RUFF NECK

OFFENSE

2
OFFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY
1. RUN TO WIN (Out rush opponent in 4th quarter)
2. DEFEAT THE BLITZ
3. PLAY ACTION PASS
4. SHORT PASS, LONG RUN (Ball out quick)
5. UTILIZE DIFFERENT PERSONNEL GROUPS/FORMATIONS
6. EXECUTION

TEAM OFFENSE RECORDS

POINTS PER GAME -
TOTAL POINTS -
YARDS PER GAME -
TOTAL YARDS -
RUSHING YARDS -
PASSING YARDS -
PLAYS -
 POSITION IDENTIFICATION

X LT LG C RG RT Y
F Z Q H
3rd WR 3rd TE
Z
2nd TE

• Position Identification
B. Our lineman are referred to as right guard and tackle, left guard and
tackle, and center, all lineman have a 2 foot split
C. Our tailback is letter A in a two point stance 7 yards from the ball, 5
yards from the ball if off-set to one side or the other in one back
alignment
D. Our Quarterback is lettered Q
E. Split End is letter X and is on the ball
F. Tight End is letter Y and is always on the ball and to the strength
call
G. Flanker is letter Z and always off the ball
H. 2nd Tight End is the letter H.
I. 3rd receiver is F
J. 3rd Tight End replaces the flanker so he is letter Z
 HUDDLE FORMATION

7 YARDS

LT LG C RG RT
X Z
H A Q Y
*=H or F
• HUDDLE PROCEDURE
B. The center sets the huddle with “Huddle” call 7 yards from the line of
scrimmage. Everyone must get back to the huddle as soon as possible. Stay
in the huddle until someone replaces you. If you are replacing someone make
sure you are calling out the personnel number so everyone can hear it.
C. Silence in the huddle.
D. The QB will call the formation, strength, play and snap count if any. If no snap
count is given the play is on 1.

EXAMPLE PLAYS – Plays always follow the format below=Form., Str, Play, any Tag
Formation/Strength Motion/Shift Play Tagged assignment
Strong Rt. Yaz 4 Swipe
Spread Lt. Zorro 60 Option
Bunch Lt. HoHo 67 Z Snag
Weak Lt. Hum Strong 9

QB in Huddle “Strong Right 4 Swipe…Ready” (clap hands on break)

• CADENCE – The cadence at the line of scrimmage is as follows;

P. “Set Hut” given when everyone is in proper formation and ready to motion or
trade. Used also when on first sound or in two minute game.
Q. 3 numbers are said twice, example “295, 295”
R. “Set-Hut” tells center to snap ball and play is started, Set-Hut is one word
S. “Easy” call by QB tells everyone to relax as we have motion or a change in play
T. “Check” follows easy alerting everyone to a play change
Audible Example- “Easy, Easy…350, 350…Set-Hut”
New play is now “50” on 1
FORMATIONS
 12 PERSONNEL FORMATIONS (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR)

STRONG RIGHT

X Y
Q H Z

STRONG LEFT

Y X
Z H Q

WEAK RIGHT

X Y
H Q Z

WEAK LEFT

Y X
Z Q H

A
 12 PERSONNEL FORMATIONS (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR)

WEAK RIGHT SLOT

X Y
Z H Q

STRONG RIGHT SLOT

X Y
Z Q H

STRONG RIGHT OPEN

X Y
Q H Z

WEAK RIGHT OPEN

X Y
H Q Z

A
 12 PERSONNEL FORMATIONS (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR)

BUNCH RIGHT

X Y
Q H Z

BUNCH RIGHT TITE (TITE=X 3 YARD SPLIT)

X Y
Q H Z

BUNCH RIGHT FAR

X Y
Q H Z

SPREAD RIGHT

X Y
Z Q
H

A
 13 PERSONNEL FORMATIONS (1 RB, 3 TE, 1 WR)

STRONG RIGHT

X Y
Q H Z

WEAK RIGHT

X Y
H Q Z

WEAK RIGHT SLOT

X Y
Z H Q

A
WEAK RIGHT OVER

Y X
H Q Z

A
11 PERSONNEL FORMATIONS (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR)
FOR USE IN 2 MINUTE OFFENSE – ALWAYS RT. STRENGTH
AIR FORCE

X Y
F Z

Q A
 MOTION/SHIFTS
• HUM STRONG – H MOTION TO STRONG POSITION
• HUM WEAK – H MOTION TO WEAK POSITION
• HUM WIDE – H MOTION TO RECEIVER POSITION ON SAME SIDE OF BALL
• H RETURN – H MOTION STARTING TO OPPOSITE SIDE AND RETURNING TO
ORIGINAL POSITION
• YAZ – Y TRADE=START OPPOSITE OF STRENGTH CALL AND SHIFT ON 1ST
SOUND
• JUMP – Y & H TRADE=START OPPOSITE OF STRENGTH CALL AND SHIFT ON
1ST SOUND
• EXPLODE – Y & H TRADE, THEN Z MOTIONS ACROSS BALL. ALL START
OPPOSITE STRENGTH CALL.
• Z DOG – Z SHORT MOTION AND FAKE Z REVERSE TO HOLD DE
• Z WIDE – Z SHORT MOTION TOWARDS SIDELINE
• ZING – Z SHORT MOTION IN BUT NOT ACROSS BALL, TO 2 YARDS OUTSIDE
OF Y OR TACKLE
• ZOOM – Z MOTION ALL THE WAY ACROSS BALL
• ZORRO – Z RETURN MOTION STARTING TO OPPOSITE SIDE AND
RETURNING TO STARTING POSITION
• A LEFT OR A RIGHT – TAILBACK MOTION TO DIRECTION CALLED PAST ALL
RECEIVERS
RUN
4 / 5 – INSIDE ZONE

FS

C C
0
2 4
B B B SS
1
3
E T T E
X Y
H Z

Example shown; 12 Strong Rt. A

4
8/9 – OUTSIDE ZONE

FS

C
C B B SS

E T N T E
X Y
Z H

A
Example shown; 13 Snug Rt.
8
26 / 27 POWER – Power
G

FS SS

B B
C C
E T N T E
X Y
H Z

Example shown; 12 Weak Rt. Hum Strong 26

A
Power
8/9 TOSS – G Toss

FS

C
C
B B SS
E T N T E
X Y
H Z

Example shown; 12 Strong Rt. 8 Toss

A
4 / 5 OPTION – Option with Zone
blocking
FS

C C
0
2 4
B B B SS
1
3
E T T E
X Y
H Z

Example shown; 12 Strong Rt. 4 A

Option
4 / 5 WHAM – DT Trap by H

FS

C C
B B B SS

E T T E
X Y
H Z

Example shown; 12 Weak Rt. 5 Wham A

6/7 COUNTER – Counter with Guard/H
Pull
FS
C
C
B B B B

E T T E
X Y
Z
H

Example shown; 13 Weak Rt. Hum Strong 7

A
Counter
2 Draw – Single back
draw
FS S

C C
B B

E T N T E
X Y
H Z

Example shown;12 Weak Rt. H Return 2 A

Draw
4 / 5 CUT – Predetermined Cutback

FS

C C
0
2 4
B B B SS
1
3
E T T E
X Y
H Z

Example shown; 12 Weak Rt. 4 A

Cut
4 / 5 SWIPE – Inside Zone with H on BS
End
FS

C SS 0
B B
2
B C
1
3
E T T E
X Y
Z H

Example shown; 12 Strong Rt.Slot 4

Swipe A
8 PITCH – Fake 8 Quick Pitch to A

FS
C
C
B B B B

E T T E
X Y
Z H

A
Example shown; 12 Weak Rt. Slot 6
Pitch
BLOCK 4 / 5 Z REVERSE

FS
C
C
B B B B

E T T E
X Y
Z
H
A
Example shown; 21 Plus Rt. Block 4 Z Reverse
Lt.
PASS
 WIDE RECEIVER ROUTE TREE
2ND NUMBER DICTATES ROUTE BY X OR Z
EX. – 64 OPTION = X & Z RUN 10 YARD OUT

9 9

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5
4 4

3 3

1 1
2 2

0
0

X Z

EVEN NUMBERS BREAK OUT

ODD NUMBERS BREAK IN
 ROUTE TREE DESCRIPTIONS
• 0 – COIL ROUTE STARTING IN ON A QUICK SLANT THEN PIVOTING AND
RUNNING FLAT TOWARDS SIDELINE
• 1 – THREE STEP QUICK SLANT WORKING FIRST THREE STEPS OUTSIDE
LEVERAGE OF CORNER
• 2 – FOUR STEP SPEED OUT
• 3 – FIVE STEP HITCH TURNING INSIDE ON BREAK (50 SERIES) OR 9 STEP
CURL TURNING INSIDE ON BREAK (60 SERIES)
• 4 – EIGHT STEPS AND OUT TO SIDELINE
• 5 – NINE STEPS AND IN TO MIDDLE OF FIELD (ALSO CALLED WHIP)
• 6 – EIGHT STEPS THEN TO CORNER
• 7 – NINE STEPS THEN TO POST
• 8 – SEVEN STEPS TO POST, THEN THREE STEPS AND BREAK TO CORNER

• **ALL RECEIVERS START WITH INSIDE FOOT UPFIELD

PLAY/CONCEPT

FS SS

C B B B C

E T T E
X Y
H Z

A
Example shown;

QB ACTION-

QB KEYS-

NOTES-
SNAG CONCEPT

FS
C C
SS B B B

E T T E
X Y
Z H

A
Example shown; 12- WEAK RIGHT SLOT ZING 66 Z
SNAG

QB ACTION- 5 Step Drop

QB KEYS- Hard Corner=X, SS dog=H, LB blitz=Z (Z – H vs. 3)

NOTES- Snag concept – Called runs Snag, Companion runs Flag,

3rd WR in runs Flat, opposite receiver runs numbered route.
SNAG WHIP

FS
C C
SS B B B

E T T E
X Y
Z H

A
Example shown; 12- WEAK RIGHT SLOT ZING 65 Z SNAG
WHIP

QB ACTION- 5 Step Drop

QB KEYS- SS dog=H, LB blitz=Z (Z – X - H)

NOTES- Snag Whip concept – Called runs Snag, Companion runs

Whip, 3rd WR in runs Flat, opposite receiver runs numbered route.
READ - 4 VERTICLE CONCEPT

FS SS

C B B B C

E T T E
X Y
F Z

A
Example shown; 11 – RIGHT 69 Y READ

QB ACTION- 5 Step Drop.

QB KEYS- MOFO=Seam to Over, MOFC=Field Seam to boundary

seam.
Notes – Read Concept – 4 Verticle receivers. Outside receivers bottom of #’s, Inside receivers 2
yards outside of hash. Important that inside receivers are outside of LB’s but inside of Safeties.
OVER CONCEPT

FS SS

C B B B C

E T T E
X Y
H Z

A
Example shown; 12- STRONG RIGHT 67 H
OVER

QB ACTION- 5 Step Drop

QB KEYS- Peek at Post, Drag – Over - Dig

NOTES- Over concept – Called runs Over, TE runs Drag, Z runs

Dig, opposite runs Post
DOUBLE POST (CORNER) CONCEPT
FS

C C
SS
B B B

E T T E
X Y
H Z

A
Example shown; 12- WEAK RIGHT HUM TITE 69 DOUBLE
POST

QB ACTION- 5 Step, hitch

QB KEYS- Outside Post to Flat, in Dbl Post Corner=best match up

NOTES- Double Post Concept - #1 Runs Post, #2 runs Post at

toes of FS, #3 runs Flat, opposite runs Go
SMASH CONCEPT

FS SS

C B B B C

E T T E
X Y
H Z

A
Example shown; 12- STRONG RIGHT ZOOM 66
SMASH

QB ACTION- 5 Step (used in conjunction with sprint series often)

QB KEYS- Corner read for throw, Safety read for Stretch route

NOTES- Stretch Concept- Called runs Stretch, companion runs

Hitch
STICK CONCEPT

FS
C C

B B B SS

E T T E
X Y
Z
H

A
Example shown; 12 – STRONG RIGHT H RETURN 69 Y STICK X GLANCE

QB ACTION- 5 Step Drop, throw on 5

QB KEYS- Peek at Slant, H-Y. SS Dog=Arrow, LB Blitz=Stick

NOTES- Stick Concept – #1 runs O/S Go, #2 runs Arrow, Called

runs Stick, opposite runs Slant
DRIVE CONCEPT

FS SS

C B B B C

E T T E
X Y
H Z

A
Example shown; 12 – BUNCH RIGHT FAR ZING 69 Z DRIVE

QB ACTION- 5 Step Drop

QB KEYS- Peek at X, Drive, In, Wheel. Vs. man=Drive to Wheel.

NOTES-Drive Concept – Called runs Drive, #2 runs In, #3 runs

Wheel route, opposite runs Go.
OPTION CONCEPT

FS SS

C B B B C

E T T E
X Y
Z H

A
Example shown; SPREAD RIGHT 69 OPTION

QB ACTION- 5 Step Drop

QB KEYS- Best Option match-up. Throw on 5th step.

NOTES- Option Concept – Outside receivers run Go, must outside release, Inside receivers run
Option route (Out breaking route 90% of the time), if outside leverage by LB/SS=curl inside.
CROSS CONCEPT

FS

C C
SS
B B B

E T T E
X Y
Z H

A
Example shown; 12 – WEAK RIGHT SLOT ZING 66 X
CROSS

QB ACTION-5 Step Drop

QB KEYS- Peek at Corner, vs. man read Cross mesh, Flat/X/Y

NOTES- Cross Concept=Called runs Cross, Y Drags under Cross,

H runs Flat route. Tight mesh with Cross/Drag important.
59 X SPEED OUT
FS

C SS
B B B C

E T T E
X Y
Z H

A
Example shown; 12 – Strong Rt. Slot 59 X Speed
Out

QB ACTION- 3 Step

QB KEYS- Corner read. 90% of the time through Speed Out

NOTES- 59 X SPEED OUT – Outside receiver runs called patter,

inside receiver runs 4 step speed out.
51

FS SS

B B B C
C
E T T E
X Y
Z H

A
Example shown; 12 – Strong Rt. Slot
51

QB ACTION- 3 Step

QB KEYS- Read flat defender for inside/outside slant throw

NOTES- 51 – Double slants, inside receiver must cross the face

of the number 2 defender
52
FS

C
SS C
B B
E T N T E
X Y
Z H

A
Example shown; 12 – Weak Rt. Slot
52

QB ACTION- 3 Step

QB KEYS- Read outside in. Change play if hard Corner or press.

NOTES- 52 – Double Speed Out

51 Y/H ARROW
FS

C C
E B B SS

T N T E
X Y
H Z

A
Example shown; 12 – Weak Rt. 51 Y/H Arrow

QB ACTION- 3 Step

QB KEYS- Slant/Arrow read opposite of flat defender

NOTES- 51 Y/H ARROW – Slants stay shallow off of hip of flat

defender, Arrows look quick for ball
FLAT CONCEPT

FS SS

C B B B C

E T T E
X Y
H Z

A
Example shown; Strong Rt. 63 Flat

QB ACTION- 5 Step drop

QB KEYS- Hook to Curl/Flat read. Let Curl develop vs. soft cov.

NOTES- Flat Concept – Curls by WR, Hook over middle by TE, H

in the flat, back check Swing. Good vs. Cover 3.
NAKED 4 / 5 – FAKE ZONE NAKED PASS

FS SS

B B B
C
C
E T T E
X Y
H Z

A
Example shown; 12 Weak Rt. Naked
4
FAKE 4 WHAM PASS – Crack and Go

FS
C
C
B B B B

E T T E
X Y
H Z

A
Example shown; 12 Strong Rt. Zing Fake 4 Wham
Pass
FAKE 8 TOSS PASS – Fake Toss TE Drag

FS

C C
B B B B

E T T E
X Y
H Z

A
Example shown; 12 Strong Rt. Fake 8 Toss Pass
FAKE 7 COUNTER PASS

FS

C C
B B SS

E T N T E
Y X
H Z

A
Example shown; 12 Weak Lt. Slot Fake 7 Counter
Pass
BOOT 4 / 5
WHEEL
FS
C
C
B B B B

E T T E
X Y
Z H

A
Example shown; 12 Minus Rt. Boot 4
Wheel
FAKE 4 / 5 PASS – INSIDE ZONE PAP, POST / DIG COMBO

FS
C
C
B B B B

E T T E
X Y
H Z

A
Example shown; 12 Odd Rt Fake 4
Pass
FAKE 26 / 27 POWER PASS – PAP OFF OF 26 OR 27

FS
C C

B B B B

E T T E
X Y
Z H

A
Example shown; 21 Odd Rt. Fake 26 Power
Pass
FAKE 2 DRAW PASS – FAKE DRAW PASS

FS
C
C
B B B B
E T T E
X Y
Z H

A
Example shown; 12 Strong Rt. Slot Fake 2 Draw
Pass
BOOT 4 / 5
TWIST
FS
C
C
B B B B

E T T E
X Y
Z H

A
Example shown; 12 Minus Rt. Boot 4 Twist
BOOT 4 / 5 FLOOD

FS SS
C C
B B

E T N T E
X Y
H Z

A
Example shown; 12 Weak Rt. Zoom Boot 4
Flood
BOOT 4 / 5 SMASH

FS

C C
SS B B B

E T T E
X Y
Z H

A
Example shown; 12 Weak Rt. Slot Boot 4
Smash
PRO
 Pass Protection
• 5-Step Slide protection
RT: R Strength=C Gap extended, L Strength=Man head up to outside
RG:R Strength=B Gap, L Strength=1=A Gap 2/3 tech.=Man Block
C: Strength side A Gap
LG: R Strength=1=A Gap 2/3 tech.=Man Block, L Strength=B Gap
LT: R Strength=Man head up to outside, L Strength=C Gap extended
Back: Dual read from Inside Linebacker to Outside Linebacker.
Solid Call= Cheat up, Read Linebackers across from TE to backside
RTE: R Strength=D Gap extended, L Strength=Double w/T to Edge Dog/Blitz.
LTE: R Strength=Double w/T to Edge Blitz/Dog, L Strength=D Gap extended.

2 1
W M S SS
Slide Pro vs. 44
Right Strength E T T E

1 to 2

1
M S SS
Slide Pro vs. 52
2 Right Strength
E T N T E

1 to 2
5 STEP CONT.

M S
Slide Pro vs. Bear
Right Strength
E T N T E

Slide Pro vs. 52 with 2 Backs

L Strength
FB = ILB, TB = OLB
B B SS
E T N T E

No. 1 LB-

No.2 LB-
5 STEP PRO CONT.

1 2
M S SS
Slide Pro vs. Under
Right Strength
E T N T E

1 to 2

A=If Mac goes TE side let go

2 1
W M S SS
Slide Pro vs. 43
Right Strength
E T T E

1 to 2
3 STEP PROTECTION (50 SERIES)
RT: B Gap
RG: A Gap
C: Left A Gap
LG: B Gap
LT: C Gap
A: Cut first threat outside right Tackle using a
banana path, 2 back = cut first threat outside H if
to right side.
H: 2 back = Cut first threat outside left Tackle,
banana path. Off set=Cut first threat to your side
outside of Tackle.

3 Step Protection (50-59)

W M S
E N T E
• FAKE Protection (Fake 26/27 Power Pass, etc.)
OLINE: Slide protection rules opposite strength call
instead of to the strength call. Backside Hinge
deeper than regular protection.
A: Fake run action and read LB’ inside to outside.
H: Responsible for OLB before checking to route.

Fake Protection
B B
E T N T E
Y

Minus Lt. Fake 25 Iso Pass H

A

W B B SS
E N T E
Y

Odd Rt. Fake 26 Power Pass H

A
• Boot Protection (Boot 4/5)
FT/FG/C/FTE: Down Block
BG: Pull and escort QB, listen for “GO” call to run.
BT/BTE: Step down to fill for pulling G and work back out
A: Fake 4/5, fill for pulling Guard to Backside edge
pressure

Boot Protection
B B SS
E T N T E

Boot 4

W B B SS

E N T E

Boot 5
 Sprint Protection
• Full Sprint protection
RT: Hard reach to call side.
RG: Hard reach to call side.
C: Hard reach to call side.
LG: Hard reach to call side.
LT: Hard reach to call side.
Back: Sprint to hip of T/TE and seal outside man inside.
RTE: Hard reach to call side.
LTE: Hard reach to call side.

W M S SS
Sprint Lt.
E T T E

M S

E T N T E
Sprint Rt.

Q
SCREENS
49 X MIDDLE SCREEN

FS

C
C
B B B B

E T T E
X Y
H Z

A
Example shown; 12 - Weak Rt. 49 X Middle
Screen
40 Drive Screen Rt.

FS
C
C
B B B SS

E T T E
X Y
H Z

A
Example shown; 12 – Strong Rt. Zing 40 Drive Screen
Rt.
45 A Screen Lt.

FS
C
C
B B B B

E T T E
X Y
H Z

Example shown; 12 - Strong Rt. 45 A Screen A

GOALLINE
Power
Right/Left

FS
C B B C
B E T T E B
X Y
Z

H
A

Example shown; Jumbo Rt. Zorro Power

Rt.
CRASH RIGHT/LEFT – GOAL LINE TAILBACK READ

FS
C B B C
B E T T E B
X Y
Z
H

A
Example shown; Jumbo Rt. 25
Crash
TANK – FB WEDGE (OR CUBE – QB WEDGE)

FS
C B B C
B E T T E B
X Y
Z
H

Example shown; Jumbo Rt. Tank A

CLOSERS
SKY – LAST PLAY OF THE HALF/GAME

Y X
H Z

A
VICTORY

FS
C
C
B B B B

E T T E
X Y
H A

Z
FAKE 9 H REVERSE PASS

FS
C
C
B B B B

E T T E
Y X
Z H

A
FAKE 8 TOSS REVERSE PASS

C FS

C
B B B B

E T T E
Y X
Z
H
A
FAKE 8 TOSS HB PASS TO QB

FS
C
C
B B B B

E T T E
Y X
Z
H

A
BUBBLE DOUBLE PASS

FS SS
C
C
B B
E
E T N T
X Y
H Z

A
BLOCK 8/9 OPTION H REVERSE

FS

C C
SS
B B

E T N T E
Y X
H Z

A
FAKE 9 PITCH PASS

FS
C SS C
B B
E
T N T E
Y X
Z H

A
 COVERAGE IDENTIFICATION
Cover 3

FS
C
C
B B B B

E T T E
X Y
H Z

Cover 3 is identified by the two corners and free safety dividing up

the secondary into thirds. Corners are 6-9 yards off the ball
looking inside at the QB playing outside leverage on the WR
funneling him to inside help from the FS. Outside Backers or SS
are responsible for the Flat areas while the inside Backers handle
Hook zones.

Vunerable to;
4 Verticle receivers, Curl/Flat zones.
 COVERAGE IDENTIFICATION

Cover 2 Man

FS SS

B B
C B C
E T T E
X Y
H Z

Cover 2 Man is identified by the underneath coverage in Man with

two Safeties over the top for help. Underneath coverage is in
inside shade and the Safeties are at Cover 2 depth and
alignment. Limited blitz possibility.

Vunerable to;
Crossing routes, Quick routes underneath, Draws, no back QB
draw is a killer, can bust with a trap if D&D allows. Will generally
not be able to generate as great of a pass rush.
 COVERAGE IDENTIFICATION

Cover 0

C FS B B SS C

E T N T E
X Y
H Z

Cover 0 is identified by all DB’s leveled off in inside leverage and

in man defense 1-4 yards off the ball. Used with heavy blitz of 6-7
defenders. LB’s bracket remaining backs coming their way. DB’s
following WR in motion is indication it is some sort of man.

Vunerable to;
Quick Verts, Quick Slants or Quick Arrow/Slant, Speed Option
very good.
 COVERAGE IDENTIFICATION

Cover 8

FS SS
C

B B B
C
E T T E
X Y
H Z

Cover 8 is a combination coverage of Cover 4 to one side of the

field (usually the wide side) and Cover 2 to the other side of the
field (usually into the boundary). Popular versus trips formation
with the Cover 4 side to the trips side and the hard Corner to the
Dead T side or one receiver side.

Vunerable to;
Flat area to Cover 4 side, Glance Route to Cover 2 side, play
action to quarters side and verts/smash concept/dead area to
Cover 2 side.
 COVERAGE IDENTIFICATION

3 Under/3 Deep

FS
C
C
B B B B

E T T E
X Y
H Z

3 Under 3 Deep is used in conjunction with blitz or zone blitz. LB’s

are responsible for covering underneath zones. Cover 3 is played
on top to keep the “lid” on and not allow the big play.

Vunerable to;
Underneath routes as only 3 defenders are responsible for area, 4
Verts, Double Slants, Option/Run.
 COVERAGE IDENTIFICATION

Cover 2

FS SS

B B B
C C
E T T E
X Y
H Z

Cover 2 is identified by the two Corners up and outside shade

funneling the WR’s inside to Safety help. The two Safeties divide
the secondary into halves starting on or outside the hash 12-15
yards deep. In most schemes the MLB will get great depth to help
with the middle of the field (a.k.a. Tampa 2).

Vunerable to;
Double slants, Middle of the field between the safties, Dead area
behind the Corner, Smash concept and trips.
 COVERAGE IDENTIFICATION

Cover 4

FS SS
C
C

B B B

E T T E
X Y
H Z

Cover 4 is identified by the two corners and two safeties dividing

up the secondary into quarters. Corners are 6-9 yards off the ball
looking inside at the QB playing outside leverage on the WR
funneling him to inside help from the FS. Safeties play more
shallow in Cover 4 than Cover 2 possibly jumping Curl/Hook
routes. Backers are responsible for the Flat areas Hook zones.

Vunerable to;
Flats, play action on aggressive Safeties, underneath zones, trips
routes that pin MLB inside.
 COVERAGE IDENTIFICATION

Cover 1

FS

C B B B B
C
E T T E
X Y
H Z

Cover 1 is identified by a leveled off secondary. Defenders play

inside alignment and count on help over the top from a single
Free Safety who roams anywhere. Usually is accompanied by
some sort of blitz. SS also is a giveaway as he aligns head up
over TE and is leveled off with Corners. Depth of DB’s are from
1-3 yards. Inside LB’s can bracket running backs or are freed up
to blitz.

Vunerable to;
Quick routes (Flat/Slant, Double Slant concepts), Quick Verts over
the top before FS help can get there.
 FRONT
IDENTIFICATION
 FRONT IDENTIFICATION

44

FS
C
C
W M S SS

E T T E
X Y
H Z

44- 8 Man front heavy against the run. OLB’s are responsible for
flat areas against the pass and edge gap vs. the run. One gap
defense.

Vunerable to;
4 Verts., Trips formations, Curl/Flat combos, strong side run game
with unbalanced line.
 FRONT IDENTIFICATION

34

FS SS
C
C
M S
W
T N T E
X Y
H Z

34- 2 gap defense. Most multiple of all defenses. Allows for

many blitz combinations. Stand up DE’s forces everything inside.
Coverages vary on top.

Vunerable to;
Inside run game, quick passing game, trap, influence runs.
 FRONT IDENTIFICATION

Under

FS
C
SS C
W M

E T N T S
X Y
H Z

Under- A.K.A. Reduction front from the 50. One gap defense.
Highly adjustable to anything. Sound vs. run or pass. Cover 3
rolled weak or a two high shell are common coverages with.
Popular zone blitz front with 3 under 3 deep on top.

Vunerable to;
Can force the Corner to be large part of run defense. Strong side
pass game vs. SS rolled weak. 4 wides forces OLB to bounce out
and play in space.
 FRONT IDENTIFICATION

43

FS SS

W M S
C
C
E T T E
X Y
Z

H
A

43- One gap defense. Utilizes secondary for extra player against
the rush. Can adjust to most anything. Uses a two high safety
concept most of the time.

Vunerable to;
Underneath passing game, inside run game vs. 3 or more wide
receivers, multiple TE’s can cause gap problems.
 FRONT IDENTIFICATION

3-3-5

FS
C
N N C
W M S

T N T
X Y
H Z

3-3-5- Only 3 down lineman with the rest of the unit as LB’s and
secondary personnel. Strong vs. pass and perimeter run game
as LB’s and DB’s are free to run to the ball. LB’s are generally
stacked on DL.

Vunerable to;
Multiple TE sets, inside run, off-tackle run, perimeter passing
game and possibly 4 verts.
 FALL CHECKLIST
5 STEP 3 STEP BOOT NAKEDS
FARGO WASHINGTON TWIST NAKED 4/5
HOUSTON MICHIGAN WHEEL NAKED 4/5 STAY
CHICAGO TEXAS READ NAKED 4/5 SEAL
VEGAS FLORIDA OVER
DENVER CALIFORNIA CROSS
OMAHA
FLAGSTAFF
STICK

RUN FAKE PASS

4/5 SCREENS
FK 26/27 POWER PASS DEBBIE
8/9 FK 8 CRACK PASS
26/27 ALLEY
FK 8H PASS BUBBLE
POWER FK 4 PASS
24/25 ISO A SLIP SCREEN
FK 24/25 ISO PASS
20/21 TRAP
8 PITCH
8H
STATUE

CLOSERS GOAL LINE GADGETS

FREEZE 36 POWER FAKE 8 TOSS HB PASS
FREEZE TIME 35 CRASH FAKE 9 GODFREY REV. PASS
FREEZE DELAY 38 TOSS FAKE 8 TOSS Z REV. PASS
HOT TANK/CUBE FAKE 9 OPTION H REVERSE
SPIKE FK 26 POWER PASS
SAFETY
SKY
VICTORY
EAT ME
FALL INSTALLATION SCHEDULE