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Systems/5-2 Defense (Oklahoma)/Prevent Cover 4
SpecialBest for: Prevent / vs pass12U+ · Advanced

Prevent Cover 4

Deep-drop prevent coverage guarding against the big play late in a half.

Concept: Defenders bail to deep quarters and keep all receivers in front, tackling in bounds.

Age version
ETNTEBBCSSC
RushBlitzDrop to coverage
14U — Attack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage. 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. 12UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
  2. 14UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage. 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 passer under control, keep the QB in the pocket.

Coach it with
Two-Hand Punch & Extend Progression Read (1-2-3)
DT (strong)

Rush the C-gap, keep the QB contained.

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

Rush the backside C-gap, contain.

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

Contain the strong edge, do not let the QB escape.

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

Contain the weak edge, keep the QB in front.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
Mike

Drop to the deep middle underneath, keep everything in front.

Coach it with
Zone Drop & Pattern Read QB Stance and Footwork
Sam

Drop underneath, wall crossers and keep receivers in front.

Coach it with
Zone Drop & Pattern Read QB Stance and Footwork
SS

Bail to a deep quarter, keep all receivers in front.

Coach it with
Press Jam & Bail
FS

Bail to a deep quarter, be the deepest defender.

Coach it with
Press Jam & Bail
CB (strong)

Bail to a deep quarter, keep everything in front and inside.

Coach it with
Press Jam & Bail
CB (weak)

Bail to a deep quarter, keep everything in front and inside.

Coach it with
Press Jam & Bail

How to teach it

  • 1All defenders bail to deep quarters and keep every receiver in front of them, no matter what.
  • 2Tackle in bounds to keep the clock running late in the half.
  • 3Rush lanes must contain the QB so he cannot scramble for a big gain.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Defenders letting a receiver run behind them; fix by keeping everyone in front and playing top-down.
  • !Rushers losing contain and giving up a scramble; fix by rushing under control and squeezing the pocket.
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