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34
Defense
WE NEVER FLINCH !!!!
Table of Contents

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Topic

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Keys to Winning Defense

Becoming #1

Huddle, Pre-snap calls 7

Def. Gaps and Alignments
Glossary

9-25

Offensive Player Personnel 26

TC
Topic

Page(s)

52 fronts

75- 77

43 Cane series

78-83

Zone Blitz Series

84- 87

Zone Blitz Coverage

88

Zone Blitz Cover 33

89-93

Zone Blitz Cover 42 shell

94- 98
99-103

Defensive Personnel Package

27- 39

Additional ZB coverage

Defensive line technique

40-41

Ram/Slam/Mace

104

Ram Fire series

105-121

Slam Fire series

122-133

Mace Fire series

134- 144
145- 149

DE/OLB technique

42-45

Inside Linebacker technique

Fronts

47

46

34 Ram series

48-56

Mace shell series

34 Slam series

57- 65

43 zone blitz series

34 Mace series

66- 74

Additional Fronts

150- 172
173

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Ram stack

174-177

Slam stack

178-181

Topic

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Zone Coverage Principles

197
198

182

Under Coverage Zones

Playing Different Zones

183-185

Man to Man Techniques

Bear
44

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Goal line and Short yardage

201
186

199202-

205
Cover 2 (Blue)

206- 209

Base Backer

187

Disguise (Purple)

210

Base Smoke

188

Cover 3 (Red)

211- 219

Base Bear

189

Cover 4 (Silver)

220- 230

Shade/Shadow Go

190

Red Special (7 Diamond)

191

Cover 4 (Read 2)
231
Cover 6 (White) ( 1/4, , )

232-

233

Short Yardage

192

Road Block

193-194

Cover 8 variations
234- 241
Coverage adjustments v. trips 242-

Coverage

195

Danger Call

Secondary Shell

196

243
244

Coverage adj v. Double Slot

245
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Vicky Call

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Topic

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246
247-250

Adjustments vs Bunch
Check coverage

TC

251--252

Coverage check vs pro/slot 253

Combo R 24

254-255

Roll Check

256

Loaded Zones

257

Calls to take away scheme 261-263

Keys to a winning Defense

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Keys to a Winning Defense and Goals

Key

Goal

1. Force Turnovers

1. Take the ball away 3 times per

game

2. Win on 1st downs- take offense off

of schedule and force 2nd long and 3rd
long situations.
3. Get off the field on 3rd and 4th
downs

2. Hold opponents to less than 3

yards on 1st down per average.

4. Eliminate Big plays - +10 yards per

run play
+ 25 yards per pass
5. play
Stop the Run!!!!!

4. Allow no big plays

6. Create Maximum Pressure on the

QB
7. Win Sudden Change situations

6. Sack 1 out of 6 attempts

3. Hold opponent to a less then 30%

average on 3rd and 4th downs.

5. No 100 yard rushers- less than 3.5

yards per carry average

7. 80% 3 and out after sudden

Change

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Characteristics of a Winning Defense

1. Trust- you need to trust that your teammates will do their jobs, so that
you can focus on yours.
2. Aggressiveness- you need to swarm to the ball as a defense
3. Leverage- Each member of the defense must be aggressive while
keeping proper leverage to the ball- the goal here is to Trap the ball.
4.

Communication-

great defenses talk to each other

5.

Tackling- We must be excellent tacklers as individuals and

a great gang tackling defense
6.

Effort- total effort, every time, absolutely zero expectations or excuses

7. Confidence- We will be the best defense in the district- start knowing it

and playing like it- TODAY

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Huddle and Pre snap calls

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ont (if needed) Blitz/stunt + Tag + Coverage

Huddle
Note: we can go no huddlewristband calls

W
C
H

F
$
R
E

Call: front

S
C
S
E

N
W

Will Linebacker- calls down and distance

$
$

Mike- gets the signal and relays the call

After huddle breaks Mike calls the strength

Sam echoes strength
A designated safety will
make all coverage adjustments
LBs- call out # of backs, DB
If no coverage adjustment needed safety calls play it
F$- call out # of Receivers to each side
Corners and OLBs call out exotic formations- Bunch, unbal. Etc.
Strength call- give a Rip call strong Right or a Liz call strong left
1. Single TE- Strength is to the TE- if he trades- strength call changes- we will not follow- S/H are the
same position and OLB need to know both responsibilities. M/W can switch. Note: We can trade
the S/H- but this will be game plan specific
2. 2 TE sets- Strength is determined one of two ways: A. Vs a balanced set- Strength is to the Field or
to our left
B. Vs. Multiple Rec. sets- we go to the rec. strength
3. 0 TE sets- Strength is determined one of two ways: A. Vs a balanced setStrength is to the Field or to our left
B. Vs. Multiple Rec. sets- we go to the rec.
strength

y a TE trade will switch a strength call- motion DOES NOT change the strength
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Defensive Gaps and Alignments

AlleyContain D

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D Contain Alley

2nd Contain

2nd Contain

9 6 7

5 4 4i 3 2 2i 1 0

1 2i 2 3

4i 4 5 7 6 9

Linebacker alignments will correspond to the front alignments, but add a 0 to

the number, Example: 30 is the outside eye of the Guard.

t- Your inside foot on the outside foot of the TE off the heels of the DE

Ghost- Alignment taken off of the imaginary TE

Off- A 3 x 3 position taken from the TE or Ghost TE

Walk- An alignment taken by splitting the difference between the #2 WR and the
Offensive Tackle. In 44 outside foot on inside foot of number 2.
Tight 1 x 1 off of TE

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Adjust technique- Technique by DL in which he reads the edge player- if edge player takes an inside path- the adjust player
takes and outside path, if the edge player works outside, the adjust player stays inside
Adjuster- Usually the strong safety will adjust all coverage or positioning
Alignment- positioning- horizontal in toward the ball, out toward sideline, up closer to los, back away from LOS
All- tag that denote that he DEs (hawk in four man front) will be also be involved in the stunt.
Alley- area between off tackle and the force player
Angle- DL technique- see DL section
Arson- denotes A gaps fires can be tagged in essentially any call (also mike, will, strong, weak, field, boundary, open, closed,
left, right, or a specific player)
Attack- see DL technique sections
B
Back End- refers to secondary
Backer Personnel- Linebacker in for DB (see defense personnel section)
Banjo- Combo coverage between DB and LB
Barrel- denotes B gap fires- can be an additional tag also see Arson fire for other tags
Base Personnel- 34 personnel- 3 DL, 4 LB, 4 DB
Baseball turn- 225 degree pivot
B.C.R- bootleg, counter, reverse
Bear- Defensive front
Bite his ear- coaching point to teach man to man players proper head placement on under patterns

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Bite his ear- coaching point to teach man to man players proper head placement on under patterns
Black- color code for man free coverage or cover 1
Blitz- term used to describe a pre-determined attack on a specific gap by a LB or DB.
Blitz-Peel- When a blitzing player is responsible for any Back out to his side. (usually an edge player)
Blue- color code for cover 2
BO- Back Out
Bopper- RT align in weak B gap
Boundary- referring to the short field when the ball is on the hash
Box- adjustment out of Silver coverage vs a tight bunch formation
Boxer- Zone blitz tag that puts a DL or Nose in the middle hook zone alert for #3
Bracket Coverage- combo coverage vs any cluster formation
Bronco- Backer is primary force
Bubble- (3 meanings) 1. specific technique of DE (see DE section) 2. natural holes of a defense created by Def. front, 3. quick
outside- in screen
Bullets- b gap blitzes
Bump (2 meanings)- 1. technique used by DB- to be physical with rec. 2. bumping man to man or Zone responsibilities
out, usually happens in during motion
Bump and run- DB technique to be physical with rec.
Bunch- referring to 3 receiver cluster formations
Buzz- call to OLB to get to the flat immediately

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Cage- call given to DE telling him to disregard huddle call and that he now has contain/force
Cane- code for 43 front.
Cannon- C gap blitzes
Cat- corner blitz
Check- said when you have a question
Check Coverage- coverage determine by offensive formation- when can have total check coverage , a two number check
coverage example- cover 36, the first number refers to cover vs. pro formation second number refers to coverage vs a slot
formation. For this purpose pro formation is any formation where the Y and Z line up on the same side, slot formation is
any formation where the Y and Z align on opposite sides.
Chimp Stance- DE technique see section
China- alert for an inside pattern from an outside receiver
Choke- Call made to trips side corner telling him he has man to man on the number 1 rec. in trips.
Choice- choice stunts to/from a predetermined check. Example: Boston Choice- we will Blitz from the backs side
Closed- When there is only 1 receiver and he is a TE
Cloud- corner is primary force
Cloudy/Clear- concept of filling your gap if it is open (clear) and tightly scraping over the top to the next available gap if original gap is
closed (cloudy)
Cluster Formations- any offensive formation where 2 or more receivers are aligned close to together- alert for rub/pick patterns
Combo- any cover 2 on 1 coverage where two defenders are covering one player. (Defender covers player if he releases to their side, if he
releases away defender can blitz, cover, mirror, etc.
Contain- Front player involved in PR that cannot allow anybody to get outside of the pocket
Control- man to man position where the defender can still touch the receivers hip.

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Corner-

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Corners over- technique in man to man or some zone where both corners are playing on the same side
Cougar- change in huddle call
Crack- offensive player blocking outside-in
Crash- DE tech. see section
Crazy- DE tech.- see section
Cross- DL tech. see section
Curl zone- zone area 12- 15 yards deep just outside the tackle box, also hash player

D
Dagger- See DE techniques
Danger- a cover 3 adjustment vs. a 3 x 1 set
DC- Draw Call to alert Ends and Linebackers of high probability of a Draw play
Deep as the deepest- coaching point used to teach the depth of the backside pursuit (behind the LOS) vs teams with
significant counter threats. Deep as the deepest put the defender in position to choke off the bootleg/keeper while allowing to
re-direct for counter or inside reverse.
Deliver- to deliver the receiver means to cover him man to man until he leaves your zone- example- in cover 2- the mike will
deliver the crossing receiver to the hash.
Deuce- (2 meanings)- 1. 2 deep man under 2. Refers to controlling the number 2 rec. in the Firezone
Dime- Player personnel in which 2 DB replace the outside LB and the outside Lbs replace the DE
Disguise- showing one coverage but playing another- holding the shell- We want to always show shell or disguise our coverage. How long
should you hold depends on coverage and opponent formations- rule of thumb you want to hold the disguise for as long as possible and
practical
Dog- outside D gap blitzes or off the edge

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us or Double Cover- 2 defenders on 1 receiver, high/low
Double

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Downhill- refers to LBs attack the LOS

Drop back- 3 step- quick, short, timed patterns, 5 step- medium, times patterns, 7 step deep patterns
E
Edge- as is set the edge- front defender responsible for force and contain
Edit- DE technique
Empty- no backs
Exit- DE covers #s in firezone
F
Face- DE technique
Falcon- OLB free/robbing the flats
Far Back- back opposite of LBs side
Fast read- read and pursue ball
Feather- widen out post snap
Fence Force- Pursuit last man in pursuit must guard against cutback
Field- denotes wide field
Fill- 2nd level defender occupies gap responsibilities
Fire- Blitzing off the edge involving both edge players
Fire zone- common zone blitz coverage- 3 under (numbers, middle, numbers) 3 deep 1/3s
Flash- Free safety occupies middle zone in firezone (see strike)
Flat- area of the field outside the curl zone, usually top of numbers to the sideline- 12-15 yards deep

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Flow (full, fast, split, counter)- backfield action- Fast flow- both backs outside to same side, Fullus
flow- Both backs to same side
Flood- any combination of multiple receivers in one zone

downhill, split flow- backs flow in different directions often from I, counter flow- both backs start in same direction , one then
counters back
Foot- positioning of an edge player- inside foot on outside foot of TE or T, off the heels of DT
Force (primary)- player responsible for forcing play back inside
Force (secondary)- player who works off of the primary force- make him right
Forty personnel- DE in for Hawk- 4 true Down lineman
Free- Safety on the roof
Frisco- in 43 scheme Frisco mean Safety will blitz and the invert linebacker to that side will control #2 and the numbers
Front- refers to DL/DE/LBs and sometimes strong safety, numbered 1 st number- DL, 2nd number- LB- ex. 44
FSU technique- Pure pass rush sprinters stance from DE
Funnel- cover 2- forcing receivers to the safeties- corners funnel in, OLB funnel out, Safety on the hash
G
Games- terms used to refer to any combination of DL stunts.
Gap- area between two OL

A gap- center/guard, B gap- guard/tackle, C gap- Tackle/End, D gap outside

Gap hand- as in keep your gap hand free- Free/Firm-

Gap foot- a player is gap footed when his outside leg in stacked behind the inside leg of the player just outside his gap. Example- an
outside LB with c gap responsibility is gap footed if his outside leg is stacked behind the DE.
Ghost- align on an imaginary TE
Goal line- Goal line personnel- DL in for DB- 5 DL + H, 2 LB, 3 DB
Goal line Green- see lock-on
Green- color code for straight man to man coverage- also know as cover 0

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us See DE technique section

Hammer-

Hard Technique- vs option- defender with pitchman responsibility will attack Pitchman immediately- intended to force the QB
to run the ball.
Hash- zone drop- aiming point inside edge of hash
Hawk- Weakside outside LB- often aligns as a De in a forty front
Head up- Nose to nose
Heavy Personnel- Option to replace Sam and Hawk with DEs this will make the 34 into a 52
High Middle- deep middle LB will to middle of goal post and will continue to get depth looking for Digs and Post routes, also
know as a Tampa 2
Hitman- refers to cutback player
Hole- refers to middle hook zone
Hook to curl- zone from middle of formation to 3 yards outside End
IHub cap- Linebacker responsible for #/H- when the #2 is in the backfield- align inside leg on outside leg of T or TE.
If you can make take it- concept that gives LBs freedom to fill gaps when the see openings
Im here- just like silver call- call made by safety to Primary force in cover 4 when there is no removed #2- this tells the
Primary force that the Safety will make you right
In- (2 meanings)- 1. Call from OLB, invert, or corner that moves DE from a 9 tech. to a 7 tech. 2. Call made by zone
players that tells inside players that an outside receiver is running a pattern inside or crossing
Inside- out leverage- cutback player works to stay on the inside shoulder of a ball carrier
Invert (2 meanings)- 1. Linebackers aligned in c gap ie. 43 or 53, 2. Reversed positioning of corners and safety- ie. Cover 6
invert
Island- call made to corners that tells them that they have man to man coverage with no safety help often a result of the 15
yard rule or aligned away from trips in a 3 by one set.

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Isolate- straight man to man- where they go you gorefers to a specific linebacker technique

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Joker- showing one a blitz then bailing out- see show

Jump to- showing on front than jumping to another
K
Keep it- call from safety or linebacker that says we will not adjust out of the call or the coverage- regardless of what the
offense does- normally associated with a blitz
Kill + new cover- a kill call tells the defense that we are killing the coverage and that they need to look at the coach for the
new cover signal- this happens fast and is pre determine based on specific coverage vs problem formations. For example, if
we are running cover 3 vs a double slot it may be game planned to kill the coverage.
L
Larry- call by safety to indicate direction that he will rock down in a loaded zone scheme- in this case left
L cut- Receiver cuts to the outside ie. Square out
Levels- 1st level- DL/DE, 2nd level- Lbs, Corners, 3rd level- Safeties
Liz- Strength call to the left (opposite Rip)
Loaded Zone- Coverage adjustment that vacates a specific low threat zone and loads a threatened zone- pre snap often
load to field vacate the boundary
Lock-on man to man technique in which the defender will always be between the QB and Rec. (aka GL green)
Lone Dove- denotes LB away from shifted secondary- responsible to carry any crosser or back out
Long Scoop- reading or angling across two gaps (see DL technique)
Long as possible and practical- whenever you are disguising, stemming, sugaring up you should hold your deception for as
long as possible and practical meaning disguise for as long as possible but not at the expense of being able to do your job.
Loose- normal shade technique would be inside eye on outside eye of OL- loose inside eye on outside shoulder of OL
Low Middle- middle hole spy

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Mable- man to man call

Mace- - 34 inside fires/stunts

Making him right- refers to secondary force player playing off of the primary force- if primary force goes inside- the
secondary force goes outside , primary- outside- secondary - inside
Man over- see DL technique
Middle hook- middle hole- control #3- aiming point middle of goal post
Mike- strongside inside linebacker
Monster- OLB or Strong safety who is designation to go to the strongside of the formation or receiver strength- For example 52
monster.
Motion- pre snap movement by offense- this will not impact strength
N
Near Back- for a linebacker it is the closest back
Near Guard- for a linebacker the guard to his side
Nickel- personnel grouping in which a DB replaces a LB and the OLB replace DE
No Cover zone- area from LOS to 7 yards deep that zone players will not defend
Nose- DT that covers the center in odd fronts and plays ST in even fronts
Notre Dame- DL technique that puts DTs in 4i
Numbers- Zone drop to the top of the numbers, normally a 2-1 pattern read

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Off- OLB alignment- 3 x 3 or 4 x2 off the EMLOS

Okie- ok or keep the stunt on
Omaha- pre snap check that resets front , stunt, and coverage back to the original huddle call
Open- refers to the side of the offense opposite of the TE
Outside-in leverage- to force the back inside
Over front- 4 1st level Defensive players- interior lineman shift to the strength, linebackers shift weak
Over- secondary call in cover 4 that changes the coverage to cover 6.
Own- when you own the man it is referring to man to man responsibilities.
Ozcar- checking to cover 2 vs a bunch formation
P
Packer- Nickel coverage associated with a four man front in which SAM replaces the DE and a 5 th DB assumes the OLB position.
Peel- see blitz peel
Penny- corner in for a safety
Peter- code for pinch
Pinch- DL technique, see section
Pitchman- a tag used when playing option teams. This tag means that we are switching the responsibilities between the
defender who normally has the
pitchman and the defender who normally has the quarterback
Play it- Call by safety that tells the secondary that we will stay with the original call
PR- Code for pass rush

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Nextpress man to man coverage- see section

Press- DB technique-

Pressure foot-floater foot- coaching point for stunts/blitzes, pressure should be on foot opposite of the direction that the
defender is going
Pro- refers to all offensive formations that the Y and Z are on the same side- specifically dealing with check coverage, first
number refers to coverage vs pro sets, second number deals with coverage vs slot sets. Example- cover 43 vs pro set cover
4, vs a slot set cover 3.
PSU technique- Technique used by primary force players to defend against a crack threat- see LB/DE section
Psycho- Dime package that used 1 true DL, 6 DB, 4 LBs
Purple- showing cover 3 but playing cover 2
Q
Quick/Quick side- refers to offenses that use a strong and quickside, quickside usually pulls/traps
R
Radar- refers to a pre snap technique in which the defenders are in a 2 point stance and not stationary.
Raider (robber)- free player(s) will pattern read and aggressively jump patterns when QBs long arm leave the football
Ralph- call by safety to indicate direction that he will rock down in a loaded zone scheme- in this case Right
Ram (read/angle/slant)- 34 stunt coming from the Rush side
Read- DL tech. see tech section
Read out- on certain blitzes the linebacker can read out meaning as he is reading on the run if the offense is clearly attacking
a gap that is opposite of the blitz and he would be wasting himself if he fires his gap he can read out note: this only applies
to specific blitzes and/or may be communicated by the coach.
Red- color code for all 3 deep
Reggie- read by weakside DT/DE
Remaining Back (ACE)- 1 back set in which the back aligns behind QB

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Removedus when a receiver is more than 5 yards from the T or TE

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Rip- strength call to the right

Robber- see raider
Run-Rob-Roll- Safety technique in Cover Silver vs a tight number 2
Rock- Safety controls the numbers to blitz side
Roll- 2 meanings- 1. In firezone- corner is the numbers player 2. roll coverage safeties and opposite corner to a specific sideessentially a rotation of the shell
Roof- top of secondary shell- often free
Rover- Player personnel (S in for LB) or referring to the $$- the Rover will make all secondary adjustments
Rush End/Tackle- The side of the Def. line that aligns away from the TE
Rush to cover- see Blitz-peel
S
Safety- DB- 3rd level defender or numbers player
Sam- Strongside outside linebacker
Sambo- Combo coverage between Corner and Safety
Same foot-same shoulder principle- coaching point used in teaching how to attack blocks
Scrap- Downhill inside out- tight to the light (scrap the skin)
Scrap exchange- vs zone read- DE- will read down the line (he becomes a C gap player), the Invert Linebacker will scrape
outside becoming D gap player.
SCIF- Seam/Curl/IN/Flat- refers to the patter progression for the Numbers player
Seal- Hash player technique to prevent an inside release/pattern from an outside receiver- shell cover

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See the Green- another term for Cloudy/Clear- fill the hole- if you can make it, take it.

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Shade- DL shades to the inside or outside of OL- not head up

Shale- OLB is the numbers player in firezone
Show- Linebackers will show their blitz and then back off
Show and Go- linebackers will show their blitz and go
Silver coverage- s
Silver call- Im here see DB section
Single- blitz in the bear front- Single followed by a position tells the Safety that he is taking the man for the blitzer. Example:
Single Mike- mike is blitzing, 0 cover and the Safety is taking the Mikes man
Sky- Safety is primary force
Slam 34 stunt /firecoming from the strongside
Slant- 2 meaning- 1. DL tech. see sections, 2. Wr- inside pattern (#2 on the tree)
Slide- sliding the under coverage responsibilities of the linebackers over to a specific side. (loaded zone concept)
Slot- receiver between the tackle and the #1 receiver
Slow Read- action away think cutback, counter, reverse, bootleg
Soft Tech.- defending the option through cat and mouse techn- used against inexperienced QBs, or when we want to slow the
option down.
Solid- tag used to tell the Hawk and Sam that they are attached to the front and will not be part of the pass coverageregardless of offensive formations.
Speed- Pass rush personnel that places the fasted DEs/DLs/LBs on the line.
Soldier- In a 43 sliding the Linebackers to the strength, see War for opposite
Spill- technique used by a force player- as know as wrong arming force player will attack kickout with the outside shoulder
and look to collapse the hole and making the ball carrier bounce it to the scrapping linebackers

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Spot-Ball-Speed- Coaching point on blitz- pre read your spot, key ball, get off!!!!

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Spy- when a second level defender is assigned to the QB

Spy-flow fire- second level defender who is not a force player will get depth and spy the QB- if the QB breaks the tackle box
he will fire to the flow of the actions.
Squat- Call from safety to corner in any read #2 scheme where there is a 10 yard square out route by #2- Corner must
squat on the square out and the safety will adopt the number 1 receiver after he is certain that the number corner has
squatted on #2
Squeeze- technique used by force player opposite of spill- he will attack the kickout blocker with his inside arm while
keeping all blockers and ball carriers inside- must stay square- step same foot-same shoulder
Stack- alignment of linebackers that puts them directly behind a DL
Stay- technique used by backside defender vs action away- he is think bootleg, counter, reverse
Stem- DL/DE originally show one technique and shift to another- pre snap
Strike- Strong Safety occupies middle zone in firezone
Stinger- DE technique- see DE technique sections
Strong- referring to strength of offensive formation- TE
Strong side of line- referring to Offenses that use a strong and quick side
Strong Backs- backfield formation shifted to the strength of the formation
Stunt- Defensive line movement example- angle, read, slant, pinch, etc.
Stud End/Tackle- DE and DT that align to the strength of the offensive formation
Sugar up- to initially deceive by alignment- blitzers can make it look like they are in coverage while coverage players can
show blitz
Swap- Combo coverage where the OLB, ILB combo cover the backs and TE.

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Tackle Box- area tackle to tackle- and from the LOS to 7 yards
Tackle read- technique by OLB they are looking for fire outs and high hats
Tampa- dropping ILB- into a deep 1/3 in cover 2 coverage.
Tanjo- Combo coverage between two inside LBs
Technique- term used to describe position of a front player related to the OL, or term used to describe a specific type of skill.
Tight- Alignment of OLB thats puts them at 2 x2 outside the TE or Tackle
Tim- code for tackles in
Tilt- DL technique- see section
Tom- code for Tackles out
Top him- stay on top him on outside patterns expect him to turn it up.
Trade- TE shifts from one side to the other- trades do change strength
Trail Technique- backside pursuit behind the LOS- no deeper than the deepest.
Trey- referring to middle hook and controlling number three in the zone, when there is a Trey call it is telling the DE who had
originally been responsible for the numbers that he now has the middle zone and to control #3. Often happens vs a removed
#2.
Triangle Read- guards and near back read
Trigger- re-rock the safeties
Trouble- tackle over
Tuff- code name for a 52
Two way go- PR option where the Pass rusher can choose what gap to attack

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Unbalance- unbalanced line- X/Y on same side call unbal

Under defense- In 4 down lineman fronts- the two interior lineman shifted away from strength, LBs shifted toward strength
Up technique- OLB/Invert plays in a 7 technique and off the heels of the DT
V
Vicky- code name and check against for 4 verticals (in cover 3)
Vice- Backside Corner and Backside LB bracket #1 away from trips
W
Waggle Read- DE reading FB- FB- to stinger, FB away- Trail technique no deeper than the deepest
Walk- when the OLB detaches himself from the front to cover rec. split the differences between #2 and the tackle.
Wall off- seal or prevent receiver from entering the middle of the under coverage.
War- In a 43 sliding the Linebackers to the weakside
Weak- referring to the weakside of the offense
Weak back- Back aligned away from the TE
Wham- 34 stunt/fire coming from weaksie
Wheel- 2 meanings- 1. offensive pattern similar to an out and up, 2. Call made vs a removed #2 in quarters coverage. This is
telling both the S and C to their zones and be alert for a wheel rou by number #2.
White- color code for cover 6 or
Will- Weakside inside LB in 34, 44, 52 and weakside outside lb in 43
Window - referring areas of the zone defenses that the QB has clear vision. To get into the window means to disrupt QB vision
by hanging in those areas.

24

Wolf- ILB controls #2/numbers player in the firezone.

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us

Glossary

TC

X- referring to the split end

XC- cross country- wheel route from the backfield
Y
Y- referring to the TE
Z
Z- referring to the slot rec. or a flanker on the same side as Y

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Personnel
groupings

Offensive Player Personnel

Number of
Backs

Number of
TEs

TC

Number of
WRs

Code
Word

21

Regular

11

Bandit

10

Quads

22

Heavy

12

Ace

Empty

32

Full house

20

Open

When communicating Player Personnel coaches and players can just relay the
number of backs and TEs
Example- 3rd and short- 21 personnel
26

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Bas
e
3
DL
4
LB
4
DB

Defensive Personnel Packages

Next
Fronts:

All

TC

Note: We will be in the 34 front

about 50% of the time, but we will
be in 34 personnel about 90% of
the time

In 4 man fronts the Hawk will

play the RE

Odd look
E

Even look
E

H
W

C
$

N
M

E
C

S
$

27

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Penny
3
DL
4
LB
4
DB

Defensive Personnel Packages

Next
Fronts:

All

TC

Note: We will replace one safety

for a corner
Good for man to man defenses and
when locking down a player

In 4 man fronts the Hawk will

play the RE

Odd look
P

Even look
E

H
C

N
M

E
S

P
C

28

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Rover
3
DL
3
LB
5
DB

Defensive Personnel Packages

Next

Fronts: All - good for Bear

and man to man coverage

TC

Note: Additional DB in for Willgood for man to man defenses

against one back

In 4 man fronts the Hawk will

play the RE

Can subs. Additional DB in for

Hawk

Odd look

$
C

Even look
H
C

E
M

W
F$

$$

4-2
5

29

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40
4
DL
3
LB
4
DB

Next

Defensive Personnel Packages

Fronts: 4 man fronts, 44/43,

under, and tuff

TC

Note: We will use this package if

we dont have a Hawk that can
serve as an effective DE.

Additional DL replaces H
We will never run 40 personnel
with 34 front

Even look
T

E
W

C
$

N
M

E
C

S
$

30

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Nickel
3
DL
3
LB
5
DB

Defensive Personnel Packages

Next

TC

Note: We wont run heavy fronts

with nickel personnel

Fronts: Field fronts

We can run anything out of our
nickel package

We will send the Hawk to play DE

and replace with Nickel or replace
Sam with Nickel

Odd look

Even look
H

E
W

C
$

E
N

31

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Packe
r
2
DL
4
LB
5
DB

Defensive Personnel Packages

Next

TC

Note: We wont run heavy fronts

with Packer personnel

Fronts: Field fronts mostly 40

fronts
We can run anything out of our
Packer package

5th DB will replace DL

Odd look
H

Even look
H
C

S
N

M
$

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Dime
3
DL
2
LB
6
DB

Defensive Personnel Packages

Next

TC

Note: We wont run heavy fronts

with Dime personnel

Fronts: Field fronts mostly 30

fronts and with inside blitzes
We can run anything out of our
Dime package

5th and 6th DBs will replace LBs

Odd look

E
N

N
W

C
$

E
D

33

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Defensive Personnel Packages

Next

Psych
o
1 DL or 0
DL
4 LB
6 DB

TC

Note: We wont run heavy fronts

with Psycho personnel

Fronts: We can run all field

fronts and coverage out of
psycho personnel

5th and 6th DB will replace DLs

Odd look
H

LB

Even look
H
C

E
W

S
D

34

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Psych
o
1
DL
4
LB
6
DB

Defensive Personnel Packages

Next

TC

Note: We would run the Radar

look in 3rd long situations

Fronts: We can field fronts

out of psycho personnel

Every player will get to their gap

responsibility post snap

radar look
E

H
C

N
$

M
W

S
$

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Speed
3
DL
4
LB
4
DB

Defensive Personnel Packages

Next

TC

Note: All DL are replaced with

best PR DEs or LBs

Fronts: We can field fronts

out of Speed personnel

Odd look
E

Even look
H
C

E
M

E
S

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Backe
r
3
DL
5
LB
3
DB

Defensive Personnel Packages

Next

TC

Note: LB (B) in for DB

Fronts: We can run field

fronts out of backer
personnel- mostly cover 3
Backer front and stack fronts

Odd look
H
C

S
C

Even look
H
C

E
S

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Heavy
5
DL
2
LB
4
DB

Defensive Personnel Packages

Next
Fronts:
backer,

Note: DT in For S/H- this is if we

dont have a S/H that can play the
DE position

Short yardage, Tuff,

We wont run even fronts

Odd look
E

N
W

E
C

M
S

Note: DT in for safety

Short
yarda
ge
5
DL
3
LB
3
DB

TC

H/E
C

T
W

N
M

E
S

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Goal
line
6
DL
2
LB
3
DB

Defensive Personnel Packages

Next

TC

Note: We will run this on the 1

inch line

Fronts: Goaline, Guts, 7

diamond

Goaline look
E

T
W

E
C

M
$

Goaline
look
w/ short
yardage PP

Short
yarda
ge
H
C

T
W

E
M

S
C

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Defensive Line Techniques

TC

The Main objective of the defensive line is to destroy the opponents offensive blocking schemes. This can be accomplished
by executing perfect technique at full speed to a depth of 1 yard into the offensive backfield. Consider yourself a missile being
launched into the offense, destroying everything in your path.
Attack
(tip of the football)
Key the offensive linemans movement. Drive shoulder and forearm under the chin of the offensive lineman, driving him 1 yard
into the backfield then separate with hands, keeping the outside arm free.

Angle (1 foot from the ball)

Key the movement of the ball, 45 degree step to the heel of next offensive lineman, second step is directly up field. Penetrate with
shoulders square to the LOS. Rip inside forearm under the blocker and penetrate to 1 yard depth. Maintain your gap control by
fighting pressure.
Slant (1 foot from the ball)
Key the movement of the ball, drive block the next blocker play side through the V of his neck. Destroy the blocking scheme!
Man Over (1 foot from the ball)
Key the movement of the ball, take a lateral step play side parallel to the LOS. Then square up on the next lineman and attack.

Gap (tip of the football)

Line up in the gap and go on the movement of the ball. Rip both forearms under the offensive linemans pads and penetrate 1
yard deep into the backfield and then fight pressure.
Pinch (tip of the ball)
On movement of the ball, sprint and drive your body directly toward the heels of the QB. Continue on this course destroying
everything in your path. This is the only technique where your shoulders will not be square to the LOS.
Pass Rush or GO (tip of the football)
On movement of the ball, execute a pass rush move (bull-rush, swim, rip, push-pull, speed rip). Use an appropriate set up move
40
for your style of pass rush and keep your feet moving towards the QB. Take and up field penetrating charge. Sprinters stance

Previo
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Defensive Line Techniques (Cont.).

TC

Read (1 foot from football)

Key the Movement of the ball. Align head up and take a six inch power step with your near foot aiming for the next offensive
linemans far hip. Deliver a blow and get separation.
a. Down or Reach Away block- take the first near gap that shows. Usually directly off the OLs butt.
b. On or Turn out block- fight across and play inside gap
c. Reach to block- fight across and play inside gap
Cross (1 foot from football) (Going from a 3 tech. to a 1 tech.)
Key the movement of the ball. Align in a Shade technique, then take a six inch power step with your inside foot to the offensive
linemans inside foot, while ripping your outside arm and delivering a blow to the offensive linemans inside breast plate. Get
separation and extension, control the gap.
Tilt- Normally the nose tackle but can apply to any DT- Align in a shaded position and tilt toward the ball. This is meant to force
Double teams and to develop a quick first step. This technique will be communicated as a tag after the call.
Example: 30 slant Tilt.

41

Previo
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usContain Technique:

Techniques for Defensive End/OLB Play

TC

Stance: 2 point with your inside foot up and shoulders square

Key: Movement outside shoulder of TE.
Foot vs. a TE- inside foot on the outside shoulder/foot of the end to 2 feet outside the end.
Do not get hooked no one gets outside you. Use your hands to keep people
off you.
TE/Wing- outside shoulder of Wing up to 5 yards than. Wing or slot wider than 5 yards- PSU tech. Or contain PR.
Key movement of Wing.
Reactions to situations:
QB Sprint- penetrate to the QB and contain him. Attack through the outside
shoulder of blocker (contain pass rush). Keep your shoulders parallel to the LOS.
Outside play- limit and contain the play. Let no blocker or ball carrier get outside of you; give ground grudgingly using your
hands; dont penetrate more that 1 yard unless the ball carrier gets in a vertical line with you, then go get him.
Off Tackle- if the TE gap blocks, key the near back and guard. If you recognize a kick out block, squeeze and attack the block
with inside shoulder forearm (meet power with power) while keeping contain.
Drop Back- contain rush through the outside shoulder of the blocker (keep the QB inside). You must spin back inside when
you move to a point 1 yard deeper than the QB. Note: OLB may have coverage responsibility
Play Away From You- pause and read, check for counter or reverse then move with an angle of pursuit to make game saving
tackle.
Option- hard or soft technique
Hard Technique- attack pitch man now
Soft technique- cat and mouse down LOS on inside shoulder of pitchman, keep
that relationship down the field
**ALERT** Calls by ends to each other, 2 = pitchman, 1 = QB
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Next

Waggle Read- key near back. If near back goes away- backside pursuit behind LOS, no deeper than deepest back. Vs waggle tostinger, vs inside trey buck- react. Near to- contain technique.
Wing- line up on the wings outside shoulder up to 5 yards. Have your inside foot up and key him for movement. Dont penetrate
more than 1 yard before reading and reacting as with the TE.
Flanker- A wing that moves out over 5 yards or more is considered a flanker. In this situation you will use a contain fire technique. If
the flanker is a threat to crack, you can use a Penn State technique.
Slot- contain fire between the tackle and slot (or Penn State). If you cant do either, move out on the slot and play him like a wing.
Split End- Stay head up with end up to 5 yards out and attack him like a wing. If he moves out past 5 yards then move in and
contain fire or Penn State technique (1 yard outside tackle).
Inside Technique (end without contain responsibility)
Stance: Chimp or 3/4 point
Key: Movement of TE if 3/4 point stance; movement of TE or OT if chimp
TE- align in a 7 technique. On TE movement, bubble the TE by drive blocking him to 1 yard deep through the V of the
neck
and separate. Your primary responsibility is C-gap, but you must support outside. Fight pressure, but do not spin out until
ball
has passed you to the outside. If TE arc releases outside whip your head inside and key the near back to the guard.
Maintain
your area where you lined up originally, when you read power sweep, sprint out or drop back, go with reckless abandon! If
the
play goes away from you take a shallow angle of pursuit for the cutback. Keep the TE off our LBs.
Spilt End- play on his inside eye up to 5 yards then move to 5 technique and hammer to the hand of F.
Slot- play on the inside eye of the slot back up to 5 yards, then play the same as a split end.
Wing or Flanker- play inside technique on the TE

43

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TC

Next

Stunt Techniques
Stance: 2 or 3 Point
Key: Ball Movement
Crash- (Only on inside technique) Align in a 7 technique. On ball movement, sprint to the heels of the QB in his stance. Do
not look for the ball, but sell out to the point blowing up anything in your path.
Hammer- If in contain, align 1 foot outside TE/Wing. If inside technique, align in a 7 technique. On the movement of the ball
sprint full speed with pads low to the hand of the FB blowing up anything in your path.
Stinger- If in contain align 1 foot outside TE/Wing. On the movement of the ball, sprint to a point 3 yards deep (straight up
field).
Face- If in contain, align 1 foot outside TE/Wing or head up, depending on the stunt. On movement of the ball, DO NOT
move
from original position. Key backfield action and cover the 1 st back out. In passing situations be alert for the draw. If the QB
passes the RB, and no RB release to your side, get into the pass rush. If C gap responsibility 6 technique vs TE.
Dagger- If in contain, align 1 foot outside TE/Wing. If inside technique, align in a 7 technique. On the movement of the ball
sprint full speed with pads low to the heels of the FB blowing up anything in your path
Edit- align with your inside foot back and in a three point stance. On snap- fire up field for two steps. On second step plant
(break the glass) with your outside foot and rip under lineman.
Crazy- Ends widen, they have no contain or gap responsibility their job is to sack the QB- 2 way go
FSU- - ends widen to a wide 5 or a wide 9- 3 point sprinter stance- contain PR

44

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Next

Contain Fire and Penn State Technique

Stance: 2 Point
Key: Ball Movement
When you line up according to your rules feel that there is still a crack threat, you may use a Penn State technique or contain
fire.
Penn State- turn your back to the crack threat and key the ball. Cross the LOS to 1 yard deep while keeping your back to the
crack threat. Then square up and play contain.
Contain Fire- fire through the outside shoulder of the blocker, keeping the outside
arm free to the depth of the QB . This technique can be used when you feel that
you can beat the crack threat and execute your responsibility.

Option Responsibilities for the Defensive Ends

For Contain End with Pitch-man responsibility
Hard Technique- as soon as you read option get to the pitch man or his lead blocker; if he comes to your side knock him down. If the
option doesnt develop then you have normal contain responsibilities.
Soft technique- as soon as you read option, flatten out along the L.O.S. and stay on the inside shoulder of the pitch man or his lead
blocker. Keep this relationship down the field.
For Defensive End with QB Responsibility
Hard Technique- when you read option, get to the QB as soon as you can, tackle him high in such a way that he cannot pitch the
ball.
Soft technique- when you read option, flatten out along the L.O.S. with your shoulders square mirroring the QB

45

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Next

Outside Linebacker Alignments

3 deep Coverage on the Perimeter
0 position
vs. TE or TE wing with zero receivers outside- Cock in to Ball get a tackle
read, 4.5 yards from LOS and 1 to 3 yards wide depending on field position,
down and distance, and game plan.
1 position
Vs. 1 receiver flanked out (i.e. Pro or Flank)- inside foot up, shoulders parallel
to the LOS, 4.5 yards from LOS, split the difference between #1 and tackle,
rule of thumb- tight enough to help with run, wide enough to get in skinny
post window.
2 position
Vs. 2 receivers (i.e. slot) inside foot up, shoulders parallel to LOS, 4.5 yards
from LOS, gap foot the inside foot of the #2.
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Outside Linebacker Alignments

Other Alignment terms

our inside foot on the outside foot of the TE off the heels of the DE

st- Alignment taken off of the imaginary TE

A 3 x 3 position taken from the TE or Ghost TE

ignment taken by splitting the difference between the #2 WR and the Offensive Tackle.

Alignment in 2 deep defenses

Vs. a removed #2
Split the difference between the # 2 and the Tackle.
When playing Invert in a 43, 53, or 33
Gap foot the TE or Ghost TE
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Linebacker Techniques

TC

Blitzing Techniques:
1. Balanced Stance with a slight stagger: Pressure Foot- Floater Foot meaning put pressure on the
foot opposite of the direction that you are going. Avoid false steps and under stepping.
2. Great ball get-off: Anticipate snap count- key ball- go on ball movement. (spot ball speed)
3. Blitz Where your gap is- not where it was.
4. Out Athlete lineman- out physical backs
5. Low man wins- Low, Quick, hard- grabbing grass
6. Anticipate the ball being in your gap- dont be surprised! Ball away- take a great pursuit
angle down the line
Vs Run- always know your game responsibility and keep proper leverage
7. Know your gap responsibility- Ball to and ball away- know your blocking threats. Runs to=
free/firm principles, - same shoulder-same foot- gap hand free
8. Vs lineman- hit and shed with hands- vs backs ISO- chest to chest/shoulder to shoulder- fill
behind the line- dont catch, same foot/same shoulder
9. Vs pulls away- call out pull
10. Vs run away and outside runs- keep proper leverage- if cut back or inside-out player- expect
cutback- fill the green
48
You should be thinking, Please cutback, Please cutback- Think Cloudy/clear- if the game is

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Fronts

TC

30- 50 with pressure coming from weak side

34- 54 with pressure coming from strong
side
32- 52 with pressure coming from middle
Choice- any call with pressure coming from
choice side
Buck choice
Buck choice 3 invert (middle)

43
44
As
a general
Ram
stackNote- it is important that we dont allow the offense to become too comfortable with what
we are doing. Therefore OLB can always sugar up- meaning they can and should show one thing and
Slam
stack
then get
into their correct positions- prior to the snap.- When not in our base defense the DL should
show a head position and then stem to their shades prior to snap.
Also we will call certain games
Games- DL stemming
Show and Go- showing the blitz and going
Show (joker)- showing one blitz but running another
Jump to- starting in one front and shifting to another- pre-snap
Radar- All front players are in a 2 point stance and are moving to disguise gap responsibility- this
49can
include entire front or only certain players.

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Ram
Series

TC

34 Rush side (offensive weakside) Pressure

Coverage:
Silver (cover 4)
Red (3 weak)
Cloud (cover 2)
3 strong
Black
Green

Option Responsibility- Contain (DE) = QB, M/W- dive to QB, S/H50

pitchman

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Ram

Next

Coverage:
Silver (cover 4)
3 weak
Cloud (cover 2)
3 strong

POS. Align. And tech

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N
W
E
H

Foot
4 tech., Angle
30
0 tech., Angle
30 tech.
4 tech., slant
Ghost, Slant

W
Key

TC

TE/
triangl
e
OT or
ball

D gap

OG/
Triangl
e
C/Ball

B gap

Leverage

A gap
strong

OG/
Triangl
e
OT/Bal
l
OT/Bal
l

C gap

Adjustments:
2 TEs
Foot

Walk

4 tech.

4 tech.

Coverage

30

00 tech. 2
gap

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

0 tech.

0 tech.

A gap

Leverage

Coverage

30

Walk

B gap

B gap, cross
face
Trail,
alert
boot

Pass Rush

4 tech.

4 tech.

Pass Rush

Foot

Walk

C gap

Stay silver Coverage

Cutbck- 3
deep
Contain
Trail

4 WRs

51

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Ram Tug

Next

Coverage:
Silver (cover 4)
3 weak, Blue (2)

H- Vs Te and 2
backs aiming
point- OT
shoulder, vs. 1
POS.
Align. And tech
back TE

TC

E Read Tech. N
Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N

Foot
4 tech., Angle
30
0 tech., Slant

W
E 4 tech., read tech
H Ghost, Slant
Loose 30 tech.

W
Key

TE/
triangl
e
OT or
ball

D gap

OG/
Triangl
e
C/Ball

B gap

Leverage

A gap
strong

OG/
Triangl
e
OT/Bal
l
OT/Bal
l

Adjustments:
2 TEs
Foot

Walk

4 tech.

4 tech.

Coverage

30

00 tech. 2
gap

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

0 tech.

0 tech.

A to B

Slow
read

Coverage

Loose 30

Walk

B to A

Run
down

Pass Rush

4 tech.

4 tech.

C gap

Trail,
alert
boot

Pass Rush

Foot

Walk

C gap

Stay silver Coverage

Cutbck- 3
deep
Contain
Trail

4 WRs

52

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Ram Read

Next

Coverage:
Silver (cover 4)
3 weak
Blue (cover 2)

Read Tech.

POS. Align. And tech

TC

E Read Tech. N
Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N

Foot
4 tech., Angle
30
0 tech., Slant

W
E 4 tech., read tech
H Ghost, Read
Loose 30 tech.

Key

TE/
triangl
e
OT or
ball

D gap

OG/
Triangl
e
Ball

B gap

Leverage

A gap
strong

OG/
Triangl
e
OT/Bal
l
OT/Bal
l

Adjustments:
2 TEs
Foot

Walk

4 tech.

4 tech.

Coverage

30

00 tech. 2
gap

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

0 tech.

0 tech.

A to C

Slow
read

Coverage

Loose 30

Walk

B to A

Run
down

Pass Rush

4 tech.

4 tech.

C to B
gap

Run
down

Pass Rush

Foot

Walk- no
read 53
Check Tug

C gap

Stay silver Coverage

Cutbck- 3
deep
Contain
Trail

4 WRs

Previo
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Ram Bull

Next

Coverage:
Silver (cover 4)
3 weak, Blue (2)
RE- cover 4
squeeze vs.
kickout, spill in 3
wk

E
H

POS. Align. And tech

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N

Foot
4 tech., Angle
30
0 tech., Angle

W
E 4 tech., angle out
get
H Ghost,
depth and
30 tech.

sugar up- Buck

W
Key

TC

TE/
triangl
e
OT or
ball

D gap

OG/
Triangl
e
C/Ball

B gap

Leverage

A gap
strong

OG/
Triangl
e
OT/Bal
l
OG/Ba
ll

Adjustments:
2 TEs
Foot

Walk

4 tech.

4 tech.

Coverage

30

00 tech. 2
gap

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

0 tech.

0 tech.

Leverage

Coverage

30

Walk

C gap

C gaptrail

Contain

4 tech.

4 tech.

B gap

B gap ,
cross
face

Pass Rush

Foot

Walk

C gap

Stay silver Coverage

Cutbck- 3
deep
Contain
Trail

4 WRs

54

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Ram Shade

Next

Coverage:
Silver (cover 4)
3 weak
Blue (cover 2)

Notes:

Key

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N
W
E
H

TE/
triangl
e
OT or
ball

D gap

OG/
Triangl
e
shade 1 tech., AttackC/Ball

B gap

Leverage

A gap
strong

OG/
Triangl
e
OG/Ba
ll
OT/Bal
l

Foot
5 tech., Attack
30

30 tech.
3 tech., Attack
5 tech., gap
step

Vs 1 back N
in a 2i

W
POS. Align. And tech

TC

Adjustments:
2 TEs
Foot

Walk

5 tech.

5 tech.

Coverage

30

00 tech. 2
gap

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

2i tech.

2i tech.

Leverage

Coverage

30

Walk

B gap

B gapre-direct

PR

3 tech.

3 tech.

C gap

Trail

contain

7 tech.

5 tech.

C gap

Stay silver Coverage

Cutbck- 3
deep
Contain
Trail

4 WRs

55

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Ram Shadow

Next

Coverage:
Silver (cover 4)
3 weak
Blue (cover 2)

Notes:

Key

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N
W
E
H

TE/
triangl
e
OT or
ball

D gap

OG/
Triangl
e
Shade 1 tech., Slant C/Ball

B gap

Leverage

A gap
strong

OG/
Triangl
e
Ball

OT/Bal
l

Foot
5 tech., Attack
30

30 tech.
3 tech., Rip
5 tech., Attack

Vs 1 back N
in a 2i

W
POS. Align. And tech

TC

Adjustments:
2 TEs
Foot

Walk

5 tech.

5 tech.

Coverage

30

00 tech. 2
gap

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

2i tech.
attack

2i tech.
attack

Leverage

Coverage

30

Walk

A gap

A gapre-direct

PR

3 tech.

3 tech.

C gap

Trail

contain

7 tech.

5 tech.

C gap

Stay silver Coverage

Cutbck- 3
deep
Contain
Trail

4 WRs

56

Ram shade (under)

H E

(foot)

E
W

E S
M

(7 tech.)

(foot)

E
M

under sin

under solid

under g over

E
M

under in

(angle)

(foot)

Ram shadow

(9 tech.)

under shift (tilt)

(foot)

under Angle

under Read

(can cheat to head up)

(can cheat to head up)

(angle)
(angle)(angle)

E S

H E

(read)
(read) (read)

(featherscrape
exchange
)

ES
(foot)

under shadow Bend

(2nd)
(1weak
)
st

E
(Angle)

N
(A-

long
scoop
)

E S

under curve strong

(Dog)
H

(foot)

under tommit

(Along
scoop
)

(Angle) (foot)

H E

(foot)

E
M

under Dos

E S
M

(read)
(read) (loop)

under edit

E S
M

under noose

(foot)

2 gap

E S
M

under adjust

H
2
way
go

Adju
st

E
M

N
W

E S
M

E
W

E S
M

Note: a crazy tag- tells the hawk he has an automatic 2 way go, the rocked down safety will make
the Hawk right.

Previo
us

Next

Slam
Series

TC

34 Strongside (offensive Stronhside) Pressure

Coverage:
3 strong
Black
Green

Option Responsibility- Contain (DE) = QB, M/W- dive to QB, S/H59

pitchman

Previo
us

Slam

Next

TC
Notes:

Coverage:
3 strong

E
H

POS. Align. And tech

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N
W
E
H

Foot, Slant tech.

OT/Bal
l

C gap

Trail- alert
boot

B gap

OG/
Triangl
e
C/Ball

30
4 tech., Angle
Ghost

Adjustments:
2 TEs

4 WRs

Foot

Walk

B gap redirect

Pass rush

4 tech.

4 tech.

A gap

Leverage

Coverage

30

30

A gap
weak

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

0 tech.

0 tech.

OG/
Triangl
e
Ball/O
T

Leverage

Coverage

30

30

C gap

C gapTrail

Contain

7 tech.

4 tech.

TE/OT

D gap

Cutback/
hitman

Coverage

Foot

Walk

ball

0 tech., Angle

$$ Contain

Contain

4 tech. Slant tech. OG or

30

W
Key

60

Previo
us

Slam Tug

Next

TC
Notes:

Coverage:
3 strong

E
H

POS. Align. And tech

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N
W
E
H

Foot, Slant tech.

OT/Bal
l

C gap

Trail- alert
boot

4 tech. Read tech.

OG or
ball

A to B
gap

OG/
Triangl
e
Ball

30
0 tech., Slant
30
4 tech., Angle
Ghost

ESlant tech.S

W
Key

Read tech.

Sam vs 2 back
inside te, vs. 1
back outside
TE.

$$ Contain
Adjustments:
2 TEs

4 WRs

Contain

Foot

Walk

re-direct

Pass rush

4 tech.

4 tech.

A to B
gap

Leverage

Coverage

30

30

A gap
weak

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

0 tech.

0 tech.

OG/
Triangl
e
Ball/O
T

Leverage

Coverage

30

30

C gap

C gapTrail

Contain

7 tech.

4 tech.

TE/OT

D gap

Cutback/
hitman

Coverage

Foot

Walk
61

Previo
us

Slam Read

Next

TC
Notes: Sam

Coverage:
3 strong

E
H

POS. Align. And tech

Read tech.

W
Key

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N
W
E
H

Foot, Read tech.

OT/Bal
l

C to B
gap

Run down

4 tech. Read tech.

OG or
ball

B to A
gap

OG/
Triangl
e
Ball

Loose 30
0 tech., Slant
30
4 tech., Angle
Ghost

ERead tech.S

should cheat
alignment

$$ Contain
Adjustments:
2 TEs

4 WRs

Contain

Foot

Walk, check
Tug

rundown

Pass rush

4 tech.

4 tech.

A to C
gap

Leverage

Coverage

Loose 30

Loose 30

A gap
weak

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

0 tech.

0 tech.

OG/
Triangl
e
Ball/O
T

Leverage

Coverage

30

30

C gap

C gapTrail

Contain

7 tech.

4 tech.

TE/OT

D gap

Cutback/
hitman

Coverage

Foot

Walk
62

Previo
us

Slam Bull

Next

TC
Notes:

Coverage:
3 strong

E
H

POS. Align. And tech

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N
W
E
H

Foot, Buck tech.

OG/Ba
ll

B gap

B gap cross
face

4 tech. Angle out.

Te/T
or ball

C gap

OG/
Triangl
e
C/Ball

30
0 tech., Angle
30
4 tech., Angle
Ghost

W
Key

$$ Contain
Adjustments:
2 TEs

4 WRs

Pass Rush

6i

Walk

C gap trail

Contain

4 tech.

4 tech.

A gap

Leverage

Coverage

30

30

A gap
weak

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

0 tech.

0 tech.

OG/
Triangl
e
Ball/O
T

Leverage

Coverage

30

30

C gap

C gapTrail

Contain

7 tech.

4 tech.

TE/OT

D gap

Cutback/
hitman

Coverage

Foot

Walk
63

Previo
us

Slam Shade

Next

TC
Notes: vs. 1

Coverage:
3 strong

back Nose 2i

E
H

POS. Align. And tech

E
M

W
Key

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N
W
E
H

7 tech.- Bubble

TE

C gap

3 tech. Attack

OG or
ball

B gap

5 tech., Attack
Off

2 TEs

4 WRs

5 tech.

B gap
re- direct

Pass Rush

3 tech.

3 tech.

A gap

Leverage

Coverage

30

30

A gap
weak

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

2i tech.

2i tech.

OG/
Triangl
e
Ball/O
T

Leverage

Coverage

30

Walk

C gap

C gapTrail

Contain

7 tech.

5 tech.

TE/OT

D gap

Cutback/
hitman

Coverage

Foot

Walk

OG/
Triangl
e
shade 1 tech., AttackC/Ball

30

Adjustments:

Contain

30

Trail

$$ Contain

64

Previo
us

Slam Shadow

Next

TC
Notes: vs. 1

Coverage:
3 strong

back Nose 2i

E
H

POS. Align. And tech

E
M

W
Key

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N
W
E
H

7 tech.- Bubble

TE

C gap

3 tech. Rip tech.

C or
ball

A gap

5 tech., Attack
Off

2 TEs

4 WRs

5 tech.

A gap
re- direct

Pass Rush

3 tech.

3 tech.

B gap

Leverage

Coverage

30

30

A gap
weak

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

2i tech.

2i tech.

OG/
Triangl
e
Ball/O
T

Leverage

Coverage

30

Walk

C gap

C gapTrail

Contain

7 tech.

5 tech.

TE/OT

D gap

Cutback/
hitman

Coverage

Foot

Walk

OG/
Triangl
e
Shade 1 tech., Slant C/Ball

30

Adjustments:

Contain

30

Trail

$$ Contain

65

Previo
Next
us Slam up shade in (attack/read/tug/slant/crash)- 3 strong

$$

E
N
E
M
WH
H

1/2

Cross
keyalert
for
Count
er
Waggl
e

S E
$$LD
C
1/2

$$

3x3 off wing

F$

1/4

E
N
E
M
WH
H

3x3 off tackle

F$

E
W
H

F$
1/4

C
1/4

S E
$$LD
C
1/2

1/4

1/4

1/4

N
M

1/2

Cross
keyalert
for
Count
er
Waggl
e

TC

N
M
M

E
W
H

F$
1/4

C
1/4

Slam shade series

Cover: 3 strg

S
$$

Slam shade g
over

E
H

S
$$

Ram shade- vs removed back SE6 tech, N- 2i, Sam- walk

N
W

S
$$

foot

N
W

S
$$

Slam shade
even

E
$$

Ram shade solid- 3 strong/4/2/3wk

TC

Slam shade over

Slam shade
under

Cover: 3 wk 3 strg, 2, 4, 6

Slam shade
In

Slam shade

Ram shade series

$$

Ram shade over

H
$$

30 shade g solid- puts N in 2i

Ram shade g
over

Previo
us

Ram shade shift- RE tilt in wk A

E
M

Next

S
foot

H
F$

E
W

E
M

Ram shade sin- 3 strong

E
W

E
M

$$

Previo
us

Next

30
Series

TC

We can Choice any of these calls

Expect to use Dime Personnel

Option Responsibility- Contain (DE) = QB, M/W- dive to QB, S/H68

pitchman

Previo
us

30 Tackles Out

Next

TC

Coverage:
Cover 3- roll,
invert,
Silver (cover 4)
Blue (cover 2)
Cover 8- roll,
deuce, spy, safe,
falcon
Man under 2 deep

E
H

POS. Align. And tech

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N

Off
4 tech. Or
wide 5- check
DD
30
0 tech., Attack
or Angle

W
E 4 tech., or wide 5
H Off
30

TE/OT
triangl
e
OT

D gap

Hitman

C gap

OG/
Triangl
e
C/Ball

OG/
Triangl
e
Ball/O
T
TE/OT

W
Key

Notes: Can
give nose a
direction or
have him
attack

Adjustments:
2 TEs

4 WRs

Coverage

Off

Walk

Trail

Contain

4 tech.

4 tech.

B gap

Leverage

Coverage

30

30

Doubl
eA
gap
B

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

0 tech.

0 tech.

Leverage

Coverage

30

30

C gap

C gapTrail

Contain

4 tech.

4 tech.

D gap

Cutback/
hitman

Coverage

Off

Walk
69

Previo
us

30 Crash/Edit

Next

TC

Coverage:
Cover 3- roll,
invert,
Silver (cover 4)
Blue (cover 2)
Cover 8- roll,
deuce, spy, safe,
Man under 2 deep
Man Free

E
H

POS. Align. And tech

Key

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N
W
E
H

Off
4 tech. Or
wide 4i check
DD- Pinch
Loose 30
0 tech., Attack

TE/OT
triangl
e
OG/Ba
ll

D gap

B gap

OG/
Triangl
e
C/Ball

Loose 30

OG/
Triangl
e
4 tech., or 4i- Pinch Ball/O
G

Off

TE/OT

Hitman/
Cutback

Notes:
Pass sit.
Ends can
run an
edit.

Adjustments:
ILB- spy flow
vs. sprint
2 TEs
out 4 WRs

Coverage

Foot

Walk

Trail

Contain

4 tech.

4 tech.

C gap

A Gap

Coverage

Loose 30

Loose 30

Doubl
eA
gap
C Gap

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush, wrap

for QB contain

0 tech.

0 tech.

A gap

Coverage

Loose 30

Loose 30

B gap

Trail

Contain

4 tech.

4 tech.

D gap

Cutback/
hitman

Coverage

Foot

Walk
70

Previo
us

30 Read Mike

Next

TC

Coverage:
Cover 3- invert,
Silver (cover 4)
Blue (cover 2)
Man Free

E
H

POS. Align. And tech

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

Off

S
DE

4 tech. Read
tech.

TE/OT
triangl
e
OG/Ba
ll

D gap

S DE

C to B
gap

B to A
gap

E
S

W
Key

Read
tech.

Notes:
W spy flow
fire

Slow
read/Revers
e
Run Down

Adjustments:
2 TEs

4 WRs

Coverage

Off

Walk

Pass Rush

4 tech.

4 tech.

Leverage

Contain

30

30

M
N

Loose 30
0 tech., Slant

C/Ball

A gap

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush,

0 tech.

0 tech.

30

OG/
Triangl
e
Ball/O
T

A to B
gap

Cutback

Coverage

30

30

C gap

Contain,
Trail

Contain

4 tech.

4 tech.

OG
triangl
e

D gap

Slow
read/
reverse

Coverage

Foot

Walk

4 tech., Angle
R
DE

Ghost

71

Previo
us

30 Buck Mike

Next

TC

Coverage:
Cover 3- invert,
Silver (cover 4)
Blue (cover 2)
Man Free

E
H

POS. Align. And tech

W
Key

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

Notes:
Mike read
Guard G
out- A gap, G
blocks downB gap

Adjustments:
2 TEs

4 WRs

Off

S
DE

4 tech. Angle.

M
N

20

OG

A to
B gap

Leverage

Pass Rush

20

20

0 tech., Angle

C/Ball

A gap

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

0 tech.

0 tech.

30

OG/
Triangl
e
Ball/O
T

B to A
gap

Cutback

Coverage

30

30

C gap

Contain,
Trail

Contain

4 tech.

4 tech.

OG
triangl
e

D gap

Slow
read/
reverse

Coverage

Foot

Walk

4 tech., Angle
R
DE

Ghost

TE/OT
triangl
e
OT/Bal
l

D gap

C gap

Slow
read/Revers
e
Trail

Coverage

Off

Walk

Contain

4 tech.

4 tech.

72

Previo
us

30 Read Will

Next

TC

Coverage:
Cover 3- invert,
Silver (cover 4)
Blue (cover 2)
Man Free

E
H

POS. Align. And tech

Read Tech.

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

Off

S
DE

4 tech. Angle.

M
N

30

0 tech., Slant
Loose 30

R 4 tech., Read tech.

DE

Ghost

TE/OT
triangl
e
OT/Bal
l

D gap

OG/
Triangl
e
C/Ball

A to
B gap

W
Key

Notes:
Mike spy
flow fires vs
sprint out

2 TEs

4 WRs

Coverage

Off

Walk

Contain

4 tech.

4 tech.

Cutback

Coverage

30

30

A gap

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

0 tech.

0 tech.

R DE

C to B
gap

Contain/
trail

Contain

30

30

Ball/O
G

A to B
gap

Rundown

Pass Rush

4 tech.

4 tech.

OT
triangl
e

D gap

Slow
read/
reverse

Coverage

Foot

Walk

C gap

Slow
read/Revers
e
Trail

Adjustments:

73

Previo
us

30 Buck Will

Next

TC

Coverage:
Cover 3- invert,
Silver (cover 4)
Blue (cover 2)
Man Free

E
H

POS. Align. And tech

E
S

W
Key

Notes:
Mike spy
flow fires vs
sprint out

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

Adjustments:
2 TEs

4 WRs

Off

S
DE

4 tech. Angle.

M
N

30

OG

B to A
gap

Cutback

Coverage

30

30

0 tech., Angle

C/Ball

A gap

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush,

0 tech.

0 tech.

20

OG/
Triangl
e
Ball/O
T

A to B
gap

Leverage

Pass Rush

20

20

C gap

Contain,
Trail

Contain

4 tech.

4 tech.

OG
triangl
e

D gap

Slow
read/
reverse

Coverage

Foot

Walk

4 tech., Angle
R
DE

Ghost

TE/OT
triangl
e
OT/Bal
l

D gap

C gap

Slow
read/Revers
e
Trail

Coverage

Off

Walk

Contain

4 tech.

4 tech.

74

Previo
us

Fire Boxer

Next

TC

Coverage:
Blue (cover 2)

W
POS. Align. And tech

Key

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

Foot slant tech.

S
DE

4 tech. slant

M
N

40

0 tech., Attack
40

R 4 tech., slant tech

DE

Ghost, slant
tech.

TE/OT
triangl
e
OG/Ba
ll

D gap

OG/
Triangl
e
C/Ball

A to C
gap

OG/
Triangl
e
Ball/O
G
TE/OT
triangl
e

Adjustments:
2 TEs

4 WRs

Contain

foot

Exchange
w/ Mike

B gapcross
face
A gap
Cutback

Pass Rush

4 tech.

4 tech.

Coverage

40

Exchange
w/ Sam

Doubl
eA
gap
A to D
gap

Run
down

Coverage- screen,
drags, middle
screen
Coverage

0 tech.

0 tech.

40

Exchange
w/ hawk

B gap

B gap
cross
face
Trail

Pass Rush

4 tech.

4 tech.

Contain

Foot

Exchange
w/ will 75

B gap

C gap

Trail

Notes:
Vs. removed
#2 OLB/ILB
exchange
responsibilit
y

A gap
cutback

Next 30 Loop

Previo
us
Field

Bound
ary

E
H

30 Lasso

Bound
ary

N
M

N
M

Field OLB blitzes to contain, Field End plays the B gap

then drops in coverage. Note: ILB/OLB can exchange
blitz vs removed #2

E
W

Field End plays B gap, pass drop low middle, Nose read
stunt to contain, Boundary End Lasso, Field ILB blitzes off
the Field End to Contain

Field

Bound
ary

30 boundary fire

E
H

Bound
Field30 backer (can also tag mike/will)
ary

E
W

Field End runs read stunt off OG, Nose runs read stunts
off of OG, Boundary End wraps for contain vs. pass

Bound
ary
TC

30 field fire (can be tagged) Bound

ary

Field End Contain PR, Nose Read to Boundary- contain,

Boundary End rubs off the nose

Field

30 Wrap

Boundary End runs read stunt off OG, Nose- plays Dbl
A and contains the Boundary vs. pass

Field

Field

N
M

E
W

Boundary OLB blitzes to contain, Boundary End plays

the B gap then drops in coverage. Note: ILB/OLB76
can
exchange blitz vs removed #2

Previo
us

Next

TC

52
5 Man Fronts

Sam and Hawk- in a 9. ghost 9 or a 5 tech. (no coverage)

We can also go spy/isolate
or off the heels of the DE cocked in and cross keying.
with the $$- $$ will spy
Vs. Pass- contain PR
backfield threat
Coverage:
Green (0)
Black (1) Raider (1)
Shell (42)
Monster 3 deep

Covers- 0,1, 3

H E

N
W

$$

E
M

Note: Vs. open sets with a removed #2, the OLB to that side can widen and
the ILB will exchange
Responsibilities. OLB gives End a Cage call- DE now has contain.
If we go with a Heavy package- we can replace one of the Safeties with a
DL/DE
typeResponsibilityplayer and the Sam
Linebacker
become
2nd level
defender.
Option
Contain
(DE) will
= QB,
M/W-a dive
to QB,
S/Hpitchman
77
Note: stunts, blitzes, and game plan can change responsibility

Previo
us

Next

52 Angle
(strg/wk/choice)

52 Double Eagle

E, N, E- attack technique, can be tagged tackles out

52 Load

Re and Nose Gap technique, SE- Attack

52 tackles in

E
M

RE- and Nose Pinch to heels of QB, SE attack- can be

tagged tackles out, RE/N Angle out

52 load

RE- slant to OT, Nose slant to OG, SE Attack

S
M

52 Eagle

E, N, E- angle technique to call

TC

N
W

Re and SE Angle in, Nose- Attack

M
78

Previo
us

Next

52 Tackles Out

N
W

52 Double Eagle Fire

Re and SE angle out, Nose attacks, End to open side

Attacks if one TE

N
W

Ends and Nose Attack

Rush End and Nose pinch, SE angles out- can be

tagged Will or Mike, or it can be choiced

52 angle

E
M

Shade strong

52 Load Fire

Rush End angles out, Nose angle away from Fire, SE

attacks can be tagged Will or Mike, or it can be choiced

End angle out, Nose angle away from Fire, can be

tagged Will or Mike, or it can be choiced

52 Eagle Fire

TC

E
H

N
W

E
M

RE attacks, Nose and SE angle, this can be choiced

79

Previo
us

Next

TC

43
Cane Series

nd gaps should be stunted to late

h. refers to Tackles, All shade refers to tackles and Ends Gap refers to the Tackle and All ga
ng- ST- 3, RT- 2i
Gap strong- ST- B, RT- A
k- RT 3, ST- 2i
Gap weak- ST- A, RT- B
RT and ST- 2i
Gap in- both tackles A
RT and ST- 3
Gap out- Both tackles B
- Tackle to field- 3, tackle to boundary 2i
Field gap- both tackle gap to field
ndary- Tackle to Boundary 3, Tackle to field 2i
Boundary gap- both tackles gap to Bou

an have a gap or shade tag

Option Responsibility- Contain (DE)/H = QB, M- dive to QB, S/W80

pitchman

Previo
us

Cane

Next

TC

Coverage:
Blue (cover 2)
Cover 3 variations
Star (cover 4)
Green (cover 0)
Black (cover 1)
3 strong

POS. Align. And tech

E
M

W
Key

Run Game:

S
Pass Game:

To: Away

Gap foot c gap

S
DE

9 tech

M
N

00

W
R
DE

3 tech.
Gap foot
2i
5 tech

OG
triangl
e
TE/T

C gap

Hitman

D gap

OG/
Triangl
e
OG/Ba
ll

A gap

OG/
Triangl
e
Ball/O
G

B gap

hitman

A gap

TE/OT
triangl
e

C gap

B gap

Notes: gap
responsibility
will depend
upon stunt and
coverage
In call switch
SE and SAM
alignments

Adjustments:
2 TEs

4 WRs

Coverage

Gap foot- c
gap

Depends on
coverage

Trail

Contain

9 tech.

5 tech.

B gap

Coverage

00

Depends on
coverage

2 tech.

3 tech.

Coverage

Gap foot c
gap

Depends on
coverage

A gap
run down

Pass Rush

2 tech.

2i

Trail

Contain

7 tech.

5 tech.

Run
down

Pass Rush

81

Previo
us

NextCane Under (PR)

Cane Over (PR)

D- A

A- B

D-B

H
D-B

E
W

TC

A- B

C-A

call lets our Pass Rushers get up field & read on the run PR call lets our Pass Rushers get up field & read on the run

Cane Cross

N
M

C-A

use the Rip tech. to go from an under to an over

E
W

CaneTommit

N
M

1 use the Read tech. 3 tech. reads off the 2i.

Cane Twister

E
W

A- B

D- B

Cane Twist

E
S

H
W

N
M

E
S

Both 2 techs. Read center- goes away read tech, Center

Inside rusher run TO PR, Outside Rusher work under their
82 move
blocks to fit off of read
Always stunt the sticks

Previo
us

Field

Next Cane Edit

Outside Rushers work up field and under, Inside Rushers

work up and out to contain.- Always stunt the sticks

Texas weak

Texas strong

2 tech runs a read stunt off of center, Nose fits off the H,
Hawk has a two way go

Cane Wrap

E
W

D-B

N
M

B-A

E
S

A- D

also Hawk Wrapboundary

Both Field Rushers run read stunts, Boundary Tackle

wraps to contain, boundary end contain

Cane Odd (ODD Fire M fires A gap) (odd

arson)

TC

Field Rushers- Edit, Boundary Rushers- Tommit

Field

boundary

Cane Tornado

Cane Tom

D- A

E
S

A- C
83

Previo
us

NextCane Angle

E
W

Cane Tim

N
S

Cane Will and Mike Barrel

Cane Tomit Dog (can tagged)

Cane Will and Sam Barrel

TC

N
M

E
S

Cane Double Dog (can be tagged)

H
W

N
M

Man covering TE plays C gap first to TE

E
S
84

Previo
us

Soldier+ stunt
Next

War stunt

N
W

Hawk Wrap

TC
E
S

Texas Strong

Hawk wrap hit first opening

Edit Arson

H
W

N
M

Twist Barrel

H
S

N
M

E
S
85

Previo
us

Next

TC

Zone
Blitz
Schemes
86

Previo
us
I.

Next

Zone Blitz

TC

Philosophy

We can run this package in all game situations and everywhere on the
field.
We can zone blitz from all of our fronts.
Zone blitzes are effective because they combine the best aspects of
aggressive and safe football.
a.
b.
c.

Playing zone coverage not man

Destroys blocking schemes
Run support provided by zone coverage

II. Goals and points of emphasis

1.

Disrupt the offense

a.
b.
c.

Make the blocking rules work against themselves

8 man fronts to stop run
Take away hot throws

2. Play great zone defense

4. The 2 most important players

are the corners

d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.

Use man to man concepts against certain formations

Play cover 3 and cover 2- dont get beat deep
Collision when possible
Deepest man in zone
Know the sticks
Stay out of No cover Zone
Know your responsibility, threat, help

3.

Play Run first, pass second

a.

Be in proper run support position, before executing you coverage

responsibilities
Read and trust your keys before the snap

b.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Must control 3 step game

Must be able to play man to man
Must make interceptions
Know where/when your help is
Make plays
Dont get beat deep

87

Previo
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Next

Zone Blitz

TC

er run support with proper leverage

he point of attack
ker
NG of the play
IMINATE the trapping lanes
es that produce unblocked defenders

certain protections and maintain deep zone integrity. We will attack protections in the follo

ertain area of the protection

cific blocker- find mismatches
d assignments by exchanging rush lanes
d assignments by disguising or bluffing pressure
ment errors by dropping a defender and sending a second level player

88

Previo
Next
us Zone Blitz

Techniques for Dropping Lineman

TC

I. Dropping Lineman
DL always plays run first
A. DE-(one step technique)
1.
2.
3.
4.

DE take one step up field and attack the offensive player

DE will try to get a run pass read in one step
VS. run- secure gap
VS Pass- drop into coverage using crossover step- he has already
pre-read his threats

B. Nose- (2 step technique)

5.
6.
7.
8.

Nose two steps up field and attack the OL

Nose will try to get a run pass read in those 2 steps
VS.- secure Gap
VS pass- Drop into coverage
89

Previo
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Next

Zone Blitz Coverage

TC

Coverage Calls
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Rock- puts the play side safety into Deuce coverage- top of numbers
Roll- puts the play side corner into Deuce coverage- top of numbers
Exit- puts the play side end into Deuce coverage- top of numbers
Boxer- puts the nose in the hole (trey)
Shale puts the OLB into Deuce coverage- top of numbers
Wolf- puts the play side ILB in Deuce coverage- top of the numbers
Strike- puts the SS in the hole
Flash- puts the FS in the hole
Frisco- ZB in 43 series- OLB plays #s controls 2, Safety to that side blitzes

Coverage Checks
1. Trey call- puts the Deuce player into the Hole- Deuce player becomes a Trey player
2. Rock call- safe call that makes the safety the Deuce player in order to put the
better cover guy against a certain look.
3. Check Rock also changes 42 shell in Cover 33
4. Trigger occurs when we face trips away from our outside blitz series: me must
re-rock our middle 1/3 player
Safety to trips- rocks down
Safety away from trips plays middle third
Trips side #s player becomes the middle player
Middle player- becomes backside numbers player- he Buzz the numbers
90

Previo
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Coverage 33

Next

TC

cover Curl to Flat,

read 2-1-3

20

Deep 1/3

Control #3
Depth 12-15 yds
cover middle
hooks and
crossers
Read 3-2-1

Deep 1/3

Landmark =Top of #s
Depth 12-15 yds
cover Curl to Flat,
read 2-1-3

50
30

30

Landmark =Top of #s
Depth 12-15 yds

Numbers
Deuce

20

Numbers
Deuce

Middle
Trey
Landmark =
middle depth

IIIIII III III

II II II II

IIIIII III III

II II II II

40

NO Cover Zone

40

III III
II II

III III
II II

50

Under Coverage 3 under- numbers controlling #2, middle controlling #3

3 deep
We are giving up the flats

Deep 1/3
91

Previo
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Next

Zone Blitz Coverage

TC

Cover 33

I. Deuce Player
1. Deuce Player- Landmark= top of #s, Zone= Seam/Curl, control 2, read 2-1
referred to as an Alley drop

also:

a. Must locate #2 pre snap

b. Is he tight or Wide (removed)
c. Always top deepest receiver in zone
d. Drop 12 to 15 yards to top of numbers
e. As we get to Seam/Curl area you are reading #2 to #1
f.

Always try to collision #2s route, but never disrupt you drop to do it.

g. Be aware of crossers- play deepest man in zone

h. Read # 2
If # 2 Vertical release- try to collision his route and get underneath his route, eyes on
QB- looking for next threat to zone
If #2 releases inside- try to collision and expand to inside top of numbers- eyes on QB
looking for next threat to zone
92

IF # 2 releases outside- drop to inside edge of numbers looking for #1 to come back

Previo
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Next

Zone Blitz Coverage

TC

Cover 33

II. Trey Player- middle /hole player

1. Trey Player- Landmark= Push to # 3, Zone= Middle
referred to as a Middle drop

control 3, read 3-2-1

also:

a. Must locate #3 pre snap and open up and push to #3 on Pass

b. Trey is very important in running game- must be able to clean up and make tackles
c. Always top the deepest man in zone- never jump the shallow routes.
d.

Drop 12 to 15 yards to the side of #3

If # 3 Vertical release- try to collision while you look for the next threat coming into the
middle area
If #3 releases inside- try to collision and push backside looking for #2 or #1 entering
the middle area
IF # 3 releases outside- expand out looking for #2 or #1 coming back inside

93

Previo
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Next

Zone Blitz Coverage

TC

Cover 33

III. Deep outside third player

1. Read through the three step game Kick-Shuffle-Slide
When # 2 is tight the corner may press cover.
2. Man to man vs any vertical by number 1
a. 5 or 7 step game:
-.
-.
-.

Play the deepest man in zone

Zone split technique vs. multiple receivers in zone
Dont get beat deep

b. Run Game:
-.
-.
-.

Late force player after ball has crossed the LOS

Outside- IN leverage or over the top
DONT GET BEAT DEEP!!!! Dont bite on play action or toss passes

94

Previo
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Next

Zone Blitz Coverage

TC

Cover 33

IV. Deep Middle third player

1. Read through the three step game Hot throws
a. 5 or 7 step game:
-.
-.
-.

Play the deepest man in zone

Zone split technique vs. multiple receivers in zone
Dont get beat deep

b. Run Game:
-.
-.
-.

Late force player after ball has crossed the LOS

Inside Out leverage or over the top
DONT GET BEAT DEEP!!!! Dont bite on play action or toss passes

95

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Next

Coverage 42 shell

TC

Depth 12-15
yds

Depth 12-15
yds

cover Hook to
Curl, slant
read 2-1

cover Hook
to Curl, slant

20

1/2
100% pass- read 2-1

read 2-1

50
40

Control #2

Read 2-1-3
Curl to flat

30

Control #2

Flat

Back out

20

Back out

Hash
Landmark =
Hash Dont
expand off of
hash until
ball is thrown

Hash
Landmark =
Hash Dont
expand off
of hash until
ball is
thrown

IIIIII III III

II II II II

30

Curl to flat

III III
II II

Read 2-1-3

NO Cover Zone

IIIIII III III

II II II II

40
Flat

III III
II II

50

Under Coverage 4 under- hash players controlling #2, Flat players

We are giving up the middle- hash players cannot allow any in patterns
2 deep

1/2
100% pass- read 2-1
96

Previo
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Next

Coverage 42 shell roll

TC

Back out- screen, crosser

Depth 12-15
yds

20

1/2
100% pass- read 2-1

cover middle
hooks and
crossers
Read 3-2-1

Control #2

Depth 12-15
yds

50
40
Read 2-1-3
Curl to flat

30

Control #3

30

Curl to flat

Flat

Back out

cover Hook
to Curl, slant
read 2-1

20

Middle
Landmark =
middle depth

Hash
Landmark =
Hash Dont
expand off
of hash until
ball is
thrown

IIIIII III III

II II II II

Hash to Flat
Read 2-1-3

III III
II II

NO Cover Zone

IIIIII III III

II II II II

40

III III
II II

50

Under Coverage 4 under- rolling over 2 away from TE

2 deep

1/2
100% pass- read 2-1
97

Previo
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Next

Zone Blitz Coverage

TC

42 Shell

I. Flat Player (numbers)

1. Must locate #1 prior to snap- Is number 1 tight or wide
2. Always Top deepest man in zone
3. Flat drop- 12-15 yards to top of numbers
4. Try to force #1 back inside while looking for #2 or #3 to come outside
a. If #1 releases outside- deny and get hands on- take the charge if he gets outside
with no hands on- sink quickly 12-15 yards (turkey hole)
b. If #1 releases vertical- get hands on and funnel him inside take the charge looking
for next outside threat
c. If # 1 releases inside- get hands on and find the next threat coming outside.

98

Previo
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Next

Zone Blitz Coverage

TC

42 Shell

II. Alley Player (Hash)

1. Must locate #3 prior to snap- Is number 3 tight or wide- if # 3 in backfield locate
#2
2. Always Top deepest man in zone
3. Drop- 12-15 yards to Hash area
4. Try to deny all inside routes by #2 or #3- but do go out of your way
5. Always top the deepest receiver in the Hash Area
a. If #3 releases outside- expand and wall off # 2 or #1 from coming inside
b. If #3 releases vertical- collision and funnel outside, you must prevent him from
going inside
c. If # 3 releases inside- try to deny then look for backside crossing routes or back out
6. If the Safeties Rock away from you- you are the lone dove backside, meaning
you must man up any outside patterns from backfield, TE, or crosser- the Corner will
not be there.

99

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Next

Zone Blitz Coverage

TC

42 Shell

III. Deep player

1. Align at 13 yards on the inside or outside the hash
2. Weak side- never get outside the hash with one WR.
3. Strong side- try to be inside the hash
4. If number 2 is removed- eyes inside
5. Must be able to get off of hash
6. Dont get beat deep
7. Check Rock vs. trips. Safety to trips- Rocks down and plays Deuce to that side,
The Hash player to trips side now controls number 3, The other safety is hot on #3
and plays middle third

100

Previo
Next
Additional Zone Blitz Coverages
TC
us
ug Fire Shell trap (check Rock/trigger
RamtoTug
trips)
Fire Roll 2 (check rock/trigger to trip

E
C
Flat

N
M

E
H

Has
h/w
all 2

Run
clear
Hash/wa
$
1/2 ll 2

#s

$
1/3

middle

1/3

middle

1/2
Hot on #2

Flat

1/2

Ram read fire cat- check trigger/tug vs

trips away, tug rock vs removed # 2 weak.
Also 50 read cat 2- $-flat, W- H, $- , C-1/2

#s

1/3

$
1/3

1/2

E
H #s C

Hash

#s lone dove

E
W

Flat

Ram Tug Fire Roll 3- check trigger vs

trips away, rock vs. remove #2 weak

H
C

W
middle

1/3

#s

$
1/3
101

Previo
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Next

Additional Zone Blitz Coverages

am Tug fire Black

TC

Ram Tug Fire Black Peel +

additional blitz- remaining
- #2
Rush backer
to
cover- $3
Rush to
cover- #3

N
M

C
Own #1

E
C

Own #2

Own #2

Own #1

Own #1

N
M

Own #3

Own #1 Own #2

Own #2 Own #1

$
Free on the Roof

Ram Tug fire Green + additional

fire- remaining backer owes #3

Own #2

Free on the Roof

N
M

Own #3

Ram Tug fire green peel +

2
additional fires (peel S/H fire off edge
blitz/peel - #3- C-#1, $-#2, M- delayed blitz to
daylight
or pick middle screen)
Rush to
Rush to covercover-#3
#3

E
S

W
$

C
C

Own #2 Own #1

Own #1Own #2

N
M

E
H

W
$

Own #2 Own #1
102

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Next

Additional Zone Blitz Coverages

TC

Ram read fire cat 2 (check trigger/tug vs

trips away, check tug rock vs removed #2)

E
M

Flat

Has
h/w
all 2

Has
h/w
all 2

1/2

Flat

E
W

1/2

E
C

N
M

S
$

E
H

W
$

N
M

S
$

E
W
$
103

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Coverage 23

Next

TC

Landmark =Top of #s
Depth 12-15 yds

Landmark =Top of #s
Depth 12-15 yds

cover Curl to Flat,

read 2-1-3
Seal inside
No inside hot routes,
top 2 outside

cover Curl to Flat,

read 2-1-3
Seal inside
No inside hot routes,
top 2 outside

Deep 1/3

Deep 1/3

50
40

Numbers
Deuce

30

IIIIII III III

II II II II

Numbers
Deuce

20

III III
II II

20

IIIIII III III

II II II II

NO Cover Zone

40
30

III III
II II

50

Under Coverage 2 under- numbers controlling #2 play like shell (deuceseal the inside) take away inside hot pattern, control 2- top him if he
releases outside. Effective vs. backs; Contain players can blitz peel- 6
man zone blitz,
3 deep
We are giving up the flats

Deep 1/3
104

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Next

Coverage 32 roll

TC

cover Curl to Flat,

read 2-1-3
Seal inside
No inside hot routes,
top 2 outside

20

1/2
100% pass- read 2-1

Control #3

Depth 12-15 yds

cover middle hooks and

crossers
Read 3-2-1

50
40

Middle
Trey
Landmark = middle depth

Flat

Read 2-1-3
Curl to flat

30

30

Landmark =Top of #s
Depth 12-15 yds

IIIIII III III

II II II II

Numbers
Deuce

Back out

20

III III
II II

NO Cover Zone

IIIIII III III

II II II II

40

III III
II II

50

Under Coverage 3 under- numbers controlling #2 play like lone dove.

Trey player push hook to curl take away inside hot pattern, control 3.
Effective vs. 2 back slot; Contain players can blitz/peel- 6 man zone blitz,
3 deep
We are giving up the backside flats- always roll to flex or trips

1/2
100% pass- read 2-1
105

Previo
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Next

TC

Ram/Slam/Mace/Cho
ice
(Choice, Boundary, Field)

Zone
Blitzes
Coverage:
Fire zone 33
Shell 42
Black
Green

106

Previo
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Next

TC

Ram Fire
Series

Ram Fire Series- Outside ZB from weak side it is the exact look from other side.

Rock- F$ control strong #2

Roll- Corner controls weak #2

Black (man free)

Green (man to man)

Exit- DE controls weak #2

Wolf- Will controls weak #2
Shale- Hawk controls strong #2
Cat- will controls weak #2, corner blitz
Boxer- nose controls middle, F$- controls #2 strong
107

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Next Ram Fire Series: 3 under 3 Deep Coverage

Rock- F$ controls weak

Roll

side #2

1/3

N
M

$
$

H
C

F
$

1/3

1/3

1/3

Exit-DE controls weak side

- C controls weak
side #2

N
M

$
$

#2

F
$

1/3

TC

1/3

1/3

N
M

$
$

H
C

F
$

1/3

1/3

Wolf- Will Controls weak

Shale-OLB controls weak

Cat- Will Controls weak

side #2

side #2

side #2

1/3

N
M

$
$

E H
C

1/3

F
$

1/3

1/3

N
M

$
$

E
W

1/3

F
$

1/3

1/3

N
M

$
$

E H
W

1/3

F 108 1/3
$

Previo
us

Ram fire - cover Rock

Next

NUMBERS

1/3
POS.

Sam

Alignment

FOOT

Run Gap:

MIDDLE
$$

TC

NUMBERS
F$

1/3

1/3
Pass

Plan of Action

D STRG

NUMBERS

Play RUN 1ST FIND #2

S End 4 TECH

C STRG

CONTAIN

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

Mike 30 TECH

B STRG

Nose 0 TECH

A STRG

PR no hands on

Will

A WK

PASS RUSHER

W End 4 TECH

B WK

PR no hands on

Hawk GHOST

C WK

CONTAIN Blitz

30 TECH

MIDDLE

SC

SHELL

Late run support

OUTSIDE 3RD

$$

SHELL

Late run support

MIDDLE 3RD

WC

SHELL

Late run support OUTSIDE 3RD

F$

SHELL

D WK

NUMBERS

Play RUN 1ST FIND #3

Angle
BLITZ SPACE
ANGLE PR- NO HANDS
BLITZ CONTAIN
IDENTIFY THREATS
HOT ON #2- BAIL TO 1/3
IDENTIFY THREATS
109

Play RUN 1ST FIND #2

Previo
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Next

Ram BULL fire- cover Shale

NUMBERS

1/3
POS.

Sam

Alignment

FOOT

Run Gap:

MIDDLE
$$

TC

NUMBERS
F$

1/3

1/3
Pass

Plan of Action

D STRG

NUMBERS

Play RUN 1ST FIND #2

S End 4 TECH

C STRG

CONTAIN

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

Mike 30 TECH

B STRG

Nose 0 TECH

A STRG

PR no hands on

Will

A WK

PASS RUSHER

30 TECH

MIDDLE

W End 4 TECH

C WK

CONTAIN

Hawk GHOST

C WK

NUMBERS

SC

SHELL

Late run support

OUTSIDE 3RD

$$

SHELL

Late run support

MIDDLE 3RD

WC

SHELL

Late run support OUTSIDE 3RD

F$

SHELL

D WK

PASS RUSHER

Play RUN 1ST FIND #3

Angle
BLITZ SPACE
CONTAIN PR- NO HANDS
PLAY RUN 1ST- FIND #2
IDENTIFY THREATS
HOT ON #2- BAIL TO 1/3
IDENTIFY THREATS
BLITZ SPACE

110

Previo
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Next

Ram BUCK fire- cover Rock

NUMBERS

1/3
POS.

Sam

Alignment

FOOT

Run Gap:

MIDDLE
$$

TC

NUMBERS
F$

1/3

1/3
Pass

Plan of Action

D STRG

NUMBERS

Play RUN 1ST FIND #2

S End 4 TECH

C STRG

CONTAIN

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

Mike 30 TECH

B STRG

Nose 0 TECH

A STRG

PR no hands on

Will

B WK

PASS RUSHER

30 TECH

MIDDLE

W End 4 TECH

C WK

CONTAIN

Hawk GHOST

A WK

NUMBERS

SC

SHELL

Late run support

OUTSIDE 3RD

$$

SHELL

Late run support

MIDDLE 3RD

WC

SHELL

Late run support OUTSIDE 3RD

F$

SHELL

D WK

Numbers

Play RUN 1ST FIND #3

Angle
BLITZ SPACE
CONTAIN PR- NO HANDS
Blitz Space
IDENTIFY THREATS
HOT ON #2- BAIL TO 1/3
IDENTIFY THREATS
Play Run 1st- Find #2

111

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Next

Ram TUG fire - cover Rock

NUMBERS

1/3
POS.

Sam

Alignment

FOOT

Run Gap:

D STRG

MIDDLE
$$

TC

NUMBERS
F$

1/3

1/3
Pass

Plan of Action

NUMBERS PLAYERPlay RUN 1ST FIND #2

S End 4 TECH

C STRG

Mike 30 TECH

B STRG

MIDDLE PLAYER Play RUN 1ST FIND #3

Nose 0 TECH

A STRG

PR no hands on

Will

B OR C WK

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ OFF DE

W End 4 TECH

A TO B WK

PR no hands on

READ TECH.

Hawk GHOST

C TO D WK

CONTAIN Blitz

BLITZ CONTAIN

30 TECH

CONTAIN

SC

SHELL

Late run support

OUTSIDE 3RD

$$

SHELL

Late run support

MIDDLE 3RD

WC

SHELL

Late run support OUTSIDE 3RD

F$

SHELL

D WK

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

Angle

IDENTIFY THREATS
HOT ON #2- BAIL TO 1/3
IDENTIFY THREATS
112

NUMBERS PLAYERPlay RUN 1ST FIND #2

Previo
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Next

Ram READ Fire - cover WOLF

E H

NUMBERS

1/3
POS.

Sam

Alignment

FOOT

MIDDLE
$$
Run Gap:

D STRG

TC

NUMBERS
F$

1/3

1/3
Pass

Plan of Action

NUMBERS PLAYERPlay RUN 1ST FIND #2

S End 4 TECH

C STRG

Mike 30 TECH

B STRG

MIDDLE PLAYER Play RUN 1ST FIND #3

Nose 0 TECH

A STRG

PR no hands on

Will

30 TECH

CONTAIN

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

Angle

A OR D WK FIT NUMBERS PLAYERPlay RUN 1ST FIND #2

W End 4 TECH

A TO B WK

PR no hands on

READ TECH.

Hawk GHOST

B TO C WK

PASS RUSHER

READ TECH.

SC

SHELL

Late run support

OUTSIDE 3RD

$$

SHELL

Late run support

MIDDLE 3RD

WC

SHELL

Late run support OUTSIDE 3RD

F$

SHELL

D WK

CONTAIN

IDENTIFY THREATS
HOT ON #2- BAIL TO 1/3
IDENTIFY THREATS
BLITZ CONTAIN

113

Previo
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Next

Ram SHADE fire - cover ROCK

NUMBERS

1/3
POS.

Sam

Alignment

FOOT

H
C

MIDDLE
$$
Run Gap:

D STRG

TC

NUMBERS
F$

1/3

1/3
Pass

Plan of Action

NUMBERS PLAYERPlay RUN 1ST FIND #2

S End 5 TECH

C STRG

Mike 30 TECH

B STRG

MIDDLE PLAYER Play RUN 1ST FIND #3

Nose Shade 1 TECH

A STRG

PR no hands on

ANGLE NO HANDS ON

Will

A WK

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ SPACE

W End 3 TECH

B WK

PR no hands on PASS RUSH NO HANDS ON

Hawk 5 TECH

C WK

30 TECH

CONTAIN

CONTAIN

SC

SHELL

Late run support

OUTSIDE 3RD

$$

SHELL

Late run support

MIDDLE 3RD

WC

SHELL

Late run support OUTSIDE 3RD

F$

SHELL

D WK

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

BLITZ CONTAIN
IDENTIFY THREATS
HOT ON #2- BAIL TO 1/3
IDENTIFY THREATS

NUMBERS PLAYERFIT RUN & FIND #2

114

Previo
us

Next

Ram SHADOW fire - cover ROCK

NUMBERS

POS.

Sam

Alignment

FOOT

H
C

MIDDLE
$$

1/3

Run Gap:

D STRG

TC

NUMBERS
F$

1/3

1/3
Pass

Plan of Action

NUMBERS PLAYERPlay RUN 1ST FIND #2

S End 5 TECH

C STRG

Mike 30 TECH

B STRG

MIDDLE PLAYER Play RUN 1ST FIND #3

Nose Shade 1 TECH

A STRG

PR no hands on

ANGLE NO HANDS ON

Will

B WK

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ SPACE

W End 3 TECH

A WK

PR no hands on RIP TECH. NO HANDS ON

Hawk 5 TECH

C WK

30 TECH

CONTAIN

CONTAIN

SC

SHELL

Late run support

OUTSIDE 3RD

$$

SHELL

Late run support

MIDDLE 3RD

WC

SHELL

Late run support OUTSIDE 3RD

F$

SHELL

D WK

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

BLITZ CONTAIN
IDENTIFY THREATS
HOT ON #2- BAIL TO 1/3
IDENTIFY THREATS

NUMBERS PLAYERFIT RUN & FIND #2

115

Previo
us

Next Ram Fire Series: 3 under 3 Deep Coverage

Ram Bull fire Rock

E
H

Ram Mike fire Rock

F$

$$

Ram Shade fire Shale

(CHECK ROCK VS REMOVED #2)

E
W

Ram Read fire Rock

Ram Shadow fire

Shale (CHECK ROCK VS

F$

$$

TC

E H
W

F$

$$

Ram Shade fire Exit

(CHECK ROCK VS REMOVED #2)

REMOVED #2)

N
M

$$

W
F$

N
M

$$

E H
W
F$

N
M

$$

E H
W
F$

116

Ram under fire green

E
M

Ram under boston

strong
H

(foot)

E
M

W
F$

ram under whip rock

(1st) (2nd)

E S
M

ram under Sex

(foot)

ram under mix flash

Flash

E
W

F$

E
W

E
M

ram under X Strike

E
W

F$

E S
M

F$

E S
M

(foot)

ram under wax strike

E S

(alert trey/trigger)

(alerttrey/trigger)

(alert trey)

$$

F$

(alert trey/trigger)

S
(foot)

Ram under Frisco

weak wolf

E S

$$

ram under arson X

Flash (alert trey)
H

E
W

$$

F$

E S

M
$$

Ram shadow fire Rock

E
M

(foot)

Ram under Seattle

strong
H

Ram shadow fire

green

E S

Ram under read wolf

(alert trigger or rock - check
shadow rock)

F$ H

E
W

(foot)

Ram under fire shell

Ram under (stack) only vs 0

TE
Or vs 1 TE put SE in 7 tech3 strong

(foot)

$$

$$

Ram shade (stack) -

E
W

E S

N
M

Ram shade (stack)-

E
W

E
M

Ram shade (stack)-

E
W

N
M

E S

Ram shadow all go

(1(peel)
)
st

S
(foot)

Bear

E N

E
W

S $$

E
M

Strg A- Wk Stg
A A Stg B
Contain

(foot)
Blitz-peel

S W

E
M

1st

N
W

E S
M

S
$$

Bear with different

with Rover Personnel
H

S $$

Ram under fire Rock

Ram under Baltimore

2nd

$$

E
M

H
Blitz-peel

Bear with different

positioning

Ram under slice

Ram shade all go

(peel)

Ram under Mike fire

Rock
H

E
W

E S
M

Previo
us

Next

Ram shade whip fire (Rock)

S E
C

N
M

$$

E H
W

TC

C
F$

2011 defensive notes and ideas

TC

In the Ram fire scheme- if you give a crazy tag it will give your SE a two way go vs an open end- may
tilt in- set up Tackle
In crazy call move nose to a shade 1 tech to the crazy side- sam and mike must play run first
Dont run Crazy vs option threat and not good vs run situations
Do the same in the Slam Fire scheme crazy call is now for the RE- nose will shade to the Rush side

C
$

Previo
us

Next

C
$

TC

2011 defensive notes and ideas

In the Ram fire series-You can run black Peel- the Mike now blitzes to daylight and the SE and H- blitz
to peel (rush to cover)
Do the same in the Slam fire series crazy call is now for the RE- nose will shade to the Rush side

Peel-3
Peel-3

C
1

$
2

Previo
us

Next

$
free

C
1

TC

2011 defensive notes and ideas

In the 50 series-You can run green - the sam now blitzes to daylight and the SE and H- blitz to peel
(rush to cover)
Do the same in the 54 series crazy call is now for the RE- nose will shade to the Rush side

$
2

Previo
us

Next

$
2

TC
Ram Fire Series Coverage Adjustments: (if in doubt
Pro
Spread
Heavy
3
3
2
2
1
check
Rock)
2
3
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
H

N
W

F$

E
W

F$

$$

$$

S
$$

F$

Everything gets Check Trigger

Yes:

No:Check Rock

Rock, Wolf, Shale, Roll, Exit

Slot

1
H

F$

F$

3
2

2
E
W

F$

Yes:

$$

S
C

M
$$

F$

Yes:
No:Check Rock
Yes:
No: Check Rock
Rock
Rock, Shale Exit, Wolf, Roll, Cub shade/shadow
Rock, Shale, Wolf, Exit, Roll
Exit, Wolf, Roll, Cub shade/shadow

Double

SS- re rocks and controls #2 strg, Samcontrols #3 strg,

M- buzz backside #2 weak, Cs- outside 1/3,
F$- middle 1/3
3
Flank
2
1
1
2

No:Check

Rock, Shale

$$

Yes:

Check Rock
Yes:
No:
Exit, Wolf unless #2 is a TE.
Rock, Shale, Roll,
Cub shade/shadow- if # 2
is removed
Dbl slot
3
2
2
1
1

Rock, Wolf, Shale, Roll,

$$

Exit

Yes:

2
E

W
F$

No:Check Rock

Trips

Dbl flank
1
2

Rock, Wolf, Shale, Roll

M
$$

Exit

1
S

No:Check Rock

N
M

E
W

H
F$

$$

Check Rock
Yes:
No:
124
Rock, Shale,Exit, Wolf, Roll, Cub shade/shadow

Previo
us

Next

TC

Slam Fire
Series

Slam Fire Series- Outside ZB from strg side

it is the exact look from other side.
Rock- $$ control strong #2
Roll- Corner controls strong #2

Black (man free)

Green (man to man)

Exit- DE controls strong #2

Wolf- Mike controls strong #2
Shale- Sam controls strong #2
Cat- Mike controls strong #2
Boxer- nose controls middle, $$- controls #2 strong
Black

125

Previo
us

Slam Fire- cover Rock

Next

1/3
POS.

Sam

$$

Alignment
FOOT

Run Gap:
D ST

MIDDLE

NUMBERS

NUMBERS
F$
Pass

CONTAIN

B ST

PASS RUSHER

Mike

A ST

PASS RUSHER

Nose 0 TECH

A WK

PASS RUSHER

Will

B WK

MIDDLE PLAYER

W End 4 TECH

C WK

CONTAIN PR

Hawk GHOST

D WK

30 TECH

SHELL

$$

SHELL

WC

SHELL

LATE RUN

OUTSIDE 1/3

F$

SHELL

LATE RUN

MIDDLE 1/3

C ST

Plan of Action
BLITZ AND CONTAIN
PR TEC NO HANDS
BLITZ SPACE

Angle
PLAY RUN FIRST FIND # 3 MIDDLE
ANCHOR AND CONTAIN

NUMBERS PLAYER PLAY RUN FIRST FIND # 2 NUMBERS

SC

LATE RUN

1/3

1/3

S End 4 TECH
30 TECH

TC

OUTSIDE 1/3

IDENTIFY THREATS

NUMBERS PLAYER FIT RUN AND FIND # 2 NUMBERS

IDENTIFY THREATS
126
HELP HOT ON 2 & BAIL MIDDLE 1/3

Previo
us

Next

Slam BULL fire- cover Shale

1/3
POS.

Sam

$$

Alignment

Run Gap:

MIDDLE

NUMBERS

TC

NUMBERS
F$

1/3

1/3
Pass

Plan of Action

D ST

NUMBERS PLAYER FIT RUN AND FIND # 2 NUMBERS

S End 4 TECH

C ST

CONTAIN

Mike

A ST

PASS RUSHER

Nose 0 TECH

A WK

PASS RUSHER

Will

B WK

MIDDLE PLAYER

W End 4 TECH

C WK

CONTAIN PR

Hawk GHOST

D WK

FOOT

30 TECH

30 TECH

SC

SHELL

$$

SHELL

WC

SHELL

F$

SHELL

LATE RUN
B ST

ATTACK TE CONTAIN
BLITZ SPACE

Angle
PLAY RUN FIRST FIND # 3 MIDDLE
ANCHOR AND CONTAIN

NUMBERS PLAYER PLAY RUN FIRST FIND # 2 NUMBERS

OUTSIDE 1/3

IDENTIFY THREATS

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ SPACE

LATE RUN

OUTSIDE 1/3

IDENTIFY THREATS

LATE RUN

MIDDLE 1/3

127
HELP HOT ON 2 & BAIL MIDDLE 1/3

Previo
us

Next

Slam BUCK fire- cover Shale

1/3
POS.

Sam

$$

Alignment

Run Gap:

MIDDLE

NUMBERS

TC

NUMBERS
F$

1/3

1/3
Pass

Plan of Action

A ST

NUMBERS PLAYER Blitz space 2nd through

S End 4 TECH

C ST

CONTAIN

Mike

B ST

PASS RUSHER

Nose 0 TECH

A WK

PASS RUSHER

Will

B WK

MIDDLE PLAYER

W End 4 TECH

C WK

CONTAIN PR

Hawk GHOST

D WK

FOOT

30 TECH

30 TECH

SHELL

$$

SHELL

WC

SHELL

LATE RUN

OUTSIDE 1/3

F$

SHELL

LATE RUN

MIDDLE 1/3

D ST

BLITZ SPACE- 1st through

Angle
PLAY RUN FIRST FIND # 3 MIDDLE
ANCHOR AND CONTAIN

NUMBERS PLAYER PLAY RUN FIRST FIND # 2 NUMBERS

SC

LATE RUN

ATTACK TE CONTAIN

OUTSIDE 1/3
PASS RUSHER

IDENTIFY THREATS
Fit Run and find #2 numbers
IDENTIFY THREATS
128
HELP HOT ON 2 & BAIL MIDDLE 1/3

Previo
us

Next

Slam TUG fire- cover Rock

1/3
POS.

Sam

$$

Alignment
FOOT

Run Gap:
D ST

MIDDLE

NUMBERS

NUMBERS
F$
Pass

CONTAIN

B TO A ST

PASS RUSHER

Mike

C TO B ST

PASS RUSHER

Nose 0 TECH

A WK

PASS RUSHER

Will

B WK

MIDDLE PLAYER

W End 4 TECH

C WK

CONTAIN PR

Hawk GHOST

D WK

30 TECH

SHELL

$$

SHELL

WC

SHELL

LATE RUN

OUTSIDE 1/3

F$

SHELL

LATE RUN

MIDDLE 1/3

C ST

Plan of Action
BLITZ AND CONTAIN
READ STUNT
BLITZ OFF OF ST END

Angle
PLAY RUN FIRST FIND # 3 MIDDLE
ANCHOR AND CONTAIN

NUMBERS PLAYER PLAY RUN FIRST FIND # 2 NUMBERS

SC

LATE RUN

1/3

1/3

S End 4 TECH
30 TECH

TC

OUTSIDE 1/3

IDENTIFY THREATS

NUMBERS PLAYER FIT RUN AND FIND # 2 NUMBERS

IDENTIFY THREATS
129
HELP HOT ON 2 & BAIL MIDDLE 1/3

Previo
us

Next

Slam READ Fire- cover WOLF

1/3
POS.

Sam

$$

Alignment

Run Gap:

MIDDLE

NUMBERS

TC

NUMBERS
F$

1/3

1/3
Pass

Plan of Action

6 TECH

C TO B ST

PASS RUSHER

READ STUNT

S End 4 TECH

B TO A ST

PASS RUSHER

READ STUNT

Mike

A TO D ST

NUMBERS PLAYER

30 TECH

Nose 0 TECH

A WK

PASS RUSHER

Will

B WK

MIDDLE PLAYER

W End 4 TECH

C WK

CONTAIN PR

Hawk GHOST

D WK

30 TECH

SC

SHELL

$$

SHELL

WC

SHELL

F$

SHELL

LATE RUN
D ST

FIT RUN & FIND #2 NUMBERS

Angle
PLAY RUN FIRST FIND # 3 MIDDLE
ANCHOR AND CONTAIN

NUMBERS PLAYER PLAY RUN FIRST FIND # 2 NUMBERS

OUTSIDE 1/3

IDENTIFY THREATS

CONTAIN

BLITZ CONTAIN

LATE RUN

OUTSIDE 1/3

IDENTIFY THREATS

LATE RUN

MIDDLE 1/3

130
HELP HOT ON 2 & BAIL MIDDLE 1/3

Previo
us

Next

Slam SHADE fire- cover Rock

1/3
POS.

Sam

$$

Alignment

Run Gap:

MIDDLE

NUMBERS

NUMBERS
F$
Pass

C ST

S End 3 TECH

B ST

PASS RUSHER

Mike

A ST

PASS RUSHER

Nose Shade 1 TECH

A WK

PASS RUSHER

Will

B WK

MIDDLE PLAYER

W End 5 TECH

C WK

CONTAIN PR

Hawk OFF

D WK

30 TECH

CONTAIN

SHELL

$$

SHELL

WC

SHELL

LATE RUN

OUTSIDE 1/3

F$

SHELL

LATE RUN

MIDDLE 1/3

D ST

Plan of Action
BLITZ AND CONTAIN
PR TEC NO HANDS
BLITZ SPACE

Angle
PLAY RUN FIRST FIND # 3 MIDDLE
ANCHOR AND CONTAIN

NUMBERS PLAYER PLAY RUN FIRST FIND # 2 NUMBERS

SC

LATE RUN

1/3

1/3

7 TECH

30 TECH

TC

OUTSIDE 1/3

IDENTIFY THREATS

NUMBERS PLAYER FIT RUN AND FIND # 2 NUMBERS

IDENTIFY THREATS
131
HELP HOT ON 2 & BAIL MIDDLE 1/3

Previo
us

Next

Slam SHADOW fire- cover Shale

1/3
POS.

Sam

$$

Alignment

MIDDLE

NUMBERS

TC

Run Gap:

NUMBERS
F$

1/3

1/3
Pass

Plan of Action

7 TECH

C ST

NUMBERS PLAYER FIT RUN AND FIND # 2 NUMBERS

S End 3 TECH

A ST

PASS RUSHER

Mike

B ST

PASS RUSHER

Nose Shade 1 TECH

A WK

PASS RUSHER

Will

B WK

MIDDLE PLAYER

W End 5 TECH

C WK

CONTAIN PR

Hawk OFF

D WK

30 TECH OR 40I

30 TECH

SC

SHELL

$$

SHELL

WC

SHELL

F$

SHELL

LATE RUN
D ST

RIP TEC
BLITZ SPACE

Angle
PLAY RUN FIRST FIND # 3 MIDDLE
ANCHOR AND CONTAIN

NUMBERS PLAYER PLAY RUN FIRST FIND # 2 NUMBERS

OUTSIDE 1/3

IDENTIFY THREATS

CONTAIN

BLITZ CONTAIN

LATE RUN

OUTSIDE 1/3

IDENTIFY THREATS

LATE RUN

MIDDLE 1/3

132
HELP HOT ON 2 & BAIL MIDDLE 1/3

Previo
us

Next Slam Fire Series: 3 under 3 Deep Coverage

Slam Will Fire Rock

F$

$$

E
M

$$

F$

E
M

$$

Slam Shade Fire Exit

W
F$

F$

$$

E
W

Slam Shadow Fire

Rock

W
F$

$$

Slam Shade Fire

Rock
S

Slam Bull Fire Rock

TC
Slam Read Fire Rock

E
M

$$

E
W
F$

133

Previo
us

Next Slam Fire Series: 3 under 3 Deep Coverage

Slam Shade Fire

Twist Shale
S

Slam Read Fire cat

N
M

E
W
F$

Slam Fire

F$

$$

N
M

$$

E
W
F$

W
F$

$$

Slam Fire

N
M

$$ and C show late- $$ will

rotate down to where
corner would normally
align to take away - hitch

Slam Buck FireShale

E
M

F$

$$

$$

TC

Slam Fire

N
M

$$

E
W
F$

134

Slam shade fire series

Cover: rock

Slam shade In Will fire

Slam shade fire

Ram shade fire series

S
$$

N
W

Cover: rock

TC

Slam shade over fire

S
$$

N
W

$$

Tag go send W, 0 cover

Tag go send W, 0 cover

Tag go send W, 0 cover

Shade shade g over fire

Slam shade under fire

Slam shade even fire

E
H

S
$$

E
$$

$$

Tag go send W, 0 cover

Tag go send W, 0 cover

Tag go send W, 0 cover

Ram shade fire

Ram shade solid- fire

3 strong/4/2/3wk

Ram shade over fire

E
W

H
$$

30 shade g solid- puts N in 2i

Tag go send M, 0 cover

50 shade g over fire

Ram shade all over fire

Rm shade sin- 3 strong

E
W

E
M

Tag go send M, 0 cover

H
F$

E
W

E
M

Tag go send M, 0 cover

E
W

Tag go send M, 0 cover

E
M

Tag go send M, 0 cover

$$

Previo
us

Next

TC
Slam shade whip Fire (Rock) good vs 0
te

S
C

E
M

$$

H
C

W
F$

Slam Fire Series Coverage Adjustments: (When in doubt TC

Pro
Spread
Heavy
check 3Rock)
3
2
2
1
2

2
E

N
W

F$

Exit if in a reduced
front
2

1
N

F$

C
$$

Yes:

Rock, Shale, Roll, Exit, Wolf

3
2

H
F$

Yes:

Rock, Shale,

E
W

$$
Check Rock
No:
Exit, Wolf Roll

Yes:

3
2

2
N

E
W

S
C

M
$$

Yes:

Rock, Shale, Exit, Roll, Wolf

trips

F$

W
F$

Wolf, Roll, Exit

Wolf, Roll, Exit

Check Rock
No:

$$

No:Check Rock

Flank

$$

Dbl flank
1
2
H

Yes:

Rock, Shale

Yes:

F$

F$

Check Rock
No:

$$

Rock, Shale
Slot-open

Yes:
No:Check Rock
Rock, Shale, Roll, Exit Exit if in a reduced
front

Double slot
2
1

F$

Check Rock
No:

Rock, Shale, Roll, Exit

Wolf vs a tight #2

$$

Yes:

Slot

M
$$

No:Check Rock
Exit
of in a
Rock, Shale, Wolf, Roll, Exit
reduced front

1
S

N
M

Check Rock
No:

E
W
$$

C
F$

Check
Trigger
FS- re rocks
and controls #2 strg, Hawk137
controls #3 strg,W - buzz backside
#2 weak,
Cs- outside 1/3,

Previo
us

Next

TC

Mace Fire
Series
Mace Fire Series- Middle (Inside) ZB
from strg side
it is the exact look from other side.

Flash
Strike
Shell
Note: Mace doesnt need to be called in the Huddle
138

Previo
us

Next Mace Fire Series: 3 under 3 Deep Coverage

Strike $$ drops middle,

Flash F$ drops middle,

OLB - #s, F$ middle 1/3

OLB- #s, $$- middle 1/3

N
M

E
H

$
$

F
$

Trey

N
M

$
$

Trey

F
$

between F$ & Hawk

N
M

E
W

$
$

between F$ and
Hawk- Shadow Flash vs. a
Removed #2

F
$

If we face trips we will check

Trey in all fronts F$ and $$
will have to re-rock to the side

N
M

$
$

E
W

S
H

F
$

N
M

$
$

of the trips

F
$

Note: We Will check Trey if

we are in a reduced front
(shade/Shadow) vs a removed #
2

Trey

between $$ and Sam

TC

139

Previo
us

Mace X Cover Strike

Next

N
M

Sam

Alignment
OFF

Run Gap:
D ST

NUMBERS
F$

$$
POS.

MIDDLE

NUMBERS

TC

Pass

Plan of Action

NUMBERS FIND # 2 RUN FIRST THEN FIND # 2

S End 4 TECH

C ST

Mike 30 TECH

B WK

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ WK B- SECOND

Nose 0 TECH

A ST

PASS RUSHER

ANGLE GO A STRONG

Will

A WK

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ WK A- FIRST

30 TECH

CONTAIN

W End 4 TECH

C WK

Hawk OFF

D WK

SC

SHELL

Late Run

$$

SHELL

B ST

WC

SHELL

Late Run

Outside 1/3

F$

SHELL

Late Run

MIDDLE 1/3

CONTAIN

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

NUMBERS FIND # 2 RUN FIRST THEN FIND # 2

Outside 1/3

Identify threats

MIDDLE PLAYER FIND FIT

#3 FOR RUN FIND #3
Identify threats

140
BAIL ON # 2 HOT, THEN MIDDLE 1/3

Previo
us

Mace WAX Cover Strike

Next

N
M

Sam

Alignment
OFF

Run Gap:
D ST

NUMBERS
F$

$$
POS.

MIDDLE

NUMBERS

TC

Pass

Plan of Action

NUMBERS FIND # 2 RUN FIRST THEN FIND # 2

S End 4 TECH

C ST

Mike 30 TECH

A WK

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ WK A- SECOND

Nose 0 TECH

B WK

PASS RUSHER

LONG SCOOP OFF OF OG

Will

A ST

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ ST A- FIRST

30 TECH

CONTAIN

W End 4 TECH

C WK

Hawk OFF

D WK

SC

SHELL

Late Run

$$

SHELL

B ST

WC

SHELL

Late Run

Outside 1/3

F$

SHELL

Late Run

MIDDLE 1/3

CONTAIN

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

NUMBERS FIND # 2 RUN FIRST THEN FIND # 2

Outside 1/3

Identify threats

MIDDLE PLAYER FIND FIT

#3 FOR RUN FIND #3
Identify threats

141
BAIL ON # 2 HOT, THEN MIDDLE 1/3

Previo
us

Next

Mace SEX Cover FLASH

N
M

Sam

Alignment
OFF

Run Gap:
D ST

NUMBERS
F$

$$
POS.

MIDDLE

NUMBERS

TC

Pass

Plan of Action

NUMBERS FIND # 2 RUN FIRST THEN FIND # 2

S End 4 TECH

C ST

Mike 30 TECH

A ST

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ WK A- FIRST

Nose 0 TECH

A WK

PASS RUSHER

ANGLE GO A WEAK

Will

B ST

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ ST B- SECOND

30 TECH

CONTAIN

W End 4 TECH

C WK

Hawk OFF

D WK

SC

SHELL

Late Run

Outside 1/3

$$

SHELL

Late Run

MIDDLE 1/3

WC

SHELL

Late Run

Outside 1/3

F$

SHELL

B WK

CONTAIN

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

NUMBERS FIND # 2 RUN FIRST THEN FIND # 2

Identify threats

BAIL ON # 2 HOT, THEN MIDDLE 1/3

Identify threats

MIDDLE PLAYER FIND FIT

#3 FOR RUN FIND #3

142

Previo
us

Mace MIX Cover FLASH

Next

N
M

Sam

Alignment
OFF

Run Gap:
D ST

NUMBERS
F$
Pass

Plan of Action

NUMBERS FIND # 2 RUN FIRST THEN FIND # 2

S End 4 TECH

C ST

Mike 30 TECH

A WK

PASS RUSHER

Nose 0 TECH

B ST

PASS RUSHER

Will

A ST

PASS RUSHER

30 TECH

$$
POS.

MIDDLE

NUMBERS

TC

CONTAIN

W End 4 TECH

C WK

Hawk OFF

D WK

SC

SHELL

Late Run

Outside 1/3

$$

SHELL

Late Run

MIDDLE 1/3

WC

SHELL

Late Run

Outside 1/3

F$

SHELL

B WK

CONTAIN

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

BLITZ WK A- FIRST
LONG SCOOP OFF OF GUARD
BLITZ ST A- SECOND
ANCHOR & CONTAIN

NUMBERS FIND # 2 RUN FIRST THEN FIND # 2

Identify threats

BAIL ON # 2 HOT, THEN MIDDLE 1/3

Identify threats

MIDDLE PLAYER FIND FIT

#3 FOR RUN FIND #3

143

Previo
us

Next

Mace SHADE Fire Cover FLASH

MIDDLE OF THE FIELD SY

ALSO SHADE BLACK

REMOVED #2 TREY CALL- HAWK IN

MIDDLE F$ ON NUMBERS.

H
C

MIDDLE

NUMBERS

NUMBERS
F$

$$
POS.

Sam

Alignment
FOOT

TC

Run Gap:
D ST

Pass

Plan of Action

NUMBERS FIND # 2 RUN FIRST THEN FIND # 2

S End 5 TECH

C ST

Mike 30 TECH

B ST

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ B ST

Nose 1 TECH ST

A ST

PASS RUSHER

ATTACK PR

Will

A WK

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ WK A

30 TECH

CONTAIN

W End 3 TECH

B WK

Hawk 5 TECH

C WK

SC

SHELL

Late Run

Outside 1/3

$$

SHELL

Late Run

MIDDLE 1/3

WC

SHELL

Late Run

Outside 1/3

F$

SHELL

B WK

CONTAIN

PR & CONTAIN

BLITZ & CONTAIN

NUMBERS FIND # 2RUN FIRST THEN FIND # 2- ALERT T

Identify threats

BAIL ON # 2 HOT, THEN MIDDLE 1/3

Identify threats

MIDDLE PLAYER FIND FIT

#3 FOR RUN FIND #3

144

Previo
us

Next

Mace SHADOW Cover FLASH

MIDDLE OF THE FIELD SY

ALSO SHADE BLACK

REMOVED #2 TREY CALL- HAWK IN

MIDDLE F$ ON NUMBERS.

H
C

MIDDLE

NUMBERS

NUMBERS
F$

$$
POS.

Sam

Alignment
FOOT

TC

Run Gap:
D ST

Pass

Plan of Action

NUMBERS FIND # 2 RUN FIRST THEN FIND # 2

S End 5 TECH

C ST

Mike 30 TECH

B ST

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ B ST

Nose 1 TECH ST

A ST

PASS RUSHER

ATTACK PR

Will

B WK

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ WK B

30 TECH

CONTAIN

W End 3 TECH

A WK

Hawk 5 TECH

C WK

SC

SHELL

Late Run

Outside 1/3

$$

SHELL

Late Run

MIDDLE 1/3

WC

SHELL

Late Run

Outside 1/3

F$

SHELL

B WK

CONTAIN

PR & CONTAIN

RIP AND PR

NUMBERS FIND # 2RUN FIRST THEN FIND # 2- ALERT T

Identify threats

BAIL ON # 2 HOT, THEN MIDDLE 1/3

Identify threats

MIDDLE PLAYER FIND FIT

#3 FOR RUN FIND #3

145

E
C

N
W

Mace
Baltimore
Rock

E
M

$$

F$

Good with
Psycho or
Packer
personnel

Trey
E
C

N
W

F$

E
M

$$

146

Mace Slice Rock

E
C

N
W

E
M

Good with
Psycho or
Packer
personnel

$$

F$

Trey
E
C

N
W

F$

E
M

$$

147

Mace Slice Rock

E
C

N
W

E
M

$$

F$

Good with
Psycho or
Packer
personnel
Can be run
out of 52

Trey
E
C

N
W

F$

E
M

$$

148

Previo
us

Next

Mace: Shell, 4 under 2 deep

N
M

E
W

$
$

F
$

N
M

E
H

$
F
$
$
We can run all of our zone
blitzs against Flex and Flexed
closed

We can run all of our zone

blitzs against Pro

ILBs and OLBs exchange blitz

vs removed #2

E
C

S
$$

N
M

W
F$

Check Rock to trips side:

Safety to trips will rock down and
control #2, OLB or ILB to trips will control #3, OLB away from
trips controls #2 (RB)m Safety away from trips hot on #3 then
drops middle third, corners outside 1/3s.

TC

N
M

E
W

$
F
$
$
We can run all of our zone
blitzs against bandit
ILBs and OLBs exchange blitz
vs removed #2
Shell Coverage
Safeties cover s
Corners in the Flats
OLB/ILB or DEs cover hashdont allow #2 to get inside to
the open middle
We will mostly our 52 ZB game
but there are some blitzes from
the 50/54 series that we can
run with Shell coverage.

149

Previo
us

SEX COVER SHELL

Next

N
M

C
FLAT

E
H

HASH

Sam

Alignment
OFF

Run Gap:
D ST

C
HASH

$$

POS.

TC

FLAT

F$

Pass
HASH PLAYER # 2

Plan of Action
RUN FIRST THEN FIND # 2

S End 4 TECH

C ST

Mike 30 TECH

A ST

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ STG A - FIRST

Nose 0 TECH

A WK

PASS RUSHER

SLANT FOR WEAK RUN

Will

B ST

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ ST B- SECOND

30 TECH

CONTAIN

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

W End 4 TECH

C WK

Hawk OFF

GUARD DOWN- B,
GUARD TO= D

SC

SHELL

Late Run

FLAT PLAYER

CONTROL #1

$$

SHELL

Late Run

PLAYER

ZONE

WC

SHELL

Late Run

FLAT PLAYER

CONTROL #1

F$

SHELL

LATE RUN

PLAYER

ZONE

CONTAIN
HASH PLAYER # 2

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

RUN FIRST THEN FIND # 2

150

Previo
us

MIX COVER SHELL

Next

N
M

C
FLAT

E
H

HASH

Sam

Alignment
OFF

Run Gap:
D ST

C
HASH

$$

POS.

TC

FLAT

F$

Pass
HASH PLAYER # 2

Plan of Action
RUN FIRST THEN FIND # 2

S End 4 TECH

C ST

Mike 30 TECH

A WK

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ WK A- FIRST

Nose 0 TECH

B ST

PASS RUSHER

LONG SCOOP B STRONG

Will

A ST

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ ST A- SECOND

30 TECH

CONTAIN

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

W End 4 TECH

C WK

Hawk OFF

GUARD DOWN- B,
GUARD TO= D

SC

SHELL

Late Run

FLAT PLAYER

CONTROL #1

$$

SHELL

Late Run

PLAYER

ZONE

WC

SHELL

Late Run

FLAT PLAYER

CONTROL #1

F$

SHELL

LATE RUN

PLAYER

ZONE

CONTAIN
HASH PLAYER # 2

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

RUN FIRST THEN FIND # 2

151

Previo
us

FIRE COVER SHELL

Next

N
M

C
FLAT

Sam

HASH

Alignment
FOOT

W
HASH

$$

POS.

Run Gap:
D ST

TC

FLAT

F$

Pass
CONTAIN

Plan of Action
BLITZ & CONTAIN

S End 4 TECH

B ST

PASS RUSHER

ANGLE & GO

Mike 30 TECH

C ST

HASH PLAYER

FIND #2

Nose 0 TECH

A ST

PASS RUSHER

ANGLE AND GO

Will

A WK

HASH PLAYER

FIND #2

40 TECH

W End 4 TECH
Hawk GHOST

B WK
C WK

CONTAIN

BLITZ & CONTAIN

CONTAIN

BLITZ AND CONTAIN

SC

SHELL

Late Run

FLAT PLAYER

CONTROL #1

$$

SHELL

Late Run

PLAYER

ZONE

WC

SHELL

Late Run

FLAT PLAYER

CONTROL #1

F$

SHELL

LATE RUN

PLAYER

ZONE

152

Previo
us

BUCK COVER SHELL

Next

S
C
FLAT

N
M

HASH

HASH

$$

POS.

Alignment

Run Gap:

TC

FLAT

F$

Pass

Plan of Action

Sam HEAD (6 TECH)

S End 4 TECH

C ST

Mike 40i TECH

D ST

HASH PLAYER

Nose 0 TECH

A ST

PASS RUSHER

ANGLE AND GO

Will

A WK

HASH PLAYER

FIND #2

30 TECH

W End 4 TECH
Hawk GHOST

B ST

C WK
B WK

PASS RUSHER
CONTAIN

CONTAIN

BLITZ B
ANCHOR AND CONTAIN
FIND #2

ANCHOR & CONTAIN

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ B

SC

SHELL

Late Run

FLAT PLAYER

CONTROL #1

$$

SHELL

Late Run

PLAYER

ZONE

WC

SHELL

Late Run

FLAT PLAYER

CONTROL #1

F$

SHELL

LATE RUN

PLAYER

ZONE

153

Previo
us

TC

Next

43
Zone
Blitzes
Choice- Depending on the game plan we will choice blitz
to a tendency. For example we may choice our blitz to
the back. The huddle call would be Boston Choice or
Dog Choice
Weak- We may blitz to the weak side of the offensive
Cover 33 (Rock)(Shale/Wolf/Frisco)
Frisco- Safety Blitz invert #s formation. Seattle Weak

Black
Green

Strong- We may blitz to the strong side of the offensive

formation. Seattle strong
Joker- We will show a dog blitz to on side and blitz the
other. Sam Dog Joker We will run the Sam Dog but
the Will linebacker shows blitz
Trey- When the 5 tech (numbers player) drops into the
middle hole. Call made vs. a removed #2 receiver away
from the blitz
154

Previo
us

Next 43 Zone Blitzes- 33 coverage joker/Choice

Will Dog (we can also

run Cannon)

Sam Dog (we can

also run Cannon)

H
W

F$

$$

Field

$$

$$

H
W

M
F$

SE- 7 bubble, N- 2 angle, E- 2angle, H 5 - crash

Twist Mike Barrel

Flash

E
W

F$

$$

Tornado Will Dog

Field

Field Dog (or

Cannon)

F$

E
W

F$

Boundary

SE- 7 crash, N- 2 angle, E- 3- Angle

PR, H 5 PR

Boundary Dog (or

Cannon)
E

$$

SE- 7 bubble, N- 2 angle, E- 2

angle, H 5 - crash
Boundary

TC

E
M

$$

H
W
F$

155

Previo
us

Next 43 Zone Blitzes- 33 coverage joker/Choice

Boundary

Field Boundary

Boston

Boundary
Boundary

N
M

$$

F$

H
W

E
S

$$

E
M

H
W
F$

$$

Boston Strong
Boxer-

C
W

F$

43 read Cat

H
W

$$

Field
Seattle

F$

$$

Field

Seattle

TC
Boundary
Field
Boundary Boston

F$

F$- roll to corners normal

positioning- can even be a
press cover- F$ has the 1/3

E
S

H
W

M
$$

F$

156

New Ideas:
43 Drive weak
boxer

Seattle Strong
Boxer-

S
F$

$$

TC

H
W

M
F$

$$

33 fire zone
shell
40 nickel + stunt or fire and
coverage

S
W

$$

40 Dime + stunt or fire and

coverage

5 c
F$

Front 4 top pass rushers

H/S can 2 pt.

10 c
$$

H
5 c

M
F$

157

Previo
us

Next

Boston Strong- cover Rock

CONTAIN

TC

Check Trey vs. removed #2 AWAY FROM BLITZ

CONTAIN

Mike- inside
G/Back
Sam- outside
G/Back
Sam can sugar
up on the Los
and take 2
steps up field
and the come
under end.
POS.

Sam

50 TECH.

Mike 00 TECH.
Nose 2i TECH.
50 TECH.

NUMBERS

H
C

MIDDLE

NUMBERS
F$

$$

Alignment

S End 9 TECH.

Will

Run Gap:
C TO B ST
D ST
A TO B ST
A WK
D WK TO FIT

W End 3 TECH.

B WK

Hawk 5 TECH.

C WK

Pass
PASS RUSHER
CONTAIN
PASS RUSHER
PASS RUSHER
MIDDLE PLAYER
CONTAIN

Shell

$$

Shell

WC

Shell

LATE RUN

OUTSIDE 1/3

F$

Shell

LATE RUN

MIDDLE 1/3

D ST

Plan of Action
BLITZ READ OFF OT, STAY OUTSIDE
G AND BACK

BLITZ AND CONTAIN

BLITZ OFF TH NOSE- INSIDE OG
LONG SCOOP OVR CENTR

FIND # 3 HOT ON 3- MAKE TREY CA

ATTACK INSIDE HIP OF OT- CONTAIN

NUMBERS PLAYER FIT RUN & FIND #2- ALERT TREY

SC

LATE RUN

Boston
StrongShale- S- #,
$$ takes
blitz

OUTSIDE 1/3
NUMBERS PLAYER

IDENTIFY THREATS
FIT RUN & FIND #2
IDENTIFY THREATS

158
HELP HOT ON #2 BAIL MIDDLE 1/3

Previo
us

Next

Check Trey vs. removed #2CONTAIN

Mike- inside
G/Back
Will- outside
G/Back

Sam

Alignment
50 tech

TC

ILB inside G/back, OLB outside G/Back

CONTAIN

Will can sugar

up on the Los
and take 2
steps up field
and the come
under end.
POS.

Boston Weak- cover Rock

N
S

NUMBERS

E
M

MIDDLE

NUMBERS

C ST

Boston Wkwolf- W- #,
F$ takes
blitz

F$

$$
Run Gap:

Pass
MIDDLE PLAYER

Plan of Action

RUN 1ST- FIND /HOT ON #3, MAKE T

S End 7 tech

D ST

NUMBERS PLAYER FIND 2- ALERT TREY CALL

Mike 00 tech

A WK

PASS RUSHER

Nose 3 tech

B ST

Will

B WK

PASS RUSHER

W End 2i tech

A ST

PASS RUSHER

Hawk 5 tech

C WK

50 tech

CONTAIN

INSIDE HIP OF OT- CONTAIN

BLITZ OFF OF END, OUTSIDE OG/B
LONG SCOOP OVER CENTER

CONTAIN

BLITZ & CONTAIN

IDENTIFY THREATS

SC

Shell

LATE RUN

OUTSIDE 1/3

$$

Shell

LATE RUN

MIDDLE 1/3

WC

Shell

LATE RUN

OUTSIDE 1/3

F$

Shell

D WK

BLITZ OFF OF END, INSIDE OG/B

NUMBERS PLAYER

HELP HOT ON #2 BAIL MIDDLE 1/3

IDENTIFY THREATS
159
FIT RUN FIRST & FIND #2

Previo
us

Next

SEATTLE Strong- cover Rock

Check Trey vs. removed #2 AWAY FROM BLITZ

CONTAIN

CONTAIN

NUMBERS

E
M

Alignment

Sam OFF STEM TO IT

S End 7 TECH.

MIDDLE

NUMBERS
F$

$$
POS.

TC

Run Gap:
D ST
B TO A ST

Pass
CONTAIN

Boston
StrongShale- S- #,
$$ takes
blitz

Plan of Action
BLITZ AND CONTAIN

PASS RUSHER

READ TEC OFF OF OG

Mike 00 TECH.

B ST TO C ST

PASS RUSHER

BLITZ OFF THE ST END

Nose 3 TECH.

A ST TO A WK

PASS RUSHER

READ TEC OFF OF CENTER

Will

D WK TO FIT

MIDDLE PLAYER

50 TECH.

W End 2i TECH.

B WK

Hawk 5 TECH.

C WK

CONTAIN

Shell

$$

Shell

WC

Shell

LATE RUN

OUTSIDE 1/3

F$

Shell

LATE RUN

MIDDLE 1/3

D ST

ATTACK INSIDE HIP OF OT- CONTAIN

NUMBERS PLAYER FIT RUN & FIND #2- ALERT TREY

SC

LATE RUN

FIND # 3 HOT ON 3- MAKE TREY CA

OUTSIDE 1/3
NUMBERS PLAYER

IDENTIFY THREATS
FIT RUN & FIND #2
IDENTIFY THREATS

160
HELP HOT ON #2 BAIL MIDDLE 1/3

Previo
us

Next

SEATTLE Weak- cover Rock

Check Trey vs. removed #2CONTAIN

TC

ILB inside G/back, OLB outside G/Back

CONTAIN

N
S

NUMBERS

E
M

MIDDLE

NUMBERS

Sam

Alignment
50 tech

S End 7 tech
Mike 00 tech

Run Gap:
C ST
D ST
B TO C WK

Pass
MIDDLE PLAYER

Plan of Action

RUN 1ST- FIND /HOT ON #3, MAKE T

NUMBERS PLAYER FIND 2- ALERT TREY CALL

PASS RUSHER

Nose 3 tech

B ST

CONTAIN

Will

D WK

CONTAIN

50 tech

Boston WKWolf- w- #,
$$ takes
blitz

F$

$$
POS.

BLITZ OFF OF THE HAWK

INSIDE HIP OF OT- CONTAIN
BLITZ CONTAIN

W End 2i tech

A TO A

PASS RUSHER

READ TEC OFF OF CENTER

Hawk 5 tech

A TO B WK

PASS RUSHER

READ TEC OFF OF GUARD

SC

Shell

LATE RUN

OUTSIDE 1/3

$$

Shell

LATE RUN

MIDDLE 1/3

WC

Shell

LATE RUN

OUTSIDE 1/3

F$

Shell

D WK

NUMBERS PLAYER

IDENTIFY THREATS
HELP HOT ON #2 BAIL MIDDLE 1/3
IDENTIFY THREATS
161
FIT RUN FIRST & FIND #2

Previo
us

Next

Pittsburgh Strong- cover Rock

Check Trey vs. removed #2 AWAY FROM BLITZ

CONTAIN

CONTAIN

NUMBERS

E
M

Alignment

MIDDLE

NUMBERS
F$

$$
POS.

Run Gap:

Pass

Sam OFF STEM TO IT

C to B ST

Pass Rusher

S End 7 TECH.

B TO A ST

PASS RUSHER

Mike 00 TECH.

D ST

Contain

Nose 3 TECH.

A ST TO A WK

PASS RUSHER

Will

D WK TO FIT

MIDDLE PLAYER

50 TECH.

W End2i TECH. or 2

B WK

Hawk 5 TECH.

C WK

TC

CONTAIN

Shell

$$

Shell

WC

Shell

LATE RUN

OUTSIDE 1/3

F$

Shell

LATE RUN

MIDDLE 1/3

D ST

BLITZ
READ TEC OFF OF OG
BLITZ OFF Contain
READ TEC OFF OF CENTER

FIND # 3 HOT ON 3- MAKE TREY CA

ATTACK INSIDE HIP OF OT- CONTAIN

NUMBERS PLAYER FIT RUN & FIND #2- ALERT TREY

SC

LATE RUN

Plan of Action

OUTSIDE 1/3
NUMBERS PLAYER

IDENTIFY THREATS
FIT RUN & FIND #2
IDENTIFY THREATS

162
HELP HOT ON #2 BAIL MIDDLE 1/3

Previo
us

Next

Pittsburgh Weak- cover Rock

Check Trey vs. removed #2CONTAIN

TC

ILB inside G/back, OLB outside G/Back

CONTAIN

N
S

NUMBERS

E
M

MIDDLE

NUMBERS
F$

$$
POS.

Sam

Alignment
50 tech

Run Gap:
C ST

Pass
MIDDLE PLAYER

Plan of Action

RUN 1ST- FIND /HOT ON #3, MAKE T

S End 7 tech

D ST

NUMBERS PLAYER FIND 2- ALERT TREY CALL

Mike 00 tech

D wk

PASS RUSHER

Nose 3 tech

B ST

Will

50 tech

C to B WK

CONTAIN
CONTAIN

BLITZ OFF OF THE Will- Blitz contain

INSIDE HIP OF OT- CONTAIN
BLITZ CONTAIN

W End 2i tech

A TO A

PASS RUSHER

READ TEC OFF OF CENTER

Hawk 5 tech

A TO B WK

PASS RUSHER

READ TEC OFF OF GUARD

SC

Shell

LATE RUN

OUTSIDE 1/3

$$

Shell

LATE RUN

MIDDLE 1/3

WC

Shell

LATE RUN

OUTSIDE 1/3

F$

Shell

D WK

NUMBERS PLAYER

IDENTIFY THREATS
HELP HOT ON #2 BAIL MIDDLE 1/3
IDENTIFY THREATS
163
FIT RUN FIRST & FIND #2

Previo
us

TREY CALL

Next

TC

Zone Blitz with a 5 tech dropping

Removed # 2

E
M

$$

Check Trey

F$

Boston, Seattle, or Pittsburgh

Whenever #2 is removed away from blitz
The OLB/ILB must check Trey- the puts the end into
the middle

164

TC
Boston- Weak- Frisco

E
S

H
W

$$

Seattle- Weak- Frisco

F$

v
$$

E
M

H
W

F$

The is also

165

Previo
us

Next

E
C

TC

Odd Arson (Rock or Flash)

S
$$

N E
M

H
W

F$

Previo
us

43 scalp strong Rock- 2 way go vs TE set- TC

Next

if tackle sets on end go Sam -b gap, if he pass blocks Sam go c gap vs. no TE blitz B

2 way go

E
C

S
$$

E H

N
M

F$

Previo
us

43 scalp weak Rock- 2 way go vs TE set-

Next

if tackle sets on end go Will -b gap, if he pass blocks Will go c gap vs. no TE- blitz B

E
C

S
$$

E H

N
M

F$

TC

Previo
us

Next

E
C

TC

Sting Weak (Rock)

S
$$

E
M

H
W

F$

Sting strong (Rock) (alert for trey or

Previo
Next
trigger)
us

S E
C

N
M

H
W

$$
F$

TC

Previo
us

Next

E
C

TC

Whip Weak (Rock)

S
$$

E
M

H
W

F$

Sox Weak (Rock) (alert for Trey or Trigger)TC

Previo
us

Next

E
C

S
$$

N
M

H
W

C
F$

Sox weak Frisco

W-

Sox strong (Rock) (alert for trey or

Previo
trigger)
Next
us

E
C

N
M

H
W

$$
F$

TC

43 ND double Arson (Flash) (alert for

trey)
Previo
Next
us This stunt can also be run as 43 T.O.

E H

N
M

$$
F$

TC

43 ND double x Arson (Flash) (alert for

trey)
Previo
Next stunt can also be run as 43 T.O.
This
us

E H

N
M

S$

F$

TC

TC
43 ND crash double Barrel (Flash) (alert for
trey)
Previo
Next stunt can also be run as 43 T.O.
This
us

E H

N
M

$$
F$

Previo
us

Next

Additional
Fronts

TC

Stack front vs Heavy trips- we will shift the LB and trigger the
safeties
Ram Stack (we can also replace a safety with another Backer)
Slam Stack (we can also replace a safety with another Backer)
Bear (vs 1 back OLB and ILB can exchange roles)
44 (we can replace a safety with another backer or DL- heavier front)
All 44 stunts can be tagged/choiced/half/strong/weak
All blitzes can be taggedmike/will/sam/hawk/tight/split/strong/weak/boundary/field/choice/do
uble
Base Backer
Short yardage

Vs. Option
44- DE/H- QB, M/W- dive to QB, S/$$- pitchman
Stack game- same as 30/34 game
Bear- Contain player QB, M/W- Dive- QB- Pitch
Base Backer- Contain player- QB, Hash player- pitch- middle player Dive to QB

177

Previou
Next Ram stack 3 weak
s

F$
Curl/Flat

Hash

Hash

S
F$
Curl/Flat
Curl/Flat

Ram stack tug 3 weak

F$

Curl/Flat

Hash

#s player, #2

Hash

Hash

S
Curl/Flat

F$

Middle #3

Curl/Flat #s player, #2

Hash

Middle #3

Ram stack fire Rock (Shale)

Ram stack fire buck rock (shale)

F$

TC

Ram stack buck 3 weak

#s player, #2

Ram stack Fire Angle strong all blitz green

F$

#s player, #2 SAM and Hawk blitz peel

178

Previou
Next
s

F$

Ram stack angle weak all

blitz green

S
F$

Ram stack special

F$

E
M

Ram Stack TI Blitz Green

F$

Ram stack TO Blitz

F$

Nose- attack guard and drive thru slide

M/H read OG- if he slide to the center- blitz off his ass, if
slides away man up
W- blitz away from center and guard

SAM and End blitz peel

TC

Ram stack special

Ram stack Rip green

F$

S
179

Previou
Next
s

TC

Ram stack X Rock

S
C
$$

E
M

N
W

E
H

F$

Previo
us

Next

Seattle strong stack rock

TC
Vs removed #2 weak- Hawk will walk- Slam tug
Tag with a crazy call gives RE a 2 way go- Nose shade 1 weak
Seattle strong stack- green- Same but the Will blitz b or off the edge the RE takes the
opposite gap

E
M

S
C
$$

N
W

E
H

F$

Previou
Next Slam stack 3 strg
s

Curl/flat

Hash

$$
Curl/flat

Hash

Slam Stack Tug 3 strg

Curl/flat

Hash

#s player #2

$$
Curl/flat

Middle #3

Hash

$$
Curl/flat

Hash

#s player #2

$$

#s player #2

Middle #3

Slam Stack Tug Fire Rock

E
S

Slam Stack Fire Rock (shale- $$ from

outside)

Hash

Curl/flat

Slam Stack Buck Fire Rock

TC

Slam stack Buck 3 strg

$$

#s player #2
#s player #2

Middle #3

$$

#s182
player #2

Previou
Next
s

Seattle strong stack rock

TC
Vs removed #2 weak- Hawk will walk- slam tug
Tag with a crazy call gives RE a 2 way go- Nose shade 1 weak
Seattle strong stack- green- Same but the Will blitz b or off the edge the RE takes the
opposite gap

E
M

S
C
$$

N
W

E
H

F$

Previou
Next
s

$$
C

TC

Slam stack SEX fire Rock

E
S

N
M

$$

E
W

Previou
Next
s

Slam stack SEX Fire $$ drive- green

E
S

$$
C

N
M

E
W

TC

$$

$$- #2 strong, W- #3, H- #2 weak, corner- #1

Previou
Next
s

Bear (black)

$$

$$

S $$
M

Bear Mike (green)

Bear Will (green)

Bear Safety (green)

TC

Bear SAM (green)

S $$
M

Bear off (green)/ (black)

S
M

$$

H
W

N
M

$$
S
186

Angle right Okie

Previou
Next
s

H
$$

(vs dbl tight H- bubble) (All H/SE)

Shade

(30)

(20)

E
S

Odd

H
$$

H
S

(20)

$$

(30)

(30)

(20)

$$

Notre Dame also Notre Dame Pinch (+fires

E
W

M/W 20 (Feather to 30 on snap)

Gap Right Okie

(All pinch includes SE and Hawk)

(30)

$$
Pinch

TC

Left- cougar

N
M

(20)

H E

E
S

$$

W
(20i)

M
(20i)

E
S

187

Previou
Next
s

H
$$

$$

E
W

(30)

(30)

ant Right Okie

E
S

(30)

(20)

$$

E
W

$$

E
W

(20)

(20)

E
S

Attack

(All slant includes the H/SE)

E
S

$$

ttack Ends Crash

TC

Tim Tom

(20)

(20)

E
S

40 Ram

(attack by N/SE, Slant by H/E, 40 SLAM=

attack H/E, slant by N/SE) also read/

N
M

E
S

$$

E
W

(20)

(30)

188

rrel Fire

(can also be tagged M/W barrel (barrel swap)

Arson

Fire

TC
(can also be tagged M/W arson) (arson swap

v
H

$$

og Fire

E
M

H
S

$$
Cannon Fire

(can also be tagged S/$$, M/W drive)

(can also be tagged $$/S/M/W)

v
H
$$

Odd Fire

E
W

H
S

$$

E
W

Over (all over includes hawk)

(can be tagged M/W)

v
E

H
$$

N
M

H
S

$$

E
W

N
M

E
S

189

Previou
s

TC

Next

GOAL LINE AND SHORT

YARDAGE
DEFENSES

190

Previou
s

BASE BACKER

TC
(WE CAN ALSO GO MAN TO MAN)

Next

TRAIL/CONTAIN

v
v

v
v
v

S
$$

TRAIL/CONTAIN

v
v

H
W

F$

#
HASH

MIDDLE

HASH

N #1 MAN TO MAN, LOOK TO COMBO IN CERTAIN CALL

T FORCE RUN INSIDE, MUST MATCH OUTSIDE ROUTES- NUMBERS PLAYER

- D GAP RUN, SPILL ALL BLOCKS, TRAIL AND CONTAIN

AP, 4i TECH, 4 POINT STANCE

Y EITHER A GAP MIKE WILL CALL LIZ OR RIP

FLOW AWAY- CHECK A GAP AND GAIN LEVERAGE TO BALL, FLOW TO- FILL C GAP AND SPILL RUNS OUTSIDE,

OW- FILL A GAP, OUTSIDE FLOW- GAIN LEVERAGE TO BALL, PASS- MIDDLE K.O. CROSSIN ROUTES 191

Previou
s
Next

BASE SMOKE

TC
(WE CAN ALSO GO MAN TO MAN)

TRAIL/CONTAIN

v
v

$$

v
v
v

TRAIL/CONTAIN

S E

v
v

F$

#
HASH

MIDDLE

HASH

- OWN #1 MAN TO MAN, LOOK TO COMBO IN CERTAIN CALL

- D GAP RUN TO- SPILL ALL BLOCKS, RUN AWAY- TRAIL AND CONTAIN

WK

- C GAP RUN, 7 TECH. JAM TE, HASH VS THE PASS

- B GAP, 4i TECH, 4 POINT STANCE

- PLAY EITHER A GAP MIKE WILL CALL LIZ OR RIP
WILL- FLOW AWAY- CHECK A GAP AND GAIN LEVERAGE TO BALL, FLOW TO- FIT OFF THE SAFETY, PASS- #S

192
IDE FLOW- FILL A GAP, OUTSIDE FLOW- GAIN LEVERAGE TO BALL, PASS- MIDDLE K.O. CROSSIN ROUTES

Previou
s
Next

BASE BEAR

$$

v
v
v

(WE CAN ALSO GO MAN TO MAN)

v
v

TRAIL/CONTAIN

v
v

TC

TRAIL/CONTAIN

v
v

F$

#
HASH

MIDDLE

HASH

N #1 MAN TO MAN, LOOK TO COMBO IN CERTAIN CALL

ST FORCE RUN INSIDE, MUST MATCH OUTSIDE ROUTES- NUMBERS PLAYER

- C GAP RUN, 7 TECH, TRAIL AND CONTAIN

AP, 3 TECH, 4 POINT STANCE

Y EITHER A GAP MIKE WILL CALL LIZ OR RIP

- FLOW AWAY- CHECK A GAP AND GAIN LEVERAGE TO BALL, FLOW TO- D GAP AND SPILL RUNS OUTSIDE, PAS

LOW- FILL A GAP, OUTSIDE FLOW- GAIN LEVERAGE TO BALL, PASS- MIDDLE K.O. CROSSIN ROUTES 193

SHADE GO
Previou
s

TC

(MAN TO MAN) ALERT COMBO, SAM/WILL BLITZ PEEL VS #3

v
v

Next

v
v

v
v
Sv E

v
v
H

C
#1

$$

#1

F$

#2

#2

SHADOW GO
v
v

(M TO M) ALERT COMBO, SAM/WILL BLITZ PEEL VS #3

v
v

v
v
Sv E

N
M

C
#1

$$
#2

v
v
H

C
F$

#1

#2
194

Red Special
Previou
s

TC

(covers- 3, 0, cover 2 invert flash) stunts- dbl eagle, eagle, angle

Next
TRAIL/CONTAIN

v
v

v
v
v

E T

TRAIL/CONTAIN

v
v

E H
W

M
F$

THIRD
FORCE/ NUMBERS- flow away check leverage - cutback

h- bubble control c gap

Y EITHER A GAP MIKE WILL CALL LIZ OR RIP

- FLOW AWAY- CHECK A GAP AND GAIN LEVERAGE TO BALL, FLOW TO- D GAP AND SPILL RUNS OUTSIDE, PAS

LOW- FILL A GAP, OUTSIDE FLOW- GAIN LEVERAGE TO BALL, PASS- MIDDLE K.O. CROSSIN ROUTES 195

HORT YARDAGE
S

N
M

$$

TC

SHORT YARDAGE PINCH + FIRE

E

W
M

F$

E
$$

BACK OUT

BACK OUT

F$
1/2
VS. 1 BACK BACKER OWNS TE, $ OWNS BACK OUT, VS EMPTY $S -

1/2

PLIT (ALSO SY SPLIT BULLET- moon)SY GUTS

S

$$

H
$$

F$

SLANT (S/H CAN BE TAGGED)

$$

BACK OUT

BACK OUT

F$

BACK OUT

BACK OUT

T
M

N
W

SY WHIP (S/H CAN BE TAGGED

H
F$

S
$$

T
M

N
W

H
F$
196

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Next
Goal

line Defense Road block (Green or cover 5)

$
$

N
M

H C
W

TC

F
$

aligned as an end up technique, all man to man goal line moon

ve off the edge- you are force/contain

ng- if aligned on a tight end- up technique

ak or 3 strong- if aligned as an end up technique

gned to a TE side- 4 tech. and attack, if aligned to an open end- 5 techn

chnique- attack

t to side away from W

Previou
s

TC

Goal line Defense Road block

Next

All In

$$

N
M

H C
W

F$

Gap

$$

Road block cover 5

C- #s
S/W- Hash
Mike- middle

N
M

H
W

F$

Previou
s

TC

Next

Coverage

COVER 4 (Silver) AND VARIATIONS- silver, wheel, switch, bump invert, over, bai
Cover 4 (Silver)- 2 read
COVER 2(Blue) bump and over
Cover 2/4 can be checked to cover 6= , ,

COVER 3 (red) AND VARIATIONS- roll st/wk/choice, invert, 3 wk, 3 strg, 3 choice,
COVER 8 AND VARIATIONS- deuce, lock, safe, roll, spy, pirate, falcon, black
Cover 6 (White) choice, boundary, field, strong
COVER 1- (Black)- man free, Raider- rob the run and rob the pass
COVER 0 (Green)- free, 0, double
33- zb/ rob/spy
Purple- show 3 run 2

199

Previou
s

Next

Secondary Shell

C
1 x 7 yards

N
W

5 yards

E
M

F$
2 x 11 yards

TC

$
C
$$

1 x 7 yards

2 x 11 yards

Whenever possible we want to show the same look prior to every snap
Our Down Lineman will show the base look as much as possible and stem prior to
snap
Our LBs and DBs want to hold the pre-snap shell for as long as possible before the
snap. Our formations, motions, blitzes, and down and distance may force us to get
out of the secondary shell
Hold shell for as long as possible and practical

200

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Zone Coverage Principles
s
I.
Basic Principles for playing good Zone defense

TC

1. A zone drop is executed by taking a drop step toward your landmark. The defender is always
keeping his head on a swivel, looking for the deepest threat to enter his zone while maintaining
eye sight on the quarterback.
2. We are staying out of the no cover zone- 7 yards deep from the LOS.
3. Always have eyes on the Quarterback.
4. Play the deepest man in your zone and break on the shallow routes.
5. Stay inside and underneath the receiver at all times- stay in the throwing window- make the QB
throw the tough outside throw
6. Try to collision receivers who enter your zone but dont let this disrupt your drop. If the receiver
has to go around you then you have done your job.
7. Read the QBs eyes, shoulder and arm action- melt to the QBs shoulder break on the ball when
long are comes off the football
8. Dont cover grass- cover receivers that enter your zone
9. Communicate!!!!!!
10. Always know the answer to the following three questions:
a. What is your zone responsibility?
b. Who is the 1st threat to your zone?
c. Where is your help?

201

30

cover Curl
to Flat,
read 2-1-3

Control #2

Depth 12-15
yds

cover Hook to
Curl, slant
read 2-1

Depth 12-15
yds
cover middle
hooks and
crossers
Read 3-2-1

Control #2

Depth 12-15
yds

cover Hook to
Curl, slant
read 2-1

50
Numbers

40

Control #3

Hash
Landmark =
Hash Dont
expand off of
hash until
ball is thrown

20

IIIIII III III

II II II II

Back out

Landmark
=Top of
#s
Depth 1215 yds

Middle
Landmark =
middle depth

III III
II II

Curl to flat

Numbers

Hash
Landmark =
Hash Dont
expand off of
hash until
ball is thrown

IIIIII III III

II II II II

40

Read 2-1-3

III III
II II

50
Flat

Under Coverage Zones

TC

Landmar
k =Top
of #s
Depth
12-15
yds

Flat

Read 2-1-3
Curl to flat
Back out

cover
Curl to
Flat,
read 2-13

30

Next

20

Previou
s

202

Previou
s

TC

Next

II. Playing the Different Zone Areas

A. The underneath Zones
1. Numbers Player

(Cover 2, 3, 4, 33)

a. Drop to the inside edge of the numbers- 12 to 15 yards deep. There is a 5 yard give or take
both vertically and horizontally- depending on the threat to the zone.
b. Read #2 to #1
c. We want to Pad the vertical passing game- play inside and underneath the threat- make the QB
put air under his throw.
d. At 12-15 yards under cut all L cuts to outside and baseball turn all inside cuts this is if there
is only one pattern.
Corners playing Cover on the numbers
A. Hard Corner- there is no # 2 threat or the #2 is a TE- play tight and bump at the LOS
B. Soft corner- When number 2 is wide- back off to position where you can read 2 to 1
C. Technique- kick-shuffle and slide for the 3-step game. Square to number 1 and get your hands
on him
D. Funnel- Funnel the receiver inside- get his shoulders parallel to the sideline- Get proper 12-15
yards depth
E. When playing cover 2 vs a 3 x 1 set and its trips away- you have a wide #1 man to man vs any
vertical
2. Hash Player

(Cover 2, 3)

a. Drop 12-15 yards to the middle of the hashed- there is a 5 yard give and take
b. Read #3-#2-#1

203

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s
3. Middle Player

TC
(Cover 2 and 4)

a.
b.
c.
d.

Drop 12 to 15 yards in the middle of the hashes

Read #3 to #2
Pad the Vertical
At 12-15 yards under cut all L cuts to the outside, baseball turn all inside cuts- if only one
pattern in zone
e. The middle in cover 2 and cover 4 is the Spy-Flow fire player if contain is broken.
f. Always run with a vertical route by #3
B. Deep Zone Areas
1. 1/3 zone players- Play pass until ball crosses the LOS- Dont get beat on playaction
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

Read through the 3 step game before bailing

Eyes on the Quarterback
All 1/3 defenders should break on the ball at the same time
Always be deeper than the deepest receiver
Maintain a 15-17 yard relationship with the other 1/3 players
Control back pedal when there is no deep threat
Communicate- run, pass, and combination patterns that are developing
Always break on the ball on the receivers up field shoulder- if you break underneath you must
make the interception

Outside 1/3 Players

i.
j.
k.
l.

Vs split rec. Alignment 9 yards deep with a 3 yard adjustment either way- DD - Vs TE 7 x 1
Align 1 to 5 yards outside the widest receiver- depends on position of the ball (hash or middle)
Never align closer than 7 yards from the side line (7 yard rule)
204
If you are aligned more than 15 yards from the middle 1/3 player- Island assume an inside

Previou
s

TC

Next

Middle 1/3 player

a. Align 12 yards deep- there is a 3 yard adjustment either way- DD
b. Middle of the Hashes- depending on offensive formation you can adjust either way up to 1 yard
outside the OT.
c. If an outside 1/3 defender aligns more than 15 yards from you, give him an Island call
d. Bail on the #3 receiver in trips.
e. Get between hashes and read the Quarterbacks eyes
2. players
a. Execute a drop no more than 3 yards outside the hash, field position may shorten this but you
should never drop inside the hashes
b. Read the QBs eyes, shoulder, and throwing motion at all times
c. Never jump off the hash unless you are breaking on the ball
d. The corners are controlling the #1 receiver so you are reading #2 to #1
e. Vs. Trips formations- Safety to the trips- read #2 to #1, the Safety away from Trips read #3 to
#1
f. For the safety away from trips- if #3 doesnt go vertical than your only vertical threat is number
1 to your side.

205

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Next

Man to Man techniques (0 coverage, man free, lock on)

I.

TC

0 Coverage (Green) The is no middle help- there is nobody on the roof- respect the post pattern

Vertical Alignment- 7 yards (there is a 2 yard adjustment depending on down and distance)
Horizontal Alignment- align on the receivers inside shoulder, unless he is within 5 yards from the Tackle then align
on his outside shoulder (5 yard rule)- Never align closer than 7 yards from the sideline. Never allow your man
to get to a head position. Keep the receiver in front of you- your alignment and technique must take away
post- you have no help in the middle.
1.

Key your man exclusively. Keep your eyes on your luggage Get to and maintain your buffer with in 1.5
seconds (too much cushion is as bad a too little)
Proper positioning on a buffer should be within arms length of the receivers hip. This is referred to as control.

2.

If you lose control your #1 job is to get back into control.

3.

When the receiver breaks take an angle through the receivers up field shoulder- key the QB and ball only
through your man.

4.

Dont look for the ball until you hear a ball call or the receivers hands and eyes tell you to.

5.

If your man stalks block- come up under control and defeat the stalk- alert for stalk and go.

6.

If your receiver cracks- call out crack and replace be certain it isnt a crack and go

7.

Be aware of the receivers split- wide split- inside routes, tight split- out routes or crossers

8.

Read the receivers hips- the defenders hips should mirror the recs hips. When he sinks his hips and shortens
his stride he is making a cut.

9.

When your buffer is threatened, turn and run to maintain it. Sink your hips (sit in the chair and whip your
elbow.)

10.

If you get beat deep- Dont panic just drop your head and sprint to the receivers hip to regain control. 206
Look to
make a tackle.

Previou
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s
II. Man Free Coverage (Cover 1) Black

TC

Safety in black - 10-11 yards deep

make plays and take risk

The same as Cover 0 techniques except:

You have deep middle help- a safety is on the roof
Vertical Alignment- 4.5 yards
Horizontal Alignment- Outside Shoulder/inside shoulder depends on

Vs 2 backs shade to 2 rec. side- in

b gap,
Vs 1 back 3 x 1- shade to trips side
talent
no farther than tackle
Vs 1 back 2 x 2 apex of triangle
of thecall#1-the
no defender
farther than
tackle
Note: If the receiver is aligned 15 or more yards from the safety- Island
is now
player cover 0

technique- back up to 7 yards and take an inside alignment.

III. Lock-on technique (2 safeties are deep- 11 yards) (cover 7) we are trying to force the QB to throw
high into the S/C window
1.

Align 4 yards and on the receivers inside shoulder (Gap foot- DB outside foot on rec. inside foot- up to 1 yard)

2.

If you are covering a slot receiver (2/3) get a tackle read or read the Quarterback, covering #1- eyes on
your man

3.

Dont back pedal- dead foot or chop your feet- get an jam on the receiver and skate your feet

4.

Always maintain inside position- never let the receiver cross your face

5.

Dont get over extended on your jam- keep your feet moving- you will now be in a trail position on the receiverCHEW his ear. Touch and Trail

6.

The Receiver should never catch the ball in front of you.

7.

Lock-on Press- the same as Lock-on except that you will now align close to the LOS (within arms length of the
receiver) and Jam the receiver on the line- Dont allow an inside release. YOU WILL NOT GET A TACKLE
READ.

8.

If receiver attempts to release inside rip and force him over the top- execute a baseball turn or a man turn.

9.

Look when the receiver flashes his hands

Note: All defenders in man coverage inside the 10 yard line will use the Lock-On technique.

207

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Man s
to Man Responsibilities

TC

Note: if we go isolate some of this may change

Weekly adjustments will be made to create the best match ups
Alert for bump calls and combo calls

Pressure will also change responsibilities

Green (cover 0)
30/34/Sooner
44
43
M/W- #3- combo backs out
M/W- #3 combo backs out
M- spy flow fire- #3
H/S- Fire/Falcon/ DB ect.
Hawk- on the line
S/W- Rob/Free/Double or # 3
C- #1s
C- #1s
C- #1s
Safeties- #2s, #3 vs trips
$$/S- Rob/blitz
/#3 strg/#2 weak F$/$$- #2
F$- #2 strong
H- on the line
W/M- #3 strong/#2 weak (on $$ fires/rob)
40 Green
Cs- #1
F$- # 2 strong
$$- # 3 strong or #2 weak (Rb in 2 back sets

Black (man free) (cover 1)

50 Black
54 Black
WC- #1 weak
WC- #1 weak
F$- #2 weak or #3 strong
H- #2 weak
SC- #1 strong
F$- free
$$- Free
W- #3 weak
Sam- #2 strong
$$- #2 strong
Mike- #3
SC- #1 strong

44 Black (vs 1 back M/backer combo FB)

MW- #3 - FB/Spy flow
S- #2 Strong
$$- #2 weak
Cs- #1 to side
or # 3 weak
F$- Free

trips wk- WC-1, F$- 2, W- 3, S/M- Combo

Trips strg- trigger- c-1, $$-2, S-3, F$-free

40 Black
Cs- #1
Free Safety- Free
$$ l- #2 strong
(Sam or Nickel)- #3 strong or #2 weak,

208

Previou
s

TC

Next

43 Black
C- #1
F$- free
$$- #2 strong
S/M/W- combo #2 weak, #3

30 black weak/43 Black weak

34 Black strong

C- #1
C- #1
F$- #2 w
H- #2 weak
S- #2 s
$$- #2 strong
M/W- #3 or Fullback/spy flow fire
M/W- #3 or Fullback/spy flow fire
$$- free
F$- free
Trips strong- trigger (c-1, $$- #2, S- #3)
trips weak- trigger (C-1, F$- #2, H- #3)

Lock-on (cover 7)
30

40 (

C- #1s
H/S- #2s
M/W- combo
Safeties- 2 deep (11 yards)

C- #1s
Will- #2 weak (vs trips strong take #3 to the trips)
Sam (or Nickel) 2 strong
Mike- #3
Safeties- 2 deep 13 yards

ddle, S/W- #s F$- 1/3, C- 1/3, $$- top threat (lock) (#2 in trips)

209

Previou
s

Next

Cover 2 (Blue)

TC

No Cover Zone
Flat

Hash

Zone

Middle

Hash

Flat

Zone

Invert
are using this coverage to stop the pass
-Adjustment or a huddle call
rners must control #1- disrupt their releases and routes
-Vs. 1 rec or 1 rec + 1 Te to boundary
-C- crossers
9 x 2 plays expecting post #1
sh Player- 2-1 control threats and sink- look for work- dont chase
-- $- sky support just before snap- contain/num
ddle once run clears get deep to the middle of the goal post- (MOF)
players- pass first- read keys and defend half

210

Previou
s
Pro

TC

Cover 2 adjustments

Next

Slot- open

Be Alert and Ready to adjust to all motion

3
2

N
W

Hash
Numbers

M
Hash

Middle

F$

$$

1/2

E
C

Numbers
Numbers

N
M

Hash

Middle

Hash

$$

1/2

Numbers

F$

1/2

Be Alert and Ready to adjust to all motion

1/2

SAM there is no Stay in Cover 2- you are the hitman

Spread

Heavy- we can check 3 strong or 54 tug rock

Be Alert and Ready to adjust to all motion
3
2
2

H
C

W
Hash

Numbers

N
M
Middle

E
S

Hash

F$

$$

1/2

1/2

2
1

C
C
Numbers
Numbers
Man to
man vs
vertical

N
W

Hash- run,
screen,
crosser

F$

Check #3 for a vertical release

player

Middle key #3 Hash

Numbers

$$

1/2

211

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Cover 2 adjustments
s
invert- $$
Trips Bump and Invert call $$/CTrips Over call- we can also
plays D gap,
or 6 or 3 strong
check 6 or 3 srong
2
C plays1/2
1

H E
C

Numbers

Sam bumps
reads B to Ahash player

$$

Hash Middle

Will- walks Dhash player on

#2
If motion occurs
everyone
bumps back.

1/2

1/2

Sam- d gap
numbers- own
flat- crossers

S
Numbers

Numbers Hash

Hash

Middle

$$

Mike- hash
Will- middle

E
M

F$- rock downd gap/ hash

Be ready for
motion back
Cover 6- , ,
1/2

1/2

1/2
In just bump
C- plays D gap
$$ would play
1/2

Flex to Flex LBs adjust SAM now has b gap

H
C

E
W

N
M

3
2

F$

Middle

E
S

Hash

Numbers

S
Hash

$$

$$
1/2

1/2

1/2

Numbers
Hash
Numbers

F$

$$- Jams #1
Corner stays on

Double slot

$$/SC- play 1/2

H E

Mike- A gap
middle

Hash- key RB Numbers

F$

TC

(B)

N
M

W
Middle

Hash

Numbers

F$

1/2

212

Previou
TC
Next
Cover 2 adjustments
s
ch open- Hash player to the Bunch jams #2
Double- Over Check or check cov. 6 (1/4, , )
1

3
2

M
Hash

Numbers

Middle

H E

Hash

F$

$$

1/2

Check # for
vertical 1/2

Over call or check cov. 6 (1/4, , )

Number
s
Man to
man vs
vertical

F$

M
Numbers

Hash
Numbers

Middle

Hash

$$

1/2

1/2

slot Invert Bump Call

2
1

H
C

Numbers

F$

Hash

Middle

E
M

Hash

Numbers

$$

1/2

1/2

W
Hash

Numbers

N
M

Middle

$$

S
Hash Numbers

F$

1/2

1/2

213

Previou
s

TC

Next

Purple- disguise cover 2 by showing 3 weak then rotating late (pre

snap) to Cover 2

F$

E
W

N
M

E
S

$$

3 strong

3 weak then re-rock (trigger) to 3 strong

3 weak

3 strong then re-rock (trigger) to 3 strong

Rock

down safety opposite of blitz pre-snap

nap or just before snap- trigger safeties to blitz

214

Previou
Next
s
-3 weak
-3 strong
-3 roll weak
-3 roll strong
- 3 invert
-3 spy

Cover 3 (red)

TC

No Cover Zone
Numbers

Hash

1/3 zone

Hash

1/3 zone

Numbers

1/3 zone

Coverage used to get 8 in the box and stop the run

iminate window throws by making the QB throw outside the window

- We should never get beat deep

215

Previou
s
Pro

TC

Cover 3 weak adjustments

Next

Slot- (note: we will often check , , on the backend)

3
2

Hash

F$

C
Numbers

1/3

F$- man to man #2 if

vertical, $$- favor #2 stg.

H
C

N
W

Numbers

Hash

Hash

F$

1/3

Hash Numbers (lone dove)

$$

1/3

1/3

Numbers

N
W

1/3

1/3

S
Hash

F$

E
M

NumbersHash

$$

1/3

Hash

1/3

E
M

Double slot- alert Vicky- F$ m/m on #2 if vertical- $$ favor #2

1

W
Numbers

3
2

F$

1/3

$$

Spread - alert Vicky1

Hash

1/3

3
2

W
Numbers

C
Numbers

$$

1/3

216 1/3

Previou
TC
Next 3 weak adjustments (we can check 6 or trigger)
Cover
s
Trips the
Trips -(note: we will often check , , Vs.
Heavy(backside hash- now middle player- help with vertical by #3)
backside

on the backend) we can trigger,

2
spy, 2or monster
3

H
C

Numbers

E
S

The Middle
1/3 player
must be
Numbers aware for a
(lone dove)hot seam by
#3 he can
use the bail
C
technique.

Hash Middle- key #3

F$

$$

1/3

1/3

We will
Hash
becomes
the
We can
Middle player
in order to
help with a
vertical by
#3.

1/3

The backside
#s player is
thinking runscreencrosser

often trigger the safeties and it becomes 3 strong or check 54 tug

also monster- trigger $ mm #2 2
2
1
1
3

H
C

Run-screen-crosser
Numbers

Middle- key #3

F$

Hash

Numbers

$$
Hot on #3
1/3

1/3

Flank

(We can have the hash player press #2) or check blue

1/3

(note: we will often check , , on the

backend)
3

1
2

F$

E
S

Numbers

Hash

N
M

1/3

1/3

H
IslanC
d

Middle

F$

N
W

Numbers
(lone
dove)

Numbersrun-screencrosser
$$

E
M

Hash

S
Hash

C
Numbers

$$
C

1/3

1/3

1/3

217

1/3

Previou
s
Pro

(note: we will often check , , on

the backend)

Slot

3
2

H
C

W
Numbers

M
Hash

F$

S
C

Hash

1/3

1/3

H
C
Numbers

Numbers

Hash

1/3 or 1/4

$$ man to #2 if vertical- F$ favor #2Double

weak

H
C

N
W

Numbers

1/3

or

C
Numbers

H
C

N
W

Numbers

$$

1/3

1/3 or 1/2

slot alert Vicky

$$ man to #2 if vertical- F$ favor #2 wea

Hash

F$

1/3

E
M

Hash

Numbers
(lone dove)

$$
Hash

F$

1/3

E
M

3
1

N
W

$$

Spread
- alert Vicky-

TC

Cover 3 strong adjustments

Next

1/3

S
C

Hash

Hash

F$

1/3

Numbers

$$

1/3

218 1/3

Previou
s
Trips

(note: we will often check , , on Heavy

the backend)
2
We can trigger, spy, or
monster
1

TC

Cover 3 strong adjustments

Next

H
C

W
Numbers

Hash Middle- key #3

Numbers (lone dove)

1/3

1/3

unch- also check blue

1

N
M

Numbers

Hash Middle- key #3

F$

Numbers

1/3

(note: we will often check , , on

the backend)
3
2

E
H

$$

1/3

1/3

Numbers (lone dove)

Middle- key #3 Hash

$$

F$

Flank
2

Numbers

F$

1/3

$$

N
W

S
$$

Numbers (lone dove)

Hash

Hash

NumbersC

F$
1/4

1/3

1/3

1/3

1/2

1/4

219

Previou
Next
s
Pro

we will mostly roll to the multipleTC

receiver side or wide field

Cover 3 roll weak adjustmentsSlot

W
Numbers

Hash

Hash

Numbers

H
Numbers

Hash

Numbers (lone dove)

$$

F$

F$
1/3

1/3

1/3

Spread

1/3

1/3

1/3

Double slot
3

N
W

Numbers

E
M

Hash

S
Hash

C
Numbers

N
W

E
M

Numbers Hash

S
Hash

$$

C
Numbers

$$

F$
1/3

Hash

$$

F$
1/3

1/3

1/3

1/3

220 1/3

Previou
Next
s
rips Roll Weak

TC

Cover 3 roll weak adjustments

Heavy- roll strong
2

E
S

Numbers Hash Middle Key #3

Numbers (lone dove)

C
S

Middle Key #3Hash Numbers

Numbers (lone dove)

$$
F$
1/3

1/3

1/3

F$
1/3

$$
1/3

1/3

We can call Roll Strong, Roll Weak, Roll Field, Roll Boundary, Roll
Choice
Often we will just call roll. Example: 30 Slant Roll- a Roll call
without a tag is our roll.
Normally, we roll to the multiple Receiver side.
221

Previou
s
Pro

Next 3 invert adjustmentsCover

TC

Safety to side blitz replaces inside LB

Slot (We will often check , , on the backend)

3

W
C Numbers

Hash

Hash

C
Numbers

W
C Numbers

Hash

Hash

F$

F$
1/3

Numbers

$$

1/3

1/3

$$
1/3

1/3

1/3

Trips (We will often check , , on the backend)

Double slot- Alert Vicky
3

2
1

N
W

E
M

C Numbers Hash Middle key #3

$$

S
Numbers

N
W

S
Hash

Numbers

C
F$

1/3

C Numbers Hash

F$
1/3

1/3

1/3

$$
1/3

1/3

222

TC
We use this coverage to lock down a WR- other 6 defenders run
33 coverage- not a good run defense

Cover 3 spy adjustmentsPro

Slot

3
2

C Numbers

Middle

C
Numbers

Man on #2

Man on #1

F$
C

Numbers

Middle

$$

Numbers

$$

F$
1/3

1/3

1/3

spread

1/3

1/3

1/3

Double slot
3

Man on #2

F$

N
W

E
M

C Numbers

Middle

C
Numbers

1/3

1/3

Middle

Numbers

$$

F$

1/3

E
M

Numbers

$$

1/3

1/3

223 1/3

Previou
s

Next

Cover 4 (Silver)

TC

No Cover Zone
Numbers

zone

Middle

zone

Numbers

zone

zone

overage is used to stop the run- our safeties are involved in the running game
overage is also good against single back teams that pass well- we can rob the #1 or #2 WRs
overage is very multiple and there are many variations
Removed #2 weak- we can have the Hawk and the Will Exchange responsibilities

Variations include- Corners Bail Corners Press, read 2

224

Previou
Next
s
I.
Cover 4

Silver Coverage Rules

TC

A.

Vs. the Run

1.

A safety will give the linebacker a Silver call to let them know that they have help to the
outside. There is no Silver call vs. a removed # 2 receiver to the safetys side.

2.

It is the safetys job to fit inside or outside depending on how the linebacker takes on the block
or gets blocked.

3.

Run To- Front side players

a. ILB- Hard downhill player- take on the FB- Gap hand free- Dont take a side- make it difficult
for the RB to make a decision. Always look to shoot the run-through lane and make a play
b. Safety- Fit off the OLB. Be ready to make a play inside or outside- keep your feet movingdont get down too quickly.
c. OLB- Must force all plays back inside- dont get reached- we may spill at times
d. Corners- must make Crack calls and be ready to replace

4.

Run Away- Backside Action

a. ILB- Check for quick cutback in the A or B gaps, then get over the top filling inside outleveraging the ball carrier- whenever the run through lane opens up.
b. Safety- Must get down in the box to become the cutback player, always keep leverage on
the ball carriers inside hip.
c. SAM- play a Stay technique any time youre on a TE. Stay at home waiting for bootleg or
TE delay. If you dont have a TE to your side then you are the cutback player because the
safety is out with the removed #2
225
d. End and Hawk- Trail and contain player- deep as the deepest you cannot get beat on

Previou
s

Next

TC

B. Vs. the Pass

1. Numbers Player
a. Get to the inside edge of the numbers at a depth of 12 to 15 yards. Knock down any route that
crosses your face.- Dont chase crossers
b. Vs a tight # 2- SAM- you own any outside release by a tight #2 or #3 outside
c. Vs. a removed #2- read 2 to 1
d. Read the QB all times as you feel the receivers
e. Buzz call by corner- react and buzz immediately to number 1- Corners call buzz vs Smash
and China
f.
Blue call you now become a hash player reading #2-#1-#3
g. Switch call- a call made between the F$ and the W LB- this is when there is weak backs or
tight #2- Will now must buzz the numbers robbing #1 on inside routes, or jump the low crossing
routes.- no switch calls when in a 43.
h. Bump- Call made by the strong corner that bumps the SAM to mike and he must play B- the
Mike must play weak A and bump the Will out to wheel on number #2
i. Over- Call made by Corner vs sets where the TE is the number 1 receiver-we are playing
cover 2 to the TE and the Sam is now a flat player- he must top all outside routes by TE/RB- and
look for crossers
j. Spy- call made when the Safety is doubling #1 with the corner if there is an outside release
by the #2- OLB now must own #2 if he releases outside regardless if he is tight or removed
(game plan)
2. Middle Player
a. Must open to the side of the #3 receiver- 12-15 yards- knock down any route that crosses your
face.
226
b. If #3 goes vertical you own him man to man- Alert for a new #3
c. You are the spy-flow fire player when the QB gets out past the QB

Previou
TC
Next
s
3. Corners
a. Alignment- 7 x 1 yards
b. Read through the three step.
c. When there is a tight #2 play # 1 man to man on any route over ten yards
d. Vs a removed #2 be ready to call Buzz and zone your quarter
e. Blue- Play cover 2 to your side- you must control #1
f. Bump- call tells the corner to play the flat vs the TE
g. Over- call tells the corner to play cover 2 safety- SAM now is the flat player
h. Wheel zone it- vs removed #2 to your side- the Corner and safety are now true s players
playing the deepest route to enter their zone.
i. Copper- read 2 scheme vs. removed #2
j. Frank- corner has flat
4. Safeties- align 2 x 11
a. Read the #2 or #3 receiver depending on formation
b. Play number 2 man to man if he releases vertical
c. Wheel zone it- A call made between corner and safety vs a removed #2- both players are
now zoning their s
d. Copper- read 2 scheme vs removed #2
e. Switch- Call made between the F$ and the W LB- call made when there is a tight number 2the safety plays the #2 receiver on any outside or vertical route. No switch call when we
are in a 43 front.
f. Blue the safety to the call side- plays technique and the corner is now run support
g. Spy- call that tells the safety to double with the corner any time #2 releases outside. (Game
Plan)
h. Over call- Safety to the over call becomes the numbers player, safety away from the over
call replaces the rolled down safety and quarters his zone.
227

We will check Blue to the 1 side of a 3 x 1 set. Vs. a wide #1 the corner is assuming man to

Previou
s

Next

TC

Silver coverage - Quick Reference sheet

Vs. a Tight #2 Silver

SAM/OLB- you own any outside release by #2 or # 3- Will alert Switch Call
Vs pass- #2 vertical- hands on- play under #1 numbers, #2 in flat- top him, #2 crosses- find #1
curl to flat
Corner- 7 yard alignment- man to man vs #1 unless he runs a radical route ie. Mesh or crosser
Safety- Read number 2 TE/Back Im Here
Vs run- Both backs to you- force, Both backs away- cutback, backs split- dead foot and find ball
VS pass- TE- vertical- you own him, TE crosses or releases into flat- Rob the curl and Dig by #1, Roll
under the post by #1
Vs a Removed #2 Wheel or Copper
Sam/OLB
Vs Pass- # 2 vertical- jam and drop to numbers, #2 to flat- numbers- Will alert Switch call- Alert
for #3 running a wheel
Corner- zone your quarter- play deepest man in zone read 1 to 2
If #1 vertical- you own him
If #1 hitch- look to number # 2 corner- call Buzz
If #1 in- sink and look up #2
Safety Read #2 to #1
Vs. Pass

228

Previou
Next
s
Pro
Silver

Slot-open- open
Silver

3
2

Man
your
quarter

Middl
eread
#3

Read #2
Man
your
quarter

Number
s- read
#2

$$
Read #2
Man
your
quarter

Man
your
quarter

Silver

H
W

C
Read 1-2
Man
your
quarter

Numbe
rsRead
#2

F$

N
M
Middl
eread
#3

Read 2-1
Man
your
quarter

Numbe
rsRead
#2
Read 1-2
Man
your
quarter

Spread

Wheel or Copper

$$

Read #2
Man
your
quarter

Number
s- read
#2

Middl
eread
#3

Man
your
quarter

F$

Read 2-1
Man
your
quarter

Key #2
weak

H
C

Heavy- we can also check 3 strong- $$ #,

S- foot/hash, 54 tug 2rock
Wheel or Copper
Blue

S
Number
s- read
Man
#2
your
quarter

$$

Silver

E
S

Wheel or
Copper
2

E
M

Numbe
rsRead
#2

F$

TC

Cover 4 adjustments

N
W

C
Cover 2
techniqu
e- man
to man
vs
vertical

Hash
Read
#2screencrosser

F$

Check
#3
vertical
player

E
M
Middl
eread
#3

S
Number
s- read
#2

$$

Read 2-1
Man
your
quarter

C
Read 1-2
Man
your
quarter

229

Previou
Next
Cover 4 adjustments
s
Bump call- we can check 6 or 3 weak trips Over call- check 6 or 3 weak
2

Wheel or Copper
2

N
M

Numbe
rsRead
#2

Man
your
read 12

E
S

Middl
eread
#3

F$

Hash
read
#2

Wheel or copper

E
W

Numbe
rsRead
#2

F$

Man
your ,
read 2-1

N
M
Middl
eread
#3

F$

C
Man
your ,
read 1-2

Blue Over

N
W

Numbe
rsRead
#2

E
M

Middl
eread
#3

Flank- check 6

$$
Man
your ,
read 2-1

C
Man
your ,
read 1-2

C
Man
your
quarter

S
Number
s- read
#2

Silver
1

Flat

Check
#3 for
a
vertical

player

Man
your
1/4

Hash
read
#2

$$

2
2

Wheel or Cone

Man
your ,
read 1-2

Flat
read
#2

Bump
can be
inverted
betwee
n C and
$$

Check
#3 for
a
vertical

player

Double slot

Wheel

$$

Man
your
1/4

Blue
Bump

TC

F$
Numbe
rsRead
#2

$$
Read #2
Man
your
quarter

N
W
Middl
eread
#3

Blue Over

E
M

Hash
read
#2

S
Flat

C
Check
#3 for
a
vertical

player

230

Previou
s
Bunch
2

flat

Double - vs a removed #2 W/H can

Wheel or copper 3 Blue Invert
exchange

Check Blue

$$

1/2

Check
#3 for
a
vertical

player

H
C
Man
your
1/4

Numbe
rsRead
#2

F$
Man
your
1/4

N
M

Blue
Bump

Middl
eread
#3

E
S

Hash
read
#2

$$
Check
#3 for
a
vertical

player

Man
your read
1-2

C
Flat
read
#2

Bump
can be
inverted
betwee
n C and
$$

E
M

Middl
eread
#3

Numbe
rsRead
#2

Man
your read
2-1

C
Man
your
1/4

Blue Over
2

F$
Numbe
rsRead
#2

$$
Man
your
1/4

flat

1/2

$$

Wheel or copper
1

Hash
read
#2

F$

Slot- Over Call

Wheel or copper
1

N
W

Cover 2
tech.
man to
man vs
vertical

F$

Hash
read
#2

lot- Bump call

E H
S

Middl
eread
#3

N
M

Hashjam #2

TC

Cover 4 adjustments

Next

N
W
Middl
eread
#3

S
Flat

Hash
read
#2

C
Check
#3 for
a
vertical

player

231

TC
made when backfield is broken to weak sideWill A gap run- pass buzz/rob- #1, F$- man #2 on any outside or vertical route- if #2 blocks zone your
- also tight #2 weak is a switch. No switch in 43 - examples:- weak backs, far back, wing back, gun
split backs, split, tight
slot, double
flank
ro- Far Switch
DoubleSwitch
Blue- Invert
Cover 4 adjustments- switch calls2

N
W

Middl
eread
#3

Own #2 on
any vertical or
outside
release- if #2
blocks- zone
your quarter

Number
s- read
#2

$$

Wheel or copper
1

E
Numbe
rsRead 1-2 Read
Man
#2
your
F$
quarter
Read 2-1
Man
your
quarter

Man
your
quarter

N
M

Middl
eread
#3

Hash
read #2run-screencarry
crosser

$$
Check
#3
vertical
player

Pass- buzz
under #1
If goes
vertical look
F$
for crosser

Middl
eread
#3

S
Hash
read #2

$$

Flat

C
1/2
read #2

Double flank- Switch Call

Switch
1

Own #2 on
any vertical or
outside
release- if #2
blocks- zone
your quarter

Blue or island
1

Man
your
quarter

N
W

H
C

read #2

Trips gun- open since we check Comet

backside- no switch
2
2

E
M

Pass- buzz
under #1
If goes
vertical look
F$
for crosser

Man
your
quarter

Silver

H
C
Cover 2
techniqu
e- man
to man
vs
vertical

C
Man
your
quarter

Silver

N
W

Pass- buzz
under #1
If goes
vertical look
F$
for crosser
Own #2 on
any vertical or
outside
release- if #2
blocks- zone
your quarter

E
M
Middl
eread
#3

Number
s- read Man
#2
your
quarter

$$

read #2

232

Previou
s

TC

Next

Silver vs naked- naked call- $- rob run/drag/middle pattern/roll the

post

C
$$

C
F$

Previou
s

TC

Next

Silver vs naked- naked call- $- rob run/drag/middle pattern/roll the

post

$$
F$

Previou
s

NextSilver

TC

Coverage (cover 4) Read 2 variation

This is a variation of Cover 4 that can result in multiple looks

This is a variation that can be called if we want to keep the LB tighter to box
and/or we want to get better coverage on the flats.
C- 1 x 7 yards
Safety- inside shoulder of removed #2 and 9 yards deep.
Both the corner and the safety are reading the QB to #2.
Read QB- Ball on the line- immediate run threat- toss/option/pitch- run
support
Read QB- ball off the line- Read #2
If #2 releases to the Flat= Corner owns # 2, Safety owns #1
If #2 releases vertical= Corner owns #1, safety owns #2
Note: If #2 releases vertical and runs a 10 yard square out- Safety calls squat corner
adopts the square out and the safety adopts #2. Another option is for the safety to
man his and call buzz to the outside LB.

If #2 release shallow/inside- corner owns #1, safety looks for crosser or

robs/rolls #1
If #2 releases deep middle- Corner- owns #1, safety owns #2
If #2 blocks- Corner owns #1, safety- Star force or cutback vs. run away
Vs a tight #2 and tight #1 (TE/Wing)- check Blue

235

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Next

Cover 6 (1/4, 1/4, ) (White)

TC

No Cover Zone
Numbers

zone

Middle

zone

Hash

Flat

zone

s is a coverage to add another secondary player to the rec. strength

s is an adjustment in cover 4, it can also be a huddle call
he huddle call tells the s players where to go
can run- cover 6 strong, cover 6 field, cover 6 boundary, cover 6 choice

Note: we can also invert the

Cover 2, the corners can also
play bail, The Safety can also
show to give a man to man
look.

o run 6 moon= cover 6 man = s to rec. strength- man to man away, middle player must carry any crosser

236

Previou
Next
s
Field 6
Blue

Boundary 6
Silver

3
2

E
W

Hash

Cover 2

F$
Read #2
zone

Boundary

TC

Cover 6 adjustments/combinations

Blue
1

3
2

E
M
Middl
eread
#3

E
S
Number
s- read
#2

$$
Read #2
Man
your
quarterany
pattern
+5
yards

Cover 2
Man
your
quarter

Field Field

Silver

S
Hash

$$

N
M
Middl
eread
#3

zone

Number
s- read
#2

F$
Run
first- rob
#1 if
pass

Man
your
quarter

Boundary

237

Previou
Next
s
-Deuce
- Lock (cover 7)
- Spy,
- Safe,
-Roll,
-Man free
- Falcon

Cover 8

TC

No Cover Zone
Numbers

Hash

Low middle

Hash

High middle
zone

zone

zone

Numbers

zone

-We are getting 8 in coverage

-3 man pass rush
-Rally to the run
-The are many variations
238

Previou
s

32 Deuce

Next

TC

3
2

C
Numbers

N
M

E
W

Low Spy
Hash

Hash

$$

Numbers

F$
High Middle
(Tampa 2)

zone player

zone player

We will have a low and high middle player

The low player will spy the QB
The high player will drop to the Goal post
Stay out of no cover zone
Vs 3 x1 sets- high middle aligns to the 3 side, low- away from 3
Corner away from trips- man to man, hash away from trips- run/screen/cross

239

Previou
s

32 Lock-on

Next

TC

3
2

E
S

Man on #2

N
M

E
W

Combo Back out

Man on #2

Man on #1

Man on #1

$$

F$

zone player

zone player

Under coverage use lock-on technique- get a tackle read- dont allow an inside release!
Mike/Will- Combo back- Back to= man to man, Back Away Spy QB/Flow Fire
F$/$$ align 12-14 yards deep- play tight enough to defend the post/skinny post- wide enough to help
out with the fade
240

Previou
s

32 Roll

Next

TC

3
2

C
Numbers

N
M

E
W

Middle

Hash

Hash

$$

1/3 zone player

H
Numbers

F$

1/3 zone player

We can roll either corner

Weak, Strong, Field, Boundary
All adjustments are made by the underneath coverage and secondary

1/3 zone player

241

Previou
s

32 Spy

Next

TC

3
2

E
S
Numbers

N
M

E
W

H
Hash

Hash

$$

1/3 zone player

We can Spy either #1 or #2, weak or strong
All adjustments are made by the secondary
Safeties always rob/spy #2 or #3
Corners always spy /rob #1

Numbers

F$

Spy #2

1/3 zone player

1/3 zone player

242

Previou
s

32 Falcon

Next

TC

3
2

E
S

N
M

E
W

Combo back out

C
Man to man #1

$$

Man to man #2

C
F$

Man to man #1

Man to man #2

orners and Safeties man to man technique- no help

ike/Will- combo back- back to man to man , back away- spy QB- flow fire
am and Hawk- Free- tackle read- run first- pass- rob inside routes by 1 and 2
243

Previou
s

TC

Next

32 Black (man-free) 32 Raider (rob the run and the pass)

3
2

E
$$
C

N
S

E
M

W/5

Combo back out

Man to man #1
Man to man #2

Man to man #1

F$

Man to man #2

orners- # 1 man to man

Mike/Sam- combo back- back to man to man , back away- spy QB- flow fire
$ and Nickel back- #2 man to man
awk will be involved in stunt
$- Free
244

Previou
s

32 Safe

Next

TC

3
2

E
M

S
CNumbers

E
W

Low Spy
Hash

Hash

$$

zone player

zone player

Numbers

F$

1/4 zone player

1/4 zone player

4 under sink and disrupt routes

4 deep- 4 across nothing gets behind us

245

Previou
s

TC

Next

Coverage Adjustment options vs. various problem formations

Game plan ideas
Vs Trips
Vs Double slot
Vs empty
Vs Bunch

246

Previou
s

Next

Coverage Adjustment options vs. various problem formations

VS Trips

TC

If trips is giving us a problem

Danger see se diagram

Spy- just like Danger except Safety is strictly man to man regardless
of patterns- under coverage is numbers-middle-numbers
3 strong- 3 deep, four under- #/H/H/#
Roll strong
Monster - same concept as 3 strong but the under coverage shifts
to the trips
numbers, hash, middle, backside numbers player is the lone dovelone dove
Tug Rock- zone blitz from trips when in an odd front
Pittsburgh Rock- zone blitz from trips when in an even front
247

Vice- Backside corner and backside LB bracket #1 away from trips

Previou
s

Next
Dangerloading the zone call- vs. 3 x 1 receiver sets

TC

2
3

Island

H
C

W
Numbers

Key # 3/back- screenMiddle

Alert for Danger call

$$

Numbers
Hash to

F$
1/3

1/3

Man to man principles

Key
1/3

# 2/#3 alert for zipper

Safety to trips side- will get a tackle read (run-pass) vs pass eyes go to # 2- if #2 runs a vertical or an
out pattern his owns him man to man (make a mable call). If number 2 releases inside- call
Danger and play the numbers
Corner to numbers safety- deep 1/3
Safety on the roof- you are still a middle third player- but vs pass must key both number 2 and 3 you
are looking for a zipper route
OLB to safety- if you hear a mable call from the Safety that means he is man to man on #2 and has
vacated the zone- this makes you a numbers player, be prepare to jump the flat pattern, if you hear
In call key for the inside pattern- get to the hash
ILB/OLB away from safety be alert for an In call it means a receiver may be dragging across into your
248
zone check 3 strong, tug rock, Sea./Bos/Pit Rock, Spy
also

Previou
s

TC

Next

Coverage Adjustment options vs. various problem formations

Double Slot
Vicky- see diagram
Black- Corners own #1, numbers player own #2, middle player owns
#3- cage call to ends
Green C- #1, $s- #2, double blitz by 2 of the backers- game plan
Quarters- check silver
Blue- check Blue
Lock-on- check lock

249

Previou
s

Next
Vicky
call- vs. 4 receiver sets with a vertical threat

TC

3
1

Island

H
C

N
W

Numbers

Hash

E
S

M
Hash

C
Numbers

Key # 3- screen and look for crossers

F$

1/3

Man to man principles

Man to man principles

$$

1/3

1/3

Safety playing numbers- F$ (3 wk) or $$ (3 strg) will get a tackle read (run-pass) vs pass eyes go to #
2- if #2 runs a vertical or an out pattern his owns him man to man (make a mable call). If number 2
releases inside- call Danger and play the numbers
Corner to numbers safety- Vicky is essentially an Island call for you- assume man to man principles
vs. #1
Safety on the roof- you are still a middle third player- but vs pass you now must favor the #2 receiver
away from the rocked down safety.
OLB to rocked down safety- if you hear a mable call from the Safety that means he is man to man on
#2 and has vacated his zone- you must now own back out and look to carry crossers coming toward
you from the other side of the formation.

250
also
check
black,
green
+it means
double
fire, may
Lock-on
ILB/OLB
away from
safetysilver,
be alert blue,
for a Danger
call
a receiver
be dragging across into

Previou
Next
Adjustments to
s
ways want a #s, H, and Middle player to the Bunch.

TC

bunch

Vs. Bunch Strong

Coverage

Adjustment

Blue
Silver
3 weak
3 strong

Blue
Blue
trigger and string
Blue Invert

Blue vs Bunch Strong- stays Blue

E
W

C
Man to man
vs vertical

Lone
dove

F$

E
M
middl
e

S
Has
h

$$

1/2

C
#

1/2

E
W

C
Man to man
vs vertical

F$
1/2

Lone
dove

E
M
middl
e

S
Has
h

1/2

F$

Lone
dove

E
M
middl
e

S
Has
h

$$

1/2

C
#

1/2

3 strong vs Bunch Strong- Blue (Invert) (M and W

can switch if time)

$$
#

E
W

C
Man to man
vs vertical

3 weak vs Bunch Strong- check trigger and string

LBs (can stay in 1/3s or s

Silver vs Bunch Strong- Checks Blue

C
Man to man
vs vertical

F$
1/2

Lone
dove

E S M
W
Has
middl
e

$$
#

1/2

Previou
Next
Adjustments to
s
ways want a #s, H, and Middle player to the Bunch.

TC

bunch

Vs. Wide Bunch Strong

Coverage

Adjustment

Blue
Silver
3 weak
3 strong

Blue
Blue
trigger and string
Blue Invert

Blue vs Bunch Strong- stays Blue

E
W

C
Man to man
vs vertical

Lone
dove

F$

E
M

$$

1/2

1/2

E
W

C
Man to man
vs vertical

F$
1/2

Lone
dove

E
M
middl
e

S
Has
h

1/2

F$

Lone
dove

E
M

Has
h

middl
e

$$

1/2

1/2

3 strong vs Bunch Strong- Blue (Invert) (M and W

can switch if time)

$$
#

E
W

C
Man to man
vs vertical

3 weak vs Bunch Strong- check trigger and string

LBs (can stay in 1/3s or s

Has
h

middl
e

Silver vs Bunch Strong- Checks Blue

C
Man to man
vs vertical

F$
1/2

Lone
dove

E S M
W
Has
middl
e

$$
#

1/2

Previou
Next
Adjustments to
s
ways want a #s, H, and Middle player to the Bunch.

TC

bunch

Vs. Bunch Weak

Coverage

Adjustment

Blue
Blue
3 weak
3 strong

Blue
Blue
Blue Over
Blue Over

Blue vs Bunch weak- stays Blue Over

C
#

F$

Has
h

$$

C
#

Hash

Middl
e

1/2

F$

E
W

Has
h

$$
1/2

Middl
e

F$

Has
h

$$

1/2

1/2

M
Hash

Hash

Middl
e

C
1/2

3 weak vs Bunch weak- checks Blue Over

C
#

E
W

3 weak vs Bunch weak- checks Blue Over

Silver vs Bunch weak- checks Blue Over

F$

E
W

Has
h

$$

1/2

1/2

Middl
e

Hash

C
1/2

Previou
s

Check Black Press

(another option is to put end inside

TE and keep SAM outside- M- FB, Sam/C combo back out/TE
(Banjo call)

C
1st out

$$

TC

Additional Adjustments to bunch

Next

H
W

#2
M
S
pres 1st in or
Combo FB
second out
s

Check Red vs weakside run threat

S
#

F$

Has
h

$$

Middl
e

#1

Hash
1/3

F$

1/3

1/3

Check Black With a Banjo Call backside- good vs

Check star Box

weakside run

C
#

F$
Has
h

E
W

$$
1/2

Middl
e

E
M

S
Lone
dove

C
1/2

If double
post
threatbackside
corner
can
adjust to
middle
of field
to give a
5 over 3

C
1st
out

$$
Pres
s2

E
W

1st in 2nd
out

F$

Free

Combo TE/Back

FB

Combo TE/Back

Previou
s

TC

Next

Check Coverage
Example: 43 over check

overage will adjust to formation based on game plan

r coach will call coverage from sideline- based on formation

ommon checks

ouble slot/ 2 x 2- with removed #2s silver

s tight #1 and #2- Blue to the tight #2 side

x 1- 3 deep with the safety rocking down to the 3 receiver side (load the zone)
x 1 or 2 x 1 with a the 1 being a TE- check 6

s. Bunch check blue to the bunch

s empty check 32 deuce, lock-on, or spy- you can move H to inside and low sp
255

Previou
s

x 2 check silver

2 x 2 check silver

N
M

Wheel

silver

F$

W
F$

F$

E
W

$$

$$

W
F$

N E S

$$

Blue

Blue

Empty- check FSU spy

E
M
$$

F$
Blue

E
W

E
C

Bunch- check blue

N E

Wheel

F$

Empty check FSU Lock- on

Wheel

E
M

$$

$$

Empty- check edit deuce

2 x 1 with TE to the 1 side- check 6

Blue

Wheel

Wheel

N E
M

$$

N E

3 x 1 check 3 strong or weak to trips

F$

x 1 with a TE to 1 side- check 6

$$

F$

TC

Check Coverage

Next

E
M

$$
F$
256

TC

Check coverage vs Pro and slot formations

Check cover
1st number Pro, 2nd number slot
Other variations
1st number vs a tight #2, number vs a removed number 2

36
63
43
34
42
24
23

257

TC

Coverage: Combo 24 RNotes: Vs a Tight #2- cover 2, vs a removed #2 cover 4

Variations:

The Rover (r) deep middle (1/5), hot and hole reading QB- 2-1 or QB- 2/3 to 1
This coverage gives the defense a 2 man advantage to either side and all eyes are on the QB.
Read 2 scheme
Rover favors side of Removed number 2- hole to deep 1/5
If there are 2 tight # 2- Rover weak #s,- can be an auto call sending Rover off edge - 2 wide #2s Rover hole
to deep middle 1/5
additional note: we can also load the zone with the Rover or Safety and run cover three vs trips sets (or cover
4
4
2 4
2 4
4)

R
$

Hoo
k

(QB

M
Midspy

$
1/4
1/4

Hole
to
1/5

1/4
1/4

1/4

Hole
to
1/5

$
Hol
e
1/5

Midspy

Fla
t

C
#

(Q

1/4

E
C

1/4

S
#/LD

$
1/4

1/4

(QB)

W
Midspy

#
m/m vs
vertiical 1/4

#/LD

E
C

Hole
to
1/5

1/4

Midspy

S
R

N
M

1/4

Fla
t

Hole
to
1/5

1/4

E
C

Midspy

1/4

1/4
1/4

M
Midspy

S
R
Hole
to
1/5

$
1/4

1/4

TC

Good vs empty and 4 rec. and a duel threat QB.

Personnel- Rover sub for Hawk- hawk to DE or Packer personnel
R= Rover

32 + stunt+ Blue R
example: 32 lasso Blue R
32 + stunt + silverer R
32 + stunt + combo 24 R (cover 2 vs tight 2, cover 4 vs removed 2)
For this cover the Rover will not be involved in the stunt he will be
involved in the coverage, it is essential that the stunts up front
maximize the efficiency of the three men up front.
Edit, TO, Crash, Loop, Wrap, Lasso, Mike, Fire, (Baltimore and Slicefire zone 3-3)

259

TC

Roll Check

Notes: Base coverage is cover 2

Pre snap- If there is a 3 x 1 set or they motion to a 3 x 1 set check
cover 3- with a roll check or a rock check
If they start in a 3 x1 set check 3 and motion to a 2 x 2 set- omaha
omaha reset coverage
Post

260

TC

Loaded zone ideas- also loaded zone into the hole (vs flood)
Loaded zone ideas relate to trying to

261

Coverage:_________________
Variations:

Notes:

TC

Coverage:_________________
Variations:

Notes:

TC

TC
Jab weak

264

TC

Calls to take away certain offensive schemes

265

TC

266

ption

Mesh

option, flex bone/ bone/ midline

Press one corner on rec. and roll coverage

away

TC

ch- get to the mesh (1 yard behind the guards inside leg)

ck

p over responsibilities
read stunts

r option

o come

Wing T

ntrol Playside C and D gaps

t safeties involved

der fronts
ore to come

267

Loaded Zone Concepts

The Loaded Zone concept is designed to take advantage of offenses
that do not use the entire field. Just like the offensive mindset of
flooding zones, the defense can load zones. When called at
appropriate times and against appropriate teams it has proven to
give defenses a tremendous advantage against both the pass and
the run.
Defenses that run loaded zone concepts can call it in the huddle or
check to it by formation.
Defenses most commonly load to formations or load to the field.
The most common loaded zone scheme is to use cover 2 under
coverage to the loaded zone side (#/F, H, M), cover 3 concepts deep,
and man to man backside or lone dove concepts backside.
To the loaded zone side- cover 2 under coverage can be achieved by
rocking a safety down to 3 receiver sets the safety then has the
numbers and sky support (most common), squatting the corner and
rolling the coverage over top, the corner controls the number and
has cloud support, or sliding the under coverage and rocking a
safety down away from trips (least common but good against empty
or when faced with a one on one mismatch between the backside

Load Sky- Loading to rec. strength by Rocking down a safety

Safeties will give a Larry or Ralph call to tell the defense where they
are rocking down to. Alert for motion
Load Cloud- Loading to rec. strength by squatting a corner- Safeties
will give a Larry or Ralph call to tell defense where they are rolling
to. Alert for motion.
Load slide- Loading to rec. strength by sliding linebackers and
rocking down the safety to the opposite side- Safeties will give a
Larry or Ralph call to tell the linebackers where to slide- backside
safety must remember to rock down- Alert for motion.
Load Field Loading to field. Loading the zone to the field- vacating
one boundary under coverage.
Silver Load (load check)- We will run s but we will load to
formation if it is a 3 x 1 set, if it is a 2 x 2 set we will be in quarters.
We can load to a 2 x 1 set.- Alert for motion
If they offense. . .
Comes out in a 2 x 2 set- call silver/wheel or blue(depends on set)

Previou
s

H E
C

W
$

H E
C

S
$

W
$

H E

H E
C

E
S

S
$

H E

H E

H E

H E

H E

TC

Load Coverage (Load check)

Next

E
C

S
$
270

Previou
s

H E
C

S
$

M
$

H E
$

E
S

H E N E S

H E
$

H E
S

H E

N E

H E

E
S

H E

TC

Load Coverage (Load Sky)

Next

E
S

$
271

Previou
s

H E
C

E
C

W
$

E
W

N E S

H E
S
$

W
$

S
$

N E
M

E
C

S
$

H E

H E

H E

E
S

H E

TC

Load Coverage (Load cloud)

Next

E
S
$
272

Previou
s

H E
C

M
$

N
M

E
M

E
M

E
S

H E

H E N
C

E
S

H E

H E

H E

H E

E
S

H E

TC

Load Coverage (Load slide)

Next

H E

E
S

$
273

Previou
s

H E
C

E
S

H E N E

W
$

H E
$

H E
S

H E

H E

H E

H E

TC

Load Coverage (Load check)

Next

N
M

E
C

S
$
274

Previou
s

H E
W

N
M

E
C

S
$

W
$

N E

S
C

N E

H E
C

S
$

W
$

S
$

H E

H E

E
S

E
W

H E
$

E
W

H E

H E

TC

Load Coverage (Load check)

Next

E
C

S
$
275

Load with Man to man backside

Lone Dove concepts

Principals of the defense vs ACC

1. Levels- make them drive the field no big plays
2. With their double threat QB they often have a numbers advantage
Plays that they run that use numbers
-. Zone read
-. Jailbreak
-. Three step
Take this back by keying the QB
3. Vs zone read- give your players a simple responsibility you have either
QB or RB
4. Simple reads

Quick Release
Tall
No look off
Long arm, off- Break
Long arm off- hands up!!!
Fire to back
Avoid extended stunts
Pressure
Look for their routine
Spy flow fire- flush him- dont let him step up
Blitzes that attack back but also stop inside zone
Choice blitz from backs side or number 4
Over hang players and level- tackle reads
Matchups
Read exchange
Zone as opposed to man- eyes on the QB

If you want to add a fourth Rusher- out of three or 4 man fronts

Send the Rover
Backside safety assumes all rover Responsibilities- when trips away

New zone blitzes

Frisco
Bay
Others
Attacking slide
Attacking bob
Attacking pa and sprint out
Attacking launching points
282

Previou
Next
s Double

Vicky call- vs. 4 receiver sets with a vertical threat TC

3
1

Island

H
C

N
W

Numbers

E
S

Hash

Hash

C
Numbers

M/W Key and match # 3F$ - screen and look for

crossers
$$

Man to man principles

Man to man principles
1/3

1/3

match

1/3

Safety playing numbers- F$ (3 wk) or $$ (3 strg) will get a tackle read (run-pass) vs pass eyes go to #
2- if #2 runs a vertical or an out pattern his owns him man to man (match)- give inside Linebacker
mable call. If number 2 releases inside- call Danger and play the numbers
Numbers linebacker away from rocked down safety- you will get a Match call from safety meaning
match number 2 vs vert/outside- give a mable call to ILB vs vert or out by number 2, , # vs inside route
play numbers give a danger call
Both Corners- double Vicky is essentially an Island call for you- assume man to man principles vs.
#1
Safety on the roof- you are still a middle third player- give olb away from safety a match call- they
will match number 2
ILBs you will key number three-

283

also
check black, silver, blue, green + double fire, Lock-on
ILB/OLB away from safety be alert for a Danger call it means a receiver may be dragging across into

Loaded Zone Concepts

The Loaded Zone concept is designed to take advantage of offenses
that do not use the entire field. Just like the offensive mindset of
flooding zones, the defense can load zones. When called at
appropriate times and against appropriate teams it has proven to
give defenses a tremendous advantage against both the pass and
the run.
Defenses that run loaded zone concepts can call it in the huddle or
check to it by formation.
Defenses most commonly load to formations or load to the field.
The most common loaded zone scheme is to use cover 2 under
coverage to the loaded zone side (#/F, H, M), cover 3 concepts deep,
and man to man backside or lone dove concepts backside.
To the loaded zone side- cover 2 under coverage can be achieved by
rocking a safety down to 3 receiver sets the safety then has the
numbers and sky support (most common), squatting the corner and
rolling the coverage over top, the corner controls the number and
has cloud support, or sliding the under coverage and rocking a
safety down away from trips (least common but good against empty
or when faced with a one on one mismatch between the backside

Load Sky- Loading to rec. strength by Rocking down a safety

Safeties will give a Larry or Ralph call to tell the defense where they
are rocking down to. Alert for motion
Load Cloud- Loading to rec. strength by squatting a corner- Safeties
will give a Larry or Ralph call to tell defense where they are rolling
to. Alert for motion.
Load slide- Loading to rec. strength by sliding linebackers and
rocking down the safety to the opposite side- Safeties will give a
Larry or Ralph call to tell the linebackers where to slide- backside
safety must remember to rock down- Alert for motion.
Load Field Loading to field. Loading the zone to the field- vacating
one boundary under coverage.
Silver Load (load check)- We will run s but we will load to
formation if it is a 3 x 1 set, if it is a 2 x 2 set we will be in quarters.
We can load to a 2 x 1 set.- Alert for motion
If they offense. . .
Comes out in a 2 x 2 set- call silver/wheel or blue(depends on set)

Previou
s

H E
C

W
$

H E
C

S
$

W
$

H E

H E
C

E
S

S
$

H E

H E

H E

H E

H E

TC

Load Coverage (Load check)

Next

E
C

S
$
286

Previou
s

H E
C

S
$

M
$

H E
$

E
S

H E N E S

H E
$

H E
S

H E

N E

H E

E
S

H E

TC

Load Coverage (Load Sky)

Next

E
S

$
287

Previou
s

H E
C

E
C

W
$

E
W

N E S

H E
S
$

W
$

S
$

N E
M

E
C

S
$

H E

H E

H E

E
S

H E

TC

Load Coverage (Load cloud)

Next

E
S
$
288

Previou
s

H E
C

M
$

N
M

E
M

E
M

E
S

H E

H E N
C

E
S

H E

H E

H E

H E

E
S

H E

TC

Load Coverage (Load slide)

Next

H E

E
S

$
289

Previou
s

H E
C

E
S

H E N E

W
$

H E
$

H E
S

H E

H E

H E

H E

TC

Load Coverage (Load check)

Next

N
M

E
C

S
$
290

Previou
s

H E
W

N
M

E
C

S
$

W
$

N E

S
C

N E

H E
C

S
$

W
$

S
$

H E

H E

E
S

E
W

H E
$

E
W

H E

H E

TC

Load Coverage (Load check)

Next

E
C

S
$
291

Load with Man to man backside

Lone Dove concepts

Previou
s

Next

TC

Load Coverage

293

Previou
s

Next

TC

Load Coverage

294

Previou
s

Next

TC

Load Coverage

295

Boost Front
It is a 34 front that is stacked on the boundary side the coverage
may or may not support (load) the field side.
Origin of name
Boundary Stack
Boost used for support- We will support the field side with an extra
linebacker and at times an extra coverage.
Vs a second receiver to boundary tight or removed it reverts back to
a normal 34 alignment.
We can designate a Booster and Field side
Or it can be based on formation

se stunts and coverages

Fire zone
ell
ad Coverage also applies

Field
Field
Field
Field
Field
Filed

Tug
Tug Fire
Buck
Buck Fire
Angle
Angle Fire

297

Boost Front
Normal positioning of LBs applies.
Suggested vs 1 back teams

S
C
$

F$
There can also be adjustments of
positioning as long as the Sam can
play inside.
Suggested vs 2 back teams

H
C
$

F$

298

Boost Front
Vs 3 x 1 to field (depends on
coverage)

S
$

F$

Vs 2 x 2 (normal 34)

H
C

N
W

S
C

M
$

F$

Vs 2 x 2 (boundary 2
removed)

E
C

H
F$

N
W

E
M

S
C
$
299

Boost Front
Vs 2 x 1 side, with 2 being to
boundaryNormal 34 alignment
E

S
C

H
$

F$

Vs 2 x 2 (normal 34)

S
C

N
M

H
C

W
$

F$

Vs 2 x 2 (boundary 2
removed)

E
C

H
F$

N
W

E
S

M
$

300

Stack Front

S
C
$

F$
Wack Front

H
C
F$

$
C

301

Previou
Next
s

Ram stack rock

TC
Vs removed #2 weak- Hawk will walk- string M and W- slam tug
Tag with a crazy call gives RE a 2 way go- Nose shade 1 weak
Seattle strong stack- green- Same but the Will blitz b or off the edge the RE takes the
opposite gap

E
M

S
C
$$

Note: bring this blitz only from field

Field stack-

N
W

E
H

F$

OLB alignments
0 position- vs only a TE or a TE wing- 3 x 3
1 position- 1 wr or 1 wr and TE- wide enough to take away slant tight enough
for run support
2 position
44 (3 deep)- outside foot on inside foot of #2
In 34- split the difference between the #2 and the Tackle
Tight- auto 1 x 1 off of wing or ghost wing
Foot- gap foot TE

303

Read 2 Coverage
1. Knowledge- Know the situation, the formation, the call,
responsibility, threats, where is your help?- communicate
2. Stance and Alignment- Both must be prefect
3. Read- know your key and how to react
4. Responsibility- know your job for each situation- talk to yourself
5. Technique and Execution- execute- make the play
The first 4 are mental- the last is physical

Defensive Back Communication- Knowledge

Once the call is made and the huddle breaks
All Defensive Backs will echo the call and repeat the signal.
The signal for Blue is 2 fingers up like Texass Hookem horns.
When the offense breaks the huddle all defensive backs will
determine how many backs are in the backfield.
Note: this is extremely important because a number of calls are
made based on the number of backs. 2 backs, 1 back, empty.
Call it out and echo it.
If empty, is it 2 x 2 double slot, or 3 x 1 trips?
Communicate all formations, motions, and corresponding calls.ECHO the call.

Base Alignments
#1

#2

#3

#2

#1

7x1

7x1

10 x 1

$
10 x 1

All Defensive Backs will assume a proper stance- shoulders square to the LOS, inside foot up.
Corner- 7 yards deep, gap foot the #1 receiver (inside foot on receivers outside foot).
Safety- 10 yards deep, 1 foot to 1 yard inside the #2 . Although this is the base alignment, the safety must
ask himself,
Am I wide enough to cover a deep vertical by #1?
If the answer is yes then the safety stays at home base.
If the answer is no then the safety may widen up to 1 yard outside the #2. This is to be expected when
there is a wide number 1 and a tight #2.
Safety vs. a Tight End that is #2- outside alignment- wide enough to cover the post by #1.

Numbering Receivers
We number the receivers from outside in, with the number 1 receiver closest to
the sidelines.
Remember motions and shifts my change which receivers are which numbers prior
to the snap.
When pattern reading you will have to know who you are reading and the proper
reactions.
Post snap receivers
numbers may changecoached
on the field
3
2
2
3
1

2
1

3
1

2- 1st crosser

2
3

2
1

Specific Calls

Danger (hand over face mask)- call made by OLB when the offense ends up in a trips formation.
The call indicates that the OLB will cover the # 3 man to man.
The trips side corner and safety will play blue
The backside safety will split the difference between #3 strong and the #1 weak at a depth of 12 yardskey Quarterback.
The backside corner will be on an island vs. #1 weak.
Frank (both palms pressing to the ground)- call made by safety to the corner. The call will occur with a
tight #1 receiver and #2 is in the backfield.
The call side safety and corner will play true cover 2 (flat) with the Safety playing and the Corner
playing the flat. If number 2 goes to the flat- corner owns.
Vs. inside cross country- the OLB will own the vertical route
Corner moves up to 4 yards and must funnel #1 to the safety!!!!!

Island (thumbs up and must be repeated by corner) - Call made by safety to backside corner away from
trips. An Island call tells the corner you are playing green cover vs number 1 and that you cannot expect
any help. This call will also be made if there is a split #1 but #2 is in the backfield
Sky- Call made by safety or corner to the inside or backside backer indicating a crossing pattern.
Squat- Call made by safety when both #1 and #2 release vertical and the number breaks off the route and
runs a deep out. The corner will jump #2 and the safety will adopt #1.

Blue

Island

Frank

Blue

Danger

Blue

1
1

Blue Danger

Island

Blue

4
3

Island

Danger

Danger

Blue

2- 1st crosser

Blue

3
2

Island

2
2

Blue

Blue

Pre-Snap Keys
#3
#1

#2

#2

#1

7x1

7x1

10 x 1

10 x 1

Corners and Safeties will have their eyes on the Quarterback. Read the Quarterback
through the #2 receiver.

Corners need to see the #1 receiver with their peripheral vision.

Post-Snap Keys- Reaction to Pass

#1

#2

#3

#2

C
7x1

#1

7x1

10 x 1

10 x 1

On a pass read both the Corners and the Safety will call pass and key the #2 receiver.
Corners must stay square as they read the number 2 receiver.
Key Coaching Points:
1. Although the Corner is keying #2, he must be prepared mentally to play number 1
with no help.
2. The corner must never allow the #1 receiver to release outside!!!! Be prepared to
shuffle outside.
3. Both the Safety and Corner must react to #2 and cannot back pedal on the snap.

Cornerbacks Reads and Responsibilities

Corner Reads:
Note: The corners should be thinking, I have #1 with no help.
1.

2 releases outside- man # 2

2.

2 releases inside/vertical/ or stays (blocks) man #1

If #2 releases outside, the corner will play man to man on #2, but he still needs to react to #1. For
example, number 1 must be funneled/squeezed to the safety- the corners cannot back up!!

1. #2 outside, #1 inside

1. #2 outside, #1 inside

Notes: Corner funnel/squeeze #1,

eyes on #2 and QB- break on #2s
route- top shoulder. The Corner must
maintain outside leverage on #2.

Notes: Dont lose leverage and be

prepared to run with the wheel or out
and up.

1. #2 outside, #1 vertical

Note: One of the most dangerous

plays against our Blue coverage is a
vertical by number 1 and an outside
route by number 2.
The safety must be able to get over
the top of number 1.
A few things can help the safety with
this tough task.

1. The corner forcing an inside

release by #1.
2. The corner funneling and getting
his hands on #1.

Notes: If #1 goes vertical he must be squeezed

to the inside. The Corner will eye number 2 and
carry/trail #1. This will buy the safety time.
The corner will jump #2 when he intersects

3. Rallying to number 2.
4. Proper adjustments to the
safeties alignment. Remember
the safety must ask himself, Am
I wide enough to cover #1?

If the #2 releases vertical, inside, or blocks the cornerback can now lock on #1 man to man.
This read is simple and frees the cornerback of any other responsibility other than man to man coverage
on #1. Note: Always be alert for a Squat call.

1. #2 not outside, #1 inside

1

1. #2 not outside, #1 Post or Dig

C
Notes: Cover upfield shoulder, hip him
immediately

Notes: Corner will lock on #1 and

cover his upfield shoulder. NEVER
come under the post or Dig route. The
corner does not know if he has help.

1. #2 not outside, #1 short

1. #2 vertical, #1 vertical

C
C
Notes: The corner will jump the short
pattern.

Notes: The Corner will own #1. Work

to weave to inside leverage. Alert for
a Squat call. If #2 blocks or is under
stay outside you will have help

Squat Call
1. #2 outside, #1 vertical
2

Note: One of the most dangerous

plays against our Blue coverage is a
vertical by number 1 and a deep out
by number 2.
1. When corner hears squat from
safety he will jump the upfield
shoulder of the #2 receiver.
2. The safety will adopt the deep
route by number 1.

Notes: Squat Call made by safety to the corner.

3. The safety should not make a

squat call if he feels that there is
no way the he can successfully
adopt the #1 receiver. This would
most likely occur in a wide field
situation where the #1 was
isolated and the #2 was tight.

Will occur when #1 and #2 release vertically, #1

stays vertical, number 2 runs a deep out.

Alternative to a squat call

C
Squat

Cover man to man should occur if

out is greater than 10 yards.
Buzz call- C- #1, S- #2 or your
zone- LB buzz- numbers

Safetys Reads and Responsibilities

Corner Reads:
Note: Safety is the toughest position to play in Blue Coverage, he must be athletic, tough, and
smart.
1.

2 is vertical or deep diagonal- man # 2

2.

2 releases inside/under/stays (blocks) Get to #1

If #2 releases outside, The safety should dead foot (flat-footed reads on #2) however once it is
determined that the #2 is not a threat the safetys eyes must shoot to #1s hip and the safety will
turn and open to #1 expecting #1 to be vertical. 1 is vertical is always the first thought by the
safety when #2 is outside.

1. #2 outside, #1 slant

Eyes to #1s hip

Upfield shoulder

$
Notes: Safetys eyes immediately go
to #1. Once he sees #1 break off his
route the safety settles and drives to
#1s upfield shoulder. Collision or
INT. Alert for Sluggo.

1. #2 outside, #1 Sluggo

1. #2 outside, #1 Curl

Eyes to #1s hip

Upfield shoulder

$
Notes: Be aggressive but always be
prepared for Sluggo. Attack upfield
shoulder.

Eyes to #1s hip

Upfield shoulder

$
Notes: Open to #1, work to stay
inside and over the top of #1, break
on the throw to #1.

1. #2 outside, #1 vertical

Note: This route combination cannot be a surprise

This is what we expect.
The safety must be able to get over the top of number 1. He is thinking
I have no help!!!
A few things can help the safety with this tough task.

1.

The corner forcing an inside release by #1.

2.

The corner funneling and getting his hands on #1.

3.

Rallying to number 2.

4.

Proper adjustments to the safeties alignment. Remember the safety

must ask himself, Am I wide enough to cover #1?

1. #2 outside, #1 vertical and out

If the #2 releases outside and #1 breaks off his route to the

outside, the safety, should drive to the outside shoulder of #1 and
force him to the side line.

The safety must work inside out and over the top. The receiver
cannot catch the ball and turn it up.

1. #2 inside (under), #1 post or dig

#2 runs an under inside (crossing route)- safety calls SKY to

the inside or backside linebacker.

The safety will under cut the post or dig pattern. The safety will
man turn this route and be on the inside shoulder of the WR.
The safety will be in the throwing lane and the corner will be
cover the top shoulder.

Sky

1. #2 inside (under), #1 vertical

#2 runs an under inside (crossing route)- safety calls Sky to the

inside or backside linebacker.

$
Sky

The safety will under play on the inside of the #1, the corner will
be on the outside.

1. #2 vertical

#2 vertical- Safety owns number 2. man to man

1. #2 vertical and then deep out

Note: One of the most dangerous plays against our Blue coverage is a
vertical by number 1 and a deep out by number 2.
1.

If #2 breaks out on a deep out, the safety will give the corner a squat
call. This rule does not apply to a corner route. (any route run by #2
that is vertical for more than 5 yards.

2.

The safety will adopt the deep route by number 1. Get to his hip. If
number 1 has run an inside route or a short route there is no squat
call. As the deep out is occuring the safety will see #1 .

$
3.

Squa
t

The safety should not make a squat call if he feels that there is no way
the he can successfully adopt the #1 receiver. This would most likely
occur in a wide field situation where the #1 was isolated and the #2 was
tight.
Alternative to a squat call
Cover man to man should occur if out is greater than
10 yards.
Buzz call- C- #1, S- #2- LB buzz- numbers

1. #2 runs a post

#2 vertical- Safety owns number 2. man to man, work to

maintain inside leverage.

1. #2 5 yard out, #1 5 yard in (rub)

#2 vertical and short out- top shoulder #1

This is where the squat call makes more sense

1. #2 deep middle or deep drag

If the number 2 runs a deep diagonal or a deep drag, Safety will

jump it.

1. #2 pass blocks (TE/Backfield)

If the number pass blocks as a TE or from the backfield
1

The safety should treat it the same as if the number 2 ran an

inside under route.

Vs. Trips Check Danger

SE
C

V
$

RT

ST
M

Danger

RE
E

C
$

Island

Trips side Corner and Safety- Play Blue coverage vs. the12
#1yards
and #2
Viking- make the Danger call and play #3 strong man to man if TE- 6 yards deep, if
#3 is rec.- 7 yards deep
Backside Corner will receive an Island call from backside safety- play green coverage
Backside Safety- give backside corner Island call, split the difference between #3
strong and #1 weak. Read #3 strg- #2 strg (looking for inside release)- 1 weak- help
with post or inside pattern- gain depth and key quarterbacks eyes.
Mike- gain depth middle of the field- spy flow fire
Backside backer- carry any back out to your side or crosser. No back out- Hook/Curl look

Vs. Trips Check Danger

SE
C

E
$

RE

Danger

B
$

C
Island

Trips side Corner and Safety- Play Blue coverage vs. the12
#1yards
and #2
Viking- make the Danger call and play #3 strong man to man vs TE 6 yards deep,
vs rec- 7 yards
Eagle- play hook to curl- depending on width of #2 gap foot number 2 or split the
difference- 4.5 yards depth
Backside Corner will receive an Island call from backside safety- play green coverage
Backside Safety- give backside corner Island call, split the difference between #3
strong and #1 weak. Read #3 strg- #2 strg (looking for inside release)- 1 weak- help
with post or inside pattern- gain depth and key quarterbacks eyes.
Mike- gain depth middle of the field- spy flow fire

Other ideas vs. trips and maintaining Blue

Danger- check Maggie

SE
C

V
$

RT

ST
M

RE

Danger

Maggie

Trips side Corner and Safety- Play Blue coverage vs. the #1 and #2
Viking- make the Danger call and play #3 strong man to man
Backside Corner will receive an Maggie call from backside safety- play Lock on
coverage coverage
Backside Safety- give backside corner Maggie call, play lock on safety technique- on
the hash but in a position to take away both the skinny post and fade- gain depth and
key quarterbacks eyes.
Mike- gain depth middle of the field- spy flow fire
Backside backer- carry any back out to your side or crosser. No back out- Hook/Curl look

Other ideas vs. trips and maintaining Blue

Danger- check Maggie

SE
C

E
$

N
M

RE

C
B

Danger

Maggie

Trips side Corner and Safety- Play Blue coverage vs. the #1 and #2
Viking- make the Danger call and play #3 strong man to man
Backside Corner will receive an Maggie call from backside safety- play Lock on
coverage coverage
Backside Safety- give backside corner Maggie call, play lock on safety technique- on
the hash but in a position to take away both the skinny post and fade- gain depth and
key quarterbacks eyes.
Mike- gain depth middle of the field- spy flow fire
Backside backer- carry any back out to your side or crosser. No back out- Hook/Curl look

Other ideas vs. trips and maintaining Blue

Danger- check Solo or Banjo

SE
C

V
$

RT

ST
M

Banjo

RE
E

C
Island

Trips side Corner and Safety- Play Blue coverage vs. the #1 and #2
Viking- make the Banjo call and read 3 strong- 3 out own, 3 vertical or in- back
out/force
Backside Corner will receive an Island call from backside safety- play Green coverage
Backside Safety- give backside corner Island call call, play lock on safety techniquehub cap the backside Tackle/TE
Key 3 strong- #3 vertical or In- own him, #3 out- look up back out, no back out- Alert
sky- no threat- help on #1 weak
Mike- gain depth middle of the field- spy flow fire

Other ideas vs. trips and maintaining Blue

Danger- check Solo or Banjo (this keeps backside balanced 2nd
level)

C
$

SE

N
M

Banjo

RE
E

C
Island

Trips side Corner and Safety- Play Blue coverage vs. the #1 and #2
Viking- make the Banjo call and read 3 strong- 3 out own, 3 vertical or in- back
out/force
Backside Corner will receive an Island call from backside safety- play Green coverage
Backside Safety- give backside corner Island call call, play lock on safety techniquehub cap the backside Tackle/TE
Key 3 strong- #3 vertical or In- own him, #3 out- look up back out, no back out- Alert
sky- no threat- help on #1 weak
Mike- gain depth middle of the field- spy flow fire

Silver call
If Number 2 is in the backfield
Corner- man to man on #1
Safety and OLB combo 2- Run Rob- Roll
Flat backer owns him
Inside cross country safety will adopt
On pass safety flat foots- #2 blocks, away, or flat- Safety helps on slant,
vertical, and can roll under post
- This also works well with number 2 that is tight

Island call vs any removed #1 with number 2 in backfield

$
Island

Silver call- corner man to

man on #1
B/$- backfield
Back out Backer owns,
Safety- react to # same as
Blue
Back vertical- Safety owns,

C
$
Blue
Why?
1. Prevents Corner from
losing #1 by getting
caught up in the
backfield actions
2. Allows safety to play run
first removing the
threat of a deep #1 on
play action
3. Allows the safety to hug
to play closer to the box
(horizontally) vs 2 backs.
4. Safety in better position

Island call

$
Island

C
$
Blue

call only when #2 in in the backfield

man to man on #1- becomes s

ckfield
ut Backer owns,

Safety- react to # same as Blue

ertical- Safety owns, Back- numbers- just like blue

Silver call to a tight #2

E
$

Silver

C
$
Silver

Silver call- vs a tight #2

OLB- key 2/3 carry first out#2 outside release- own #2
# 2 vertical/block/or in inside- expect #3 out as you get depth to the numbers and look
to help on slant by #1
$- key #2 tight- vertical own, # 2 out- react to number 1 like blue

Secondary Run Fits vs Outside Run

Primary
Force

C
Second
ary
Force

M
$

Make the Primary Force

Player right
Viking in- Safety out
Viking out-Safety in

Over
the top

Cutback
Pursuit

Position

Corn
er

Free
Safet
y

Green

Hor.
Align.
Vert.
Align.
Read

Black

Lock on

Outside ft- #1
1 ft 3 yd inside (GF TE)
1 ft 3 yd inside (GF TE)

7 yards

7 yards

Q to #2

Respons. #1 Man to man

#1 Man to man

Read 2 to 1

Techn.

Man to man

Man to man

Read 2

Notes

No inside help

Alert island

Align.
Read

7 yards
Key your man

Man to man

Notes

No help inside

inside

8-10
yards
QB- 2-1

#1
Man to man

Outside 1/3

Jam- touch- trail

island, frank, sky, sqt

No
Danger

11 yards

zone

back up, inside

11 yards
10, 12 away from trips

7 yd,
island

QB 3/2- 1

Rob ball, deepest 2-1

Over the top of fade,

inside

Middle 1/3

Read 2
Free- 45 degrees H-H

Alert island

Flat foot- back pedalbreak

island, frank, sky, sqtFade and post
Danger

7 yards

See green

Man to man

See green

QB- 2-1

Respons. 2 wk/3 strg- (RB)

See green

Techn.

See green

Youre the adjustor

10 yards

QB

A gap vs RB, 1 ft 3yd inside

See green

Man to man

2b- b slot, A
pro, split 1s,
3x1- T

QB near shoulder Q- 2

GF #2 strg
(removed)
or split 1 and
4.5
yards
T

Notes

1 foot inside

TE 3 yard adj. either way

Hash2b- b, split 1s, 3x1- Gf
T inside-2, outside
1 ft 3 yd inside or (GF TE)

Techn.
Hor.
Align.
Vert.
Align.
Read

Red

7 yards, frank-4Press- LOS, or 4

Inside hip #1

Hor.
Align.
Vert.

Inside hip #1

Respons. #2 rec. strength

Stron
g
Safet
y

Blue

See green

1 foot inside
4 yards or press

zone
15 yard rule
GF #2
strg, or
split 1
4.5
and T

Q-2-1

Curl to Flat

QB or Tackle
(game plan)
#2 strong

Zone- SCIF

Jack- touch trail

ZoneSCIF

#3 m-m v.
trips

If nickel in- #2
wk/3 strg

Curl-Flat

Nickel- Black - 7 yards deep, foot to 3 yards inside, man to man on #2 rec. strength, if

334

Previo
us

Stout

Next

Coverage:
Silver (cover 4)
3 weak
Blue (cover 2)

TC
Notes:

E
M

W
POS. Align. And tech

Key

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N
W
E
H

TE/
triangl
e
OT or
ball

D gap

OG/
Triangl
e
shade 1 tech., AttackC/Ball

B gap

Leverage

A gap
strong

OG/
Triangl
e
OG/Ba
ll
OT/Bal
l

Foot
5 tech., Attack
30

30 tech.
3 tech., Attack
5 tech., gap
step

Vs 1 back N
in a 2i

Adjustments:
2 TEs
Foot

Walk

5 tech.

5 tech.

Coverage

30

00 tech. 2
gap

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

2i tech.

2i tech.

Leverage

Coverage

30

Walk

B gap

B gapre-direct

PR

3 tech.

3 tech.

C gap

Trail

contain

7 tech.

5 tech.

C gap

Stay silver Coverage

Cutbck- 3
deep
Contain
Trail

4 WRs

335

Previo
us

Ram Shade

Next

Coverage:
Silver (cover 4)
3 weak
Blue (cover 2)

Notes:

Key

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N
W
E
H

TE/
triangl
e
OT or
ball

D gap

OG/
Triangl
e
shade 1 tech., AttackC/Ball

B gap

Leverage

A gap
strong

OG/
Triangl
e
OG/Ba
ll
OT/Bal
l

Foot
5 tech., Attack
30

30 tech.
3 tech., Attack
5 tech., gap
step

Vs 1 back N
in a 2i

W
POS. Align. And tech

TC

Adjustments:
2 TEs
Foot

Walk

5 tech.

5 tech.

Coverage

30

00 tech. 2
gap

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

2i tech.

2i tech.

Leverage

Coverage

30

Walk

B gap

B gapre-direct

PR

3 tech.

3 tech.

C gap

Trail

contain

7 tech.

5 tech.

C gap

Stay silver Coverage

Cutbck- 3
deep
Contain
Trail

4 WRs

336

Previo
us

Ram Shade

Next

Coverage:
Silver (cover 4)
3 weak
Blue (cover 2)

Notes:

Key

Run Game:

Pass Game:

To: Away

S
E
M
N
W
E
H

TE/
triangl
e
OT or
ball

D gap

OG/
Triangl
e
shade 1 tech., AttackC/Ball

B gap

Leverage

A gap
strong

OG/
Triangl
e
OG/Ba
ll
OT/Bal
l

Foot
5 tech., Attack
30

30 tech.
3 tech., Attack
5 tech., gap
step

Vs 1 back N
in a 2i

W
POS. Align. And tech

TC

Adjustments:
2 TEs
Foot

Walk

5 tech.

5 tech.

Coverage

30

00 tech. 2
gap

A gap,
re-direct

Pass Rush

2i tech.

2i tech.

Leverage

Coverage

30

Walk

B gap

B gapre-direct

PR

3 tech.

3 tech.

C gap

Trail

contain

7 tech.

5 tech.

C gap

Stay silver Coverage

Cutbck- 3
deep
Contain
Trail

4 WRs

337

E S
M

E
W

E S

H E

E S

N
W

E
W

E S
M

E
W

E
M

E
M

E
W

E S
M

E S
M

Note: a crazy tag- tells the hawk he has an automatic 2 way go, the rocked down safety will make
the Hawk right.

339

Man to Man Coverage

Green
Lock On

0 Free Safeties

Black

2 Free Safeties

1 Free Safety

Steel Curtain 3 Free Safeties

We will mix and match coverages.

The following assignments are base assignments, week to week we
will match up our players according to the opponents.
We must maximize matchups
Note: We can substitute for specific positions.
Often we will substitute a nickel for 1 linebacker (often the Sam)
and/or Dime back for another.

340

Green (Cover 0)
Front

43

Ram

Slam

Mace

52

53

Bear

Strong
Corner

#1

#1

#1

#1

#1

#1

Strong
Safety

RB v. 2
backs
Vs 1 back
#2 wk, #3
strong

RB v. 2
backs
Vs 1 back
#2 wk, #3
strong

RB v. 2
backs
Vs 1 back
#2 wk, #3
strong

RB v. 2
backs
Vs 1 back
#2 wk, #3
strong

RB v. 2
backs
Vs 1 back
#2 wk, #3
strong

2 backs- C
gap BO
Vs 1 back
#2 wk, #3
strong

Sam

FB/Blit
z

Tagged
Blitz or
Game plan

Blitz

FB to side
FB- awaylow spy

Mike

FB/Blit
z

Ramcombo FB
Ram- fireFB
Ramcombo FB
Ram FireBlitz

Slamcombo FB
Slam FireBlitz
Slamcombo FB
Slam- fireFB
Tagged
Blitz or
Game plan

Free
Safety
Weak
Corner

Will
Hawk

#2 rec. #2 rec. #2 rec.

strengt strengt streng
h
h
th
#1
#1
#1

FB/Blit
z

Blitz

#2 rec. #2 rec.
streng streng
th
th
#1
#1

#2 rec.
streng
th
#1

Replac
e
Blitzer
X

DE or Blitz

DE

TE

Blitz

Combo/Iso
late FB/QB
Or blitz

FB low spy
1 backcombo

Backs

Blitz

Combo/Iso
late FB/QB
Or blitz

Backs

FB to side
FB- awaylow spy

DE or Blitz

2 backs- C
gap BO
1 backcombo
DE

341

Black (Cover 1)
Front

43

Ram

Slam

Mace

52

44

Bear

Strong
Corner

#1

#1

#1

#1

#1

#1

#1

Strong
Safety

#2 strong
Give trio
call to
backer

#2 blitz
side or 3
away from
blitz

#2 blitz
side or 3
away from
blitz

#2 strong

Free
Safety

Free

Free

Free

FB or #3
strong vs
trips
Trio call
if time

Free

Free

RB v. 2
backs
Vs 1 back
#2 wk, #3
strong

Weak
Corner

#1

#1

#1

#1

2 backs- BO
1 back- #2
to side
unless trio
call- then #3
Blitz/QB

#2 away
Alert
trio
Or
Ace
Ram- combo

Blitz

Sam

Mike

Will
Hawk

1 back
combo or
iso
2 backs- BO
1 back- #2
to side
unless trio
call- then #3

FB
Ram- fire- 3
wk or fb
Ram- combo
FB
Ram fireblitz

Blitz

Free

Free

#1

#1

#1

#2 alert
trio

DE

Nickel- 2
strong

Slamcombo FB
Slam FireBlitz

Blitz

Combo/Iso
late FB/QB
Or blitz

Combo/Iso
late FB/QB
Or blitz

Slam- combo
FB
Slam- fire- 3
strong or FB

Blitz

Combo/Iso
late FB/QB
Or blitz

Combo/Iso
late FB/QB
Or blitz

#2 away
from call
or ACE

#2 alert
trio

DE

DE
342

Lock-on
Front

40

30

Steel
Curtain
#1

Strong
Corner

#1

#1

Strong
Safety

Free
12 yards
using hash
as guide

Free
12 yards
using hash
as guide

3 deep
divider
rule

Free
Safety

Free
12 yards
using hash
as guide

3 deep
divider
rule

3 deep
divider
rule

Weak
Corner

#1

#1

#1

Sam

Nickel
-back
#2 rec.
strength
Dime back
#2 rec.
weak
Ace
#3 rec
strong

Nickel
-back
#2 rec.
strength
#3 to side

Nickel
-back
#2 rec.
strength
Weak

Mike

Will
Hawk

DE

Combo
Low spy/high
spy
Blitz
#3
to side
Combo
Low spy/high
spy
Blitz

Dime back
#2 rec.
weak

Note: Lock-on coverage is a pure

pass defense.
We will sub for the Mike and the
Sam in 40 Lock-on.
Often we will move the Sam to DE
and sometimes the Mike to the
DL
30 Lock-on provides us with more
options and we may keep the
Mike in and move the Sam and
Hawk to DE.

Safety
3 deep
divider
Ace
rule

Dime back
#2 rec.
weak

343

344

Green (Cover 0)
Front

43

Ram

Slam

Mace

52

53

Bear

Strong
Corner

#1

#1

#1

#1

#1

#1

Strong
Safety

RB v. 2
backs
Vs 1 back
#2 wk, #3
strong

RB v. 2
backs
Vs 1 back
#2 wk, #3
strong

RB v. 2
backs
Vs 1 back
#2 wk, #3
strong

RB v. 2
backs
Vs 1 back
#2 wk, #3
strong

RB v. 2
backs
Vs 1 back
#2 wk, #3
strong

2 backs- C
gap BO
Vs 1 back
#2 wk, #3
strong

Sam

FB/Blit
z

Tagged
Blitz or
Game plan

Blitz

FB to side
FB- awaylow spy

Mike

FB/Blit
z

Ramcombo FB
Ram- fireFB
Ramcombo FB
Ram FireBlitz

Slamcombo FB
Slam FireBlitz
Slamcombo FB
Slam- fireFB
Tagged
Blitz or
Game plan

Free
Safety
Weak
Corner

Will
Hawk

#2 rec. #2 rec. #2 rec.

strengt strengt streng
h
h
th
#1
#1
#1

FB/Blit
z

Blitz

#2 rec. #2 rec.
streng streng
th
th
#1
#1

#2 rec.
streng
th
#1

Replac
e
Blitzer
X

DE or Blitz

DE

TE

Blitz

Combo/Iso
late FB/QB
Or blitz

FB low spy
1 backcombo

Backs

Blitz

Combo/Iso
late FB/QB
Or blitz

Backs

FB to side
FB- awaylow spy

DE or Blitz

2 backs- C
gap BO
1 backcombo
DE

345

Black (Cover 1)
Front

43

note: in Sam Fire and Ram Fire #2 away from blitz in backfield- check zone
it (3-3)

Ram

Slam

Mace

52

44

Bear
#1

Strong
Corner

#1

#1

#1

#1

#1

#1

Strong
Safety

#2 strong
Give trio
call to
backer

#2 blitz side
or 3 away
from blitz
Or give trio
call

#2 blitz side
or 3 away
from blitz
Or give trio
call

#2 strong

Free
Safety

Free

Free

Free

FB or #3
strong vs
trips
Trio call
if time

Free

Free

RB v. 2
backs
Vs 1 back
#2 wk, #3
strong

Weak
Corner

#1

#1

#1

#1

2 backs- BO
1 back- #2
to side
unless trio
call- then #3
Blitz/QB

#2 away
Alert
trio
Or
Ace
Ram- combo

Blitz

Sam

Mike

Will
Hawk

1 back
combo or
iso
2 backs- BO
1 back- #2
to side
unless trio
call- then #3

FB
Ram- fire- 3
wk or fb
Ram- combo
FB
Ram fireblitz

Blitz

Free

Free

#1

#1

#1

#2 alert
trio
Nickel
personnel

DE

Nickel- 2
strong

Slamcombo FB
Slam FireBlitz

Blitz

Combo/Iso
late backs
Or blitz

Combo/Iso
late FB/QB
Or blitz

Slam- combo
FB
Slam- fire- 3
strong or FB

Blitz

Combo/Iso
late backs
Or blitz

Combo/Iso
late FB/QB
Or blitz

#2 away
from call
or ACE

#2 alert
trio
dime

DE

DE
346

Lock-on
Front
Strong
Corner
Strong
Safety

40
#1

30
#1

Steel
Curtain
#1

Free
12 yards
using hash
as guide

Free
12 yards
using hash
as guide

3 deep
divider
rule

Free
Safety

Free
12 yards
using hash
as guide

3 deep
divider
rule

3 deep
divider
rule

Weak
Corner

#1

#1

#1

Sam

Nickel
-back
#2 rec.
strength
Dime back
#2 rec.
weak
Ace
#3 rec
strong

Nickel
-back
#2 rec.
strength
#3 to side

Nickel
-back
#2 rec.
strength
Weak

Mike

Will
Hawk

DE

Combo
Low spy/high
spy
Blitz
#3
to side
Combo
Low spy/high
spy
Blitz

Dime back
#2 rec.
weak

Note: Lock-on coverage is a pure

pass defense.
We will sub for the Mike and the
Sam in 40 Lock-on.
Often we will move the Sam to DE
and sometimes the Mike to the
DL
30 Lock-on provides us with more
options and we may keep the
Mike in and move the Sam and
Hawk to DE.

Safety
3 deep
divider
Ace
rule

Dime back
#2 rec.
weak

347

Silver (cover 4)
Position

Alignment

Key/Read

Pass Responsibility

Sam

vs TE- foot
vs. TE- TE triangle
vs TE outside move or delay- man to man
vs removed #2- split T and 2
vs removed #2 Q-2-1
Vs TE vertical or in- drop to top of
#s- top new #2
vs removed #2- hands on #2 and drop to top of #s
Alert Buzz
#s player

Front or split #2 and T

Q-2-1
hands on #2- drop to top of numbers
Alert buzz alert switch

Middle Player

Depends on Front
#3 to #2
after run clears open to #3
run with a vertical by 3
head on a swivel get depth middle of
field.
Spy flow-fire

Corners

7 yards deep
Q (read through 3 step)
vs. tight #2- man to man vs. #1
1 foot to 1 yard inside #1 vs TE or tight #2- eyes on 1
vs. removed number 2- alert
Copper or Wheel
Vs a wing or bunch check Blue
Safeties

10 yards deep
Q- 2-1
vs TE vertical- own him
1 yard outside tight #2
vs TE- out/under LB/block- Run-Rob #1- Roll
vs. removed #2- check Copper

348

Copper (read 2) (check vs removed #2)

Position
#s player

Alignment

Key/Read

Pass Responsibility

vs. removed split #2 and T

Q-2-1
top of numbers
vs. Tight #2- foot
vs. trips- danger #3- gf vs trips- danger- man
danger- man to man on 3
banjo or zone- split #2 and T
banjo- combo #3 with Safety
#3- out- own, #3 in/vertical- top #s

Middle Player
Depends on Front
and formation

guard- 3-2
high middle- spy flow fire
vs 2 x 2 alert for Back up the middle

Corners

7 yards deep outside foot Q-2-1

read 2
of #1
# 2 blocks/vertical/in man to man on 1
# 2 out- man to man on #2 and funnel 1 to safety
Island- green cover
Pre-snap- Alert island blue
Post-snap- alert- Squat

Safeties

10 yard inside foot of #2 Q-2-1

read 2
always ask Im I wide
#2 vertical or deep in- Own #2
enough to cover a vertical
#2 under LB- Cross Rob #1
#1.
#2 blocks- rob #1#2 out- adopt #1
Vs trips away- split #1 BS
and #3 trips side
backside Safety- Banjo call read #3
#3 blocks/out/under LB- Free
# 3 vertical or deep in- own 3

349

Blue (cover 2)

350

Cover 3 (red, 3 strong, 3 weak, invert, 3 roll)

351

If the offense is sliding to the back as oppose to away there are a couple of
things to do.
Give End away from blitz a two way go over hang with numbers player
Show one blitz and come from the other side
Run blitzes like Ram mike fire rock or slam Will fire rock
Run a key blitz
Example- ram key fire rock
Run it just like ram fire but the two inside backers are keying center
If center shows you his butt- blitz your B gap
IF center shows you his face- you become the middle player

352