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Systems/3-5-3 (Odd Stack)/Cover 0 Pressure
CoverageBest for: Passing down10U+ · Core

Cover 0 Pressure

Plays all man with no deep help to send an extra stacked backer.

Concept: Every receiver is manned so the free safety and a backer can both blitz.

Age version
ENEBBBBBCSC
RushBlitzDrop to coverage
14U — Add pressure: Layer in the called blitz — one timed gap-shooter on the snap. Teach the coverage drops behind the front and read run vs. pass. 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.

  1. 10UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
  2. 12UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage.
  3. 14UAdd pressure: Layer in the called blitz — one timed gap-shooter on the snap. Teach the coverage drops behind the front and read run vs. pass. Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.

Every position's job

NG

Rush the A-gap hard on the all-out pressure.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction
DE (strong)

Rush and contain the strong edge.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
DE (weak)

Rush and contain the weak edge.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
Mike

Man the back or add to the rush.

Sam

Blitz as the extra stacked backer with no deep help.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path RB Blitz Pickup
Will

Man the weak-side eligible.

Star

Man the strong slot/tight end.

Spur

Man the weak slot.

CB (strong)

Lock tight man on the strong receiver with no deep help.

CB (weak)

Lock tight man on the weak receiver with no deep help.

FS

Blitz off the edge/interior since there is no deep help in Cover 0.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner Blitz Timing & Path RB Blitz Pickup

How to teach it

  • 1Every receiver is manned so the free safety and a backer can both blitz.
  • 2Corners must press and win at the line — there is zero deep help.
  • 3Get pressure home fast; it's an all-or-nothing pressure call.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Corners giving cushion and getting beat deep with no help; fix by pressing at the line.
  • !Rush not getting home and exposing the man defenders; fix by only calling it on pressure downs.
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