CoverageBest for: Base down6U+ · Basic
Tampa 2
Cover 2 variation with the Mike linebacker dropping deep to defend the middle hole.
Concept: The Mike sprints to the deep middle between the two safeties while corners and other backers play the underneath.
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
1-technique, rush the weak A-gap.
DT (strong)
3-technique, rush the strong B-gap.
Mike
Sprint to the deep middle hole between the two safeties, taking away the vertical seam.
Sam
Drop to the strong hook/curl underneath.
Coach it with
Will
Drop to the weak hook/curl underneath.
Coach it with
SS
Cover the strong deep half over the top.
FS
Cover the weak deep half over the top.
How to teach it
- 1Tampa 2 turns Cover 2 into a three-deep late: the Mike sprints to the deep middle hole between the safeties.
- 2The Mike must get depth fast to take away the middle seam that beats regular Cover 2.
- 3Corners and outside backers still play the underneath just like Cover 2.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Mike not getting deep enough and the seam opening; fix by turning and running to the deep middle at the snap.
- !Safeties collapsing to the middle expecting Mike help; fix by staying wide on their halves.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.