We will begin describing the zones that define the passing areas that need to be defended. Then we will follow up with the strengths and weaknesses of base coverages before we actually get to how to recognize these coverages.
Let's start with the Deep Zones.
Deep zones are zones 15 yards from the line of scrimmage extending to the goal line. These zones can be split up in 2's, 3's or 4's or more commonly known as halves, thirds, or quarters.
2 Deep zone - there are 2 deep defenders each covering half the playing field. Each defender has the responsibility of covering 26 yards.
3 Deep zone - there are 3 deep defenders each covering a third of the playing field. Two outside thirds and a middle third (1/3, 1/3, 1/3). Each defender has the responsibility of covering 18 yards.
4 Deep zone - There are 4 deep defenders each covering a quarter of the playing field (1/4,1/4,1/4 and 1/4). Each defender has the responsibility of covering 13 yards.
Now the Underneath Zones.
Under neath zones are any area of field from 15 yards to the line of scrimmage. Underneath zones consist of different responsibilities.
Flat zone defender is responsible for the area 2 yards outside the slot to the boundary.
Curl zone defender is responsible for the area inside the slot to the tight end.
Hook zone defender is responsible for the area from tight end to tight end.
There are basically 5 zones underneath ....Flat....Curl....Hook.....Curl......Flat, and they extend roughly to 15 yards. Anything past that is deep zone.
4 Man rush is a normal rush, if the defense brings a 5th man than that's a considered a blitz.
Let's review 3 deep, 4 under and 4 rush.
There are 3 players responsible for the 3 deep zones 15 yards from the line of scrimmage.
4 under - there are 4 players responsible for the 5 designated zones, 15 yards from the line of scrimmage. (Flat, Curl, Hook, Curl, Flat). The defense is short one underneath defender.
4 rush - there are 4 down guys rushing, and is not considered a blitz.
Let's review 2 deep, 5 under and 4 rush.
2 deep zones - there are 2 deep defenders, each are responsible for half of the field 15 yards from the line of scrimmage to the goal line (26 yards each). * A lot of field to cover with just 2 defenders.
5 under - there are 5 defenders responsible for the 5 designated zones, 0-14 yards from the line of scrimmage (Flat, Curl, Hook, Curl, Flat) *All zones are accounted for.
Now that we understand the basics we can discuss how to recognize the 5 base coverages. The base coverages that we will review are cover 0,1,2,3,4 and 8.
Pre Snap Read (PSR)
We begin by asking the Quarterback what is the shell? The shell is the top of the coverage usually in the box which is 10-20 yards deep between the hashes. If there is one defender in the box - we call this a "1 shell." If 2 in the box - we call this a "2 shell." If there is noone in the box we call this a "0 shell." Each of these looks give us an indication what defensive coverage we are seeing.
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Coach Hrovat
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