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Systems/5-3 Defense/Cover 0
CoverageBest for: Passing down10U+ · Core

Cover 0

Plays all-out man with no deep help to load the box.

Concept: Every receiver is manned so both safeties can support the run or blitz.

Age version
ETNTEBMBCSC
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
DT

Both tackles rush their B-gaps hard on the all-out pressure.

Coach it with
Team Inside Run Period Blitz Timing & Path DL Stance and Get-Off
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 since there's no deep help.

Sam

Man the tight end/strong back tight.

Will

Man the weak back/second eligible tight.

CB (strong)

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

CB (weak)

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

SS

Support the run or blitz since there's no deep safety.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path RB Blitz Pickup
FS

Support the run or add to the blitz — no deep help in Cover 0.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path RB Blitz Pickup

How to teach it

  • 1Every receiver is manned so both safeties can support the run or blitz.
  • 2Corners must win at the line with a jam because there is zero deep help.
  • 3It's an all-or-nothing call — get pressure home fast.

Common mistakes to fix

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