Two Deep, Four Under
Two safeties split the deep field and four defenders spread out underneath them. Against a team that throws short all game, this puts a body in every place they like to throw.
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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.
- SSafetyDrop into the deep left half. Watch receivers entering that space and communicate as they leave it.
- SSafetyDrop into the deep right half. Watch receivers entering that space and communicate as they leave it.
- 1DBDrop into the short far-left area. Watch receivers entering that space and communicate as they leave it.
- 2DBDrop into the short inside-left area. Watch receivers entering that space and communicate as they leave it.
- 3DBDrop into the short inside-right area. Watch receivers entering that space and communicate as they leave it.
- 4DBDrop into the short far-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 Two Deep, Four Under
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
- Put four defenders across shorter passing areas while two safeties share the deep field.
- Coverage plan
- The underneath line watches short releases. Safeties watch deeper routes and the seam between their halves; this shape still has gaps between depths.
- Teaching cue
- Underneath players spread out; safeties stay over the routes.
- Common mistake
- Two nearby underneath defenders following the same receiver into one area.
- zone coverage
- two deep
- stops the short game
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