coverages & reads

8/6/2019 Coverages & Reads

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There are many qualities that a quarterback must possess. However, the most obvious is the QBs ability

to throw the football. Throwing the football requires a tremendous amount of coordination and

teamwork for proper execution. The QB can make up for some deficiencies with proper reads. Whether

it is the Pre-Snap Read, Reading on the Move, or Adjustments in routes, the QBs recognition,

anticipation and reaction are based upon his knowledge of the offense as it relates to what he sees.

Pre-snap read

The QB must make a Pre-Snap Read confirming the defensive secondarys alignment. The PSR provides

the QB with help in making the proper throwing decision; i.e., allows the QB to establish his thought

process prior to the snap. There will be many times when the QB can determine what the coverage is

before the snap. About eighty percent (80%) of the time the coverage will be given away by someones

alignment in the secondary, typically the second defender inside. Even when the total coverage is not

given away, through observation of particular alignments, you will be able to eliminate some coverages

or narrow to a Hard Focus area. The QB must approach the LOS the same way every play and get his

hands under the center. The PSR process includes a Soft Gaze left, middle and right. The purpose is to

identify (1) the depth of the corners, (2) number of safeties, (3) weakside flat defender, and (4) thenumber of run defenders (front):

y Find the Free Safety (FS) and Strong Safety (SS) to determine the type of front seven-manor eight-man. If the safeties adjust to motion, be aware of a possible blitz.

y Find the weakside linebacker (Whip (W)). This is a crucial read to recognize an outside blitz. Itis the QBs responsibility to adjust the protection to handle the outside blitz or allow the

receivers to read HOT.

The PSR is only the first step in the throwing decision. The QB must identify the primary defender (the

Key) to read (Hard Focus) and determine where to throw the ball. The Key is determined by thepattern and the related PSR. The ball is thrown based upon what the Key does within the QBs line of

sight. For example, on a strong side route the PSR must identify the SS. Upon the snap the strong safety

can either man-up, cover the flat, cover deep third (1/3) or cover deep quarter (), and it is the SSs

action that allows the QB to decide where to throw the ball. Depending upon the route, the SSs action

might change the key (Reading on the Move [ROM]) to the Corner (C) or FS. The QB will make their

throwing decision based upon what happens in his Hard Focus area and the related routes within the

line of sight; i.e., does the Key rotate, invert or play man. When the QB keys defenders, not receivers,

there are fewer throws into coverage.

- Basic CoveragesA brief summary of coverages, including strengths, weakness, and how to attack them follows. The

summaries include a place (Patterns) for the coach and QB to write in their specific routes to attack

the coverages. These are the basic coverages: Invert (sky); Rotate (cloud); Two Deep, Man Under

Two; Man with a Free; Man Zero; Quarter, Quarter, Half; Zone Blitz; Robber; and Prevent.

Three Deep Invert (Sky)


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The PSR is based on the alignment of SS and C on the strong side. Teams will typically define the TE as

the strong side, however a scouting report will provide this information. If the SS is aligned with less

depth than the C, the read is an invert by the SS; i.e., the SS is covering the flat, if a receiver is in the flat.Confirm 3D coverage by the alignment of the FS. If the FS is off the hash and favoring the middle,

assume that it will be a 3D. Also the QB must be aware of the weak side, if the Weakside Linebacker

(W) is in a stack (lined-up behind a defensive lineman or end) or walk (off the LOS outside the end)

position, it denotes a soft corner, with W responsible for the weak flat. If the end (E) is up on the LOS

or in a three (3) point stance, assume he will rush. If you are throwing to the strong side upon the snap

you can determine whether E is coming or has curl or flat.

- Strengths

1. Safe always three deep2. strong side force against the run3. SS can get under an out and may be able to get under a stop or flat depending upon the wide

receiver splits

4. can cover eight zones with a three man rush


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5. can still bring four with strong side contain and have seven in coverage- Weaknesses

1. Versus eight in coverage the defense can only rush three with five or more to block them2. four defenders underneath to cover the six zones large curl and horizontal seams3. no leverage on wide receivers; i.e., cannot bump or push inside4. possibly late to cover stop and flat, both weak and strong5. cannot cover a strong side flood route (three or four receivers in the pattern) without E, then it

is a three man rush

6. weak flat7. weakside force

- How to attack it:

1. Stretch vertically and horizontally2. plenty of pass protection3. throw in the alley created by sending three on two in the perimeter (flood type routes)4. weakside curl & flat5. sprint away from SS

Three Deep Rotate (Cloud)

The goal of this coverage is to take away the short passing game or protect against the wide side of the

field when the offensive formation is strong into the boundary (short side). The PSR is based on the

alignment of the SS and the C. The SS must be deeper than normal in order to cover the deep middle or

deep outside (is aligned deeper than the adjacent C), the read is a rotate by SS; i.e., SS is covering the

deep middle or outside. Also, in this coverage the C to the side of the rotation will be tight (up close) on

the wide receiver as they have the flat. The secondary can disguise this by having both Cs up and on the

snap the away (from the rotation) C back peddles to deep third [1/3] quickly (bails). However, we can

determine the side of the rotation by the position of the Outside Linebacker (OLB). The OLB, whether

W or S away from the rotation must be stacked or walked off as they have flat away from the rotation.

You can confirm the 3D by the alignment of the FS. If the FS is off the hash and favoring the middle,

assume 3D.

- Strengths

1. Safe always three deep


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2. force (to the rotation) against the run3. leverage by the C (shut down weak flat or out)4. can cover eight zones with a three man rush5. can still bring four with force and contain to the rotation, and have seven (7) in coverage6. easy to disguise

- Weaknesses

1. Versus eight in coverage the defense can only rush three with five or more to block them2. only four defenders underneath to cover the six zones large curl seams3. cushion on the wide receiver away from the rotation4. OLB is alone in the flat away from the rotation5. cannot cover a flood route (three or four [3 or 4] receivers in the pattern) force and contain

away from rotation

- How to attack it

1. Flood routes throw in the alley created by sending three on two in the perimeter (flood typeroutes)

2. plenty of pass protection3. quick passes away from the rotation4. run away from rotation5. get TE involved

Two Deep Five Under (Cover 2)


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The PSR is based on the depth of the Cs and safeties. The Cs will usually be outside of the wide receivers

and the safeties will be near the hash marks, aligned deeper than the corners. If the ball is on the hash,

look to the strong side defensive back for their alignment because the safety will naturally be on the

hash. If the end (E) drops to the curl, then all six (6) underneath zones are covered. When W hasoutside leverage on the second receiver, assume W has flat and rule out two (2) deep, five (5) under

coverage and is possibly 3D rotation or Quarter-Quarter, Half.

- Strengths

1. Strong versus run2. leverage on both wide receivers3. cover five (5) of the six (6) underneath zones4. four (4) man rush5. takes away the outs6. can hold up the TE7. weakside force and contain


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- Weaknesses

1. Safeties must cover half () the field; i.e., the three (3) deep zones are covered by two2. inside receiver down the middle3. LBs must cover curl4. strong side contain5. weak inside linebacker to curl6. wide splits can create lanes

- How to attack it

1. Use Spread Formations to horizontally stretch the safeties2. vertically stretch the flats to create lanes3. a natural hole twenty to twenty-five (20-25) yards along the sidelines4. weakside curl5. corner routes6. flood type routes

Cover 2 Man / Man under two-deep

This coverage is man-to-man with help over the top in the two (2) deep zones. This coverage allows the

defense to bracket or double two (2) receivers. The PSR is based on the alignment of the Cs on the wide

receivers. If the safeties give a 2D look (safeties near the hash marks, aligned deeper than the Cs) and

both Cs are up tighter or looking primarily at the receiver instead of the QB, then Man Under Coverage

(MUC) is confirmed. The Cs are the primary key, as they will usually be head up or shaded to the

outside of the wide receivers. Also, the undercover (LBs) will be head-up or at least in position to cover

their man. Motion will force the undercover to adjust or run with the receiver.

Strengths

1. Double or bracket two receivers2. four man rush3. every potential receiver is accounted for (covered)4. can bump because each defender has help over the top5. excellent versus zone type routes or screens


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Weaknesses

1. Poor run support2. mismatch with the backs versus linebackers3. hard to disguise versus motion4. three (3) deep zones are not covered5. one on one underneath6. crossing routes7. bunch and snug type sets

- How to attack it

1. Back routes on the linebackers2. create mismatches with the TE running option (read) routes3. stay shallow with routes, catch the ball short and run long4. crossing routes (mesh) with the wide receivers5. TE in the alley or fades to the wide receivers6. running plays7. use motion

Cover 1 man / Man-to-man with a free safety.


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This coverage is man-to-man with a FS to help over the top. The PSR is based on the alignment of the Cs

and linebackers on the receivers. The Cs will be head up or in an outside alignment because they have

help from the FS. This allows the Cs to take away the outs. Also, if the SS aligns head up on his eligiblereceiver at a tight to normal depth (four to six [4-6] yards) and the FS is deeper than normal (twelve to

fifteen [12-15] yards), this will confirm the Man with a Free (MwF) coverage. The linebackers will have

the backs man-to-man. The QB should anticipate pressure from a five (5) man rush, with the possibility

of the defense bringing seven (7). The QB must identify whether a blitz is coming and throw the ball to

the defenders vacated spot (i.e., hot read) or add protection with an audible.

Strengths

1. Pressure from a five (5) man rush2. every potential receiver is accounted for (covered)3. defenders have help to the post excellent versus screens and delays4. Cs can play a tight man as they have help from the FS crowd the receivers on third and five or

longer

5. excellent versus zone routes


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6. can take away the outs with an outside technique by the Cs7. speed on speed good blitz coverage

- Weaknesses

1. Poor run support2. mismatch with the backs versus linebackers3. hard to disguise versus motion4. three deep zones are not covered5. no under cover crossing routes6. bunch and snug type sets

- How to attack it

1. Back routes on the linebackers2. create mismatches with the TE running option (read) routes3. stay shallow with routes, catch the ball short and run long4. crossing routes (mesh) with the wide receivers5. TE in the alley or fades to the wide receivers6. running plays7. coverage away from FS by looking off

Cover 0 / Man-to-man blitz with no deep safety


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This coverage is a straight man-to-man with no safety help. The PSR is based on the alignment of the

safeties. Usually in Man coverage, the SS will play head up on the TE and the FS will play shallow on the

weak side. Typically, there is no safety in the middle of the field. We can confirm this coverage by the

inside leverage alignment by the Cs on the wide receivers. The Cs need this alignment as they have no

inside help. The QB should anticipate pressure from a blitz. The QB must identify whether a blitz is

coming and throw the ball to the defenders vacated spot or a crossing receiver; i.e., hot read. The QB

could audible to add pass protection.

- Strengths

1. Pressure (blitz capability) and penetration from a six to seven man rush2. big play potential3. clog up the running lanes inside4. force the offense to throw short

- Weaknesses

1. Poor run support


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2. mismatch with the backs versus linebackers3. hard to disguise versus motion4. three deep zones are not covered5. no under cover6. crossing routes7. no deep help8. gamble defense9. bunch and snug type sets

- How to attack it

1. Empty Formations all receivers are one-on-one (but free rusher)2. tough to cover slants nobody in the middle3. running plays force and secondary force weakened4. should have somebody open if QB has time

Quarter, Quarter, Half

The Quarter, Quarter, Half (QQH) coverage provides three (3) defenders deep, however it uses one (1)

defender to cover half () of the three (3) deep zones and two (2) defenders each covering a quarter

(). The underneath coverage can utilize four or five (4 or 5) defenders. This coverage employs a


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traditional weak side 2D with a squat corner and half coverage safety. The strong side can employ a

multitude of variations (invert and rolls). The most common is a bail technique by the strong side C

covering the deep quarter () with the strong side OLB covering curl to flat. The PSR is based on the

depth and alignment of the Cs and safeties. The weakside or side away from the quarters alignment will

look like a 2D with the C head-up or to the outside of the wide receiver and the safety near the hash

marks, aligned deeper than the C. The strong C can be aligned head-up and tight, but will bail (retreat)

so that they are off six to eight (6-8) yards at the snap. The SS will be even with the C at the snap, and

can also employ a bail technique.

- Strengths

1. Leverage on weak wide receiver, can use bump technique2. deep routes to strong side3. cover five (5) of the six (6) underneath zones4. four (4) man rush5. weakside force and contain6. easy to disguise7. can double (inside/outside) against a single receiver to the weak side

- Weaknesses

1. Weak safety must cover half the field2. flood routes to the strong side3. S must cover curl and flat4. strong side contain5. weak inside linebacker to curl6. wide splits can create lanes

- How to attack it

1. Horizontal stretch on the safety covering half2. vertically stretch the flats to create lanes3. strong side outs4. weakside curl


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5. cannot cover a flood route (three or four [3 or 4] receivers in the pattern)6. trips type formations & motion

Zone Blitz

The Zone Blitz is a defensive scheme used to confuse the offensive lines pass protection schemes, and

the QBs reads. A frontal rusher i.e. a linebacker or defensive lineman briefly engages the offensive

lineman, then retreats to his pass zone, if he reads pass. The blitzers go through their assigned gaps. The

droppers replace the blitzers in the pass zone. The coverage could be anything, but the most common

zone blitz is the fire zone, which involves three deep and three intermediate pattern reading

defenders.

- Strengths

1. Run lanes are covered2. pressure on the QB confuse protection schemes3. QB reads are changed4. easy to disguise


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5. can double (inside/outside) against outside receivers and cover underneath zone with defensivelinemen

- Weaknesses

1. Defensive linemen and other defenders in coverage who are not skilled/used to it limitedrange

2. crossing routes through the underneath coverage3. play action, if offense can protect

- How to attack it

1. Horizontal and vertical stretch on the pass zones2. TE versus defensive linemen3. screen passes4. play action, with patterns to the backs5. Maximum protection with deep combinations through the open areas

Cover 1 Robber

The Robber coverage is a defensive scheme used to confuse the QBs reads. It is designed to take awaythe middle pass zones, both the underneath and deep middle. It can be employed out of a four across or

two deep look. A QB reading through the middle of the field (goal post) will read man or rotation and

attempt to hit crossing routes or attack the deep middle which is where the robber is. The coverage

can also be used with man coverage allowing the robber helping out in the middle.

- Strengths


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1. Middle zones2. confuse QBs reads3. easy to disguise4. can double (inside/outside) against inside receivers5. can lock-on QBs eyes

- Weaknesses

1. Deep outside versus man2. outside breaking routes by inside receivers3. play action

- How to attack it

1. Outside on timing routes2. play action with deep routes3. crossing routes to the outside versus man4. QB must look robber off5. clear lane throws

Prevent

The Prevent is a defensive scheme designed to force the offense to use time to score. It protects against

the quick scores, while allowing the offense to pick up chuncks of yardages. The QB must be descipline

when facing the Prevent by taking the easy yardage. At the high school and collegiate level, attack the

middle of the prevent because the clock stops to move the chains for first downs. The defense linemen

will use outside rush techniques to keep the QB in the pocket. The QB must be patient throwing in the

underneath zones to recievers on the run.

- Strengths

1. Deep zones, four defenders deep2. can get under deep outs and curls3. can keep the QB in the pocket with an outside rush4. defensive backs can fly to the ball when it is thrown deep5. protect the boundary


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- Weaknesses

1. Inside run draws2. backs on delays to middle3. middle hook zones4. quick routes on time5. in the undercover seams

- How to attack it

1. Horizontally stretch the pass zones2. deep crossing routes3. underneath at twelve yards or less with stops, flats and outs on time4. empty sets5. draws6. backs on delays7. get the ball to speed underneath

Review

A critical component to a successful pass is that the quarterback recognize the coverage. Materials given

to a quarterback (DVD, flash cards)

1. Quick recognition of the secondary.2. The strengths and weaknesses of the coverage.3. Where to attack the coverage based upon the play called.

coverages & reads

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