CoverageBest for: Base down6U+ · Basic
Cover 2
Splits the deep field into two halves with corners jamming the flats.
Concept: Both safeties play deep halves while corners funnel receivers inside and sink to the sideline.
Age version
RushBlitzDrop to coverage
12U — Full call: Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.
Play movement — schematic, not to scale
Grows with your players
Same play, more layers as they age up — teach it once and build on it every season for a consistent program.
- 6UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
- 8UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage.
- 10UAdd coverage: Teach the coverage drops behind the front and read run vs. pass.
- 12UFull call: Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.
Every position's job
NG
0-technique, two-gap or rush the A-gaps.
Mike
Carry the deep middle hole between the safeties, wall inside verticals.
ILB
Drop to a hook zone and help the middle.
SS
Cover the strong deep half over the top.
FS
Cover the weak deep half over the top.
CB (strong)
Jam the strong receiver and funnel inside, sink to the flat.
Coach it with
How to teach it
- 1Both safeties play deep halves while corners jam, funnel receivers inside, and sink to the sideline flat.
- 2Corners re-route number one to squeeze verticals toward the safeties.
- 3An inside backer carries the deep middle hole to close the seam.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Corners bailing instead of jamming and giving a free release; fix by re-routing number one first.
- !Safeties too flat and giving up the post; fix by staying deep and top-down over their half.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.