.
CLOSED THIRD PLAYER

Description: When you have a single wide receiver to your side. It can be to the
field or boundary. Pattern Read Deep technique. Deep as deep as receiver in your
zone. Can be aggressive to 3-step routes, want to be in a position for a catch and
tackle on the wide receiver.

Alignment: #1 receiver, 1 x 6 based on divider, D6 or C6 vs. Nub tight end.

Key: Ball action, Inside threat to #1. Hard Key single receiver or tight end to Nub
side.

Run: Pass first. Crack or Kick Replace. Contain second, pursue outside to inside.

Footwork: Skate or Man Bail

Notes:

 Used with SCIF technique.

 Inside Threat Vertical: Zone turn and play quarterback indicators. With seam/fade
attack, pin your shoulders and lean to sideline. Low launch Seam, high launch fade. If
#1 shallow or short, squeeze #2 and play quarterback throw.
 Inside Threat Eliminated: Play #1 to your ability, release shallow under, look for
work deep to short.
 Inside Threat Maybe (ie. flat with possible wheel): Zone Back and treat as vertical.
If SCIF defender jumps, #2 Flat, play #1 to your ability. Pre-snap communication is key
versus this combination route.
SCIF PLAYER

Description: Underneath Zone technique responsible for second widest

underneath route, landmark is #2 or Seam. Must carry vertical #2 or original #1
through the seam. Run with Wheel route of #2.

Alignment: Gap/Formation rules or Wide Apex vs. 3×1.

Key: Base Rules. Always be aware of split of #2 to determine drop.

Run: Force Player: Keep ball on the inside shoulder.

Notes:

 General depth is 10 to 12 yards deep. Depth can be 5 to 10 vs. 3-step or bunch,

and 12 to 15 in long yardage.
 vs. No Seam: Defend the curl or final #2, melt and break on quarterback.
 vs. a Stacked Concept in Seam: Defend deeper part of zone.
POST PLAYER

Description: Deep as Deepest Middle Zone/Quarterback Indicator technique.

Continue gaining depth as long as quarterback is in pocket.

Alignment: Middle of formation 12 to 14 yards deep.

Key: Uncovered lineman to ball action.

Run: Pass first. Alley. Pursue inside to outside.

Footwork: Walk, Pedal, Run. Weave with disguise.

Double Width Landmark: Post or near upright (Hash).

Single Width Landmark: Alignment (Apex)

Notes:

 vs. Sprint: Move zone landmark with quarterback.

 vs. Moving Boot: Locate deep crossing and play over the top. It is common for an
offense to fake boot and throw back post or for crossing to convert route behind an
aggressive middle safety.
 In Man Free coverage, run support can be more aggressive.

This is a brief overview of what we teach within our secondary. Please feel free to
contact me with any questions.