Cover 3
Three defenders each take a third of the deep field and two work underneath. Good against teams that throw deep every down, and it keeps everything in front of you.
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- Offense (shown faded, for alignment)
- Defense
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Who does what
- RRusherStart from your competition's legal rush position and close toward the quarterback under control. The diagram does not set a universal rush distance.
- 1DBDrop into the deep left third. Watch receivers entering that space and communicate as they leave it.
- SSafetyDrop into the deep middle third. Watch receivers entering that space and communicate as they leave it.
- 3DBDrop into the deep right third. Watch receivers entering that space and communicate as they leave it.
- UDBDrop into the short left area. Watch receivers entering that space and communicate as they leave it.
- UDBDrop into the short right area. Watch receivers entering that space and communicate as they leave it.
Not sure what a position does? Read the position guide or look up a term.
How to teach Cover 3
By FlagPlays · Updated . Practical starting points for volunteer coaches. Check your competition’s rules before using a play.
Left and right refer to the diagram. Route depths are illustrations; adjust them to your field and players. Check eligibility, running and rush rules.
- When to try it
- Divide six defenders into three deep players, two underneath players and one rusher.
- Coverage plan
- The deep three handle their lanes; the underneath pair watch shorter routes on their side. Discuss who closes the space between the underneath players.
- Teaching cue
- Call out a receiver moving from your area to the next.
- Common mistake
- An underneath player chasing a deep route and opening a short passing window.
- zone coverage
- three deep
- stops the deep ball
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