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Systems/4-3 Defense/4-3 Cover 0
CoverageBest for: Passing down10U+ · Core

4-3 Cover 0

All-out man coverage with no deep help for a maximum blitz.

Concept: Every receiver is matched man-to-man freeing both safeties to blitz or add to the rush.

Age version
ETTESMWCSSC
RushBlitzDrop to coverage
14U — Add pressure: Layer in the called blitz — one timed gap-shooter on the snap. 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. Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.

Every position's job

NG

1-technique, rush the A-gap fast, no deep help behind.

Coach it with
DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction DL Gap Control and Two-Gap Read
DT (strong)

3-technique, rush the strong B-gap fast.

Coach it with
DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction DL Gap Control and Two-Gap Read
DE (strong)

Contain rush the strong edge.

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

Contain rush the weak edge.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
Mike

Man the back or blitz his gap.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path DL Shed and Block Destruction LB Read Keys and Shuffle
Sam

Man the tight end or blitz.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path RB Blitz Pickup
Will

Man a back or blitz.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path RB Blitz Pickup
SS

Blitz off the edge/gap or add to the rush, no deep help.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction
FS

Blitz off the edge/gap or add to the rush, no deep help.

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

Press man the strong receiver with no deep help.

Coach it with
Press Jam & Bail
CB (weak)

Press man the weak receiver with no deep help.

Coach it with
Press Jam & Bail

How to teach it

  • 1All-out man pressure, so the rush must get home fast because there is no deep safety.
  • 2Corners press and mirror because they have zero help on any route.
  • 3Both safeties add to the rush or rob the hot throw.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Corners giving cushion and getting beaten deep; fix by pressing and disrupting the release.
  • !Rush lanes overlapping and letting the QB escape; fix by keeping edge contain disciplined.
← Back to 4-3 Defense playbook

Build this into your call sheet.

Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.

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