2008 GMC Fall LB Coverage Handout
2008 GMC Fall LB Coverage Handout
2008 GMC Fall LB Coverage Handout
Gray Coverage is a 4 Under 3 Deep Concept. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds
of the field. There will be either 4 underneath defenders playing zone.
COVERAGE RULES:
CB = Outside Deep Thirds
DOGS = Curl-Flat
LB COVERAGE Rules:
Final 3: Read the release of #3.
#3 Outside Release: Get Depth and Width on Drop and take Inside Leverage on Final 3.
#3 Vertical Release: Attack with Inside Leverage, Collision and look outside for Final 3.
#3 Inside Release: Use Backpedal to gain depth to take away Deeper Drags and Digs.
Final 2: Read the release of #2. (vs. Doubles)
#2 Outside Release: Get Depth and Width on Drop and take Inside Leverage on Final 2.
#2 Vertical Release: Attack with Inside Leverage, Collision and look outside for Final 2.
#2 Inside Release: Use Backpedal to gain depth to take away Deeper Drags and Digs.
3 Hole: (vs. Trips and 2 Backs)
LB away from Trips will play 3 Hole. Spot Drop over the center of formation about 12
yards deep. Get Head on a Swivel looking for anything crossing.
Gray vs. Doubles
3
1
2
Curl-flat
1
E
Curl-flat
C
Final 2
Final 3
F
Outside Thirds
Outside Thirds
Middle Thirds
Curl-flat
Curl-flat
C
Final 3
3 Hole
F
Outside Thirds
Outside Thirds
Middle Thirds
2
E
D
Curl-flat
D
Final 3
Final 2
Curl-flat
C
F
Outside Thirds
Outside Thirds
Middle Thirds
GREEN COVERAGE
Green Coverage is a 3 Under 3 Deep Concept. There will be 3 defenders in the deep
thirds of the field. There will be 3 underneath defenders playing zone.
DB COVERAGE RULES:
CB = Outside Deep Thirds
DOGS = Curl-Flat
LB COVERAGE RULES:
Final 3: Read the Release of #3.
#3 Outside Release: Get Depth and Width on Drop and take Inside Leverage on Final 3.
#3 Vertical Release: Attack with Inside Leverage, Collision and look outside for Final 3.
#3 Inside Release: Use Backpedal to gain depth to take away Deeper Drags and Digs.
1
2
Curl-flat
1
E
Curl-flat
C
Final 3
F
Outside Thirds
Outside Thirds
Middle Thirds
GOLD COVERAGE
Gold Coverage is a 3 Under 3 Deep Concept. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds
of the field. There will be 3 underneath defenders. The difference between Gold and
Green is that we will give a Cover 2 Pre Snap Alignment. Free Safety will go to the WR
strength. The FS will make a WR strength call (ROGER/LUCY). Dog away from the FS
will make an Im Back Call to LBs. LBs will Shift Alignment to the Im Back Call. On
Snap, everyone goes back to original position and responsibility of play call.
DB COVERAGE RULES:
CB = Outside Deep Thirds
DOGS = Curl-Flat
LB COVERAGE RULES:
Final 3: Read the release of #3.
#3 Outside Release: Get Depth and Width on Drop and take Inside Leverage on Final 3.
#3 Vertical Release: Attack with Inside Leverage, Collision and look outside for Final 3.
#3 Inside Release: Use Backpedal to gain depth to take away Deeper Drags and Digs.
3
E
Curl-flat
N
M
E
B
Curl-flat
C
Final 3
D
Outside Thirds
Outside Thirds
Middle Thirds
RED COVERAGE
Red Coverage is a 3 Deep Concept. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds of the
field. There will be either 3 underneath defenders or 4 underneath defenders based on the
type of pressure we are bringing. Red will tell the DBs to give a pre-snap cover 2 look.
Red will tell the FS to go to the WR strength. FS will make a Roger or Lucy call. The FS
will play curl to flat on that side. The dog away from the free safety will make an Im
Gone Call to the LBs and will spin to the deep middle thirds of the field. LBs will shift
to the Im Gone Call. The Bat to the Im Gone Call will play Curl to Flat.
DB COVERAGE RULES:
CB = Outside Thirds
FS = Curl-Flat
LB COVERAGE RULES
4-Man Pressure (Dog ):
BAT (Im Gone Call) = Curl-Flat
MIKE= Final 2 or 3 Hole
BAT = Final 3
5-Man Pressure (Storm ):
BAT (Im Gone Call) = Curl-Flat
MIKE = Blitz or Final 3
BAT = Blitz or Final 3
Final 3:
#3 Outside Release: Get Depth and Width on Drop and take Inside Leverage on Final 3.
#3 Vertical Release: Attack with Inside Leverage, Collision and look outside for Final 3.
#3 Inside Release: Use Backpedal to gain depth to take away Deeper Drags and Digs.
Final 2: Read the release of #2. (vs. Doubles)
#2 Outside Release: Get Depth and Width on Drop and take Inside Leverage on Final 2.
#2 Vertical Release: Attack with Inside Leverage, Collision and look outside for Final 2.
#2 Inside Release: Use Backpedal to gain depth to take away Deeper Drags and Digs.
3 Hole: (vs. Trips)
LB away from Trips will play 3 Hole. Spot Drop over the center of formation about 12
yards deep. Get Head on a Swivel looking for anything crossing.
Curl-Flat: Read Release of 2 to 1.
#2 Outside Release: Get under #1 now and Leverage the Flat.
#2 Vertical Release: Attack #2 with Inside Leverage. Get Eyes on #1. If #1 goes vertical
use trail technique on #2. If #1 comes insides or stops attack #1.
#2 Inside Release: Get underneath #1 and Leverage the Flat.
1
2
1
E
Curl-flat
Curl-flat
C
Final 2
Final 3
Outside Thirds
Middle Thirds
3
E
Curl-flat
N
M
E
B
Curl-flat
C
Final 3
D
Outside Thirds
Outside Thirds
Middle Thirds
FS = Outside Thirds
LB COVERAGE RULES:
4-Man Pressure (Bob , Buck , Mike Strong / Weak):
BAT (Im Gone Call) = Curl-Flat
MIKE= Final 3 or Blitz
BAT = Final 3 or Blitz
5-Man Pressure (Bird Spy):
BATS (Im Gone Call) = Curl-Flat
MIKE = Blitz
BAT = Blitz
Final 3:
#3 Outside Release: Get Depth and Width on Drop and take Inside Leverage on Final 3.
#3 Vertical Release: Attack with Inside Leverage, Collision and look outside for Final 3.
#3 Inside Release: Use Backpedal to gain depth to take away Deeper Drags and Digs.
Curl-Flat: Read Release of 2 to 1.
#2 Outside Release: Get under #1 now and Leverage the Flat.
#2 Vertical Release: Attack #2 with Inside Leverage. Get Eyes on #1. If #1 goes vertical
use trail technique on #2. If #1 comes insides or stops attack #1.
#2 Inside Release: Get underneath #1 and Leverage the Flat.
1
2
1
E
Curl-flat
Flat
Curl
C
Final 3
D
Outside Thirds
Middle Thirds
Outside Thirds
3
E
Curl-flat
N
M
Flat
E
B
D
Curl
Hole
Outside Thirds
Middle Thirds
Outside Thirds
RED X COVERAGE
Red X Coverage is a 3 Deep Concept. There will be 3 defenders in the deep thirds of the
field. There will be 3 underneath defenders based on the type of pressure we are bringing.
Red X tells the FS to make a Lucy or Roger call to the WR strength. The FS will then
play Final 3 behind the LBs that Blitz. The Dog away from the FS will Spin and Play
Middle Thirds and will make an Im Gone call to the LBs. The LBs will shift to the Im
Gone call. The LB to that side will play Curl-Flat. The Dog to the FS will play the CurlFlat.
DB COVERAGE RULES:
CB = Outside Thirds
FS = Final 3 or Blitz
LB COVERAGE RULES:
5-Man Pressure (Bird):
Bat (Im Gone Call) = Curl-Flat
5-Man Pressure (Weapons):
Bat (Im Gone Call) = Curl-Flat
Bat or Mike = Final 3
Final 3:
#3 Outside Release: Get Depth and Width on Drop and take Inside Leverage on Final 3.
#3 Vertical Release: Attack with Inside Leverage, Collision and look outside for Final 3.
#3 Inside Release: Use Backpedal to gain depth to take away Deeper Drags and Digs.
Curl-Flat: Read Release of 2 to 1.
#2 Outside Release: Get under #1 now and Leverage the Flat.
#2 Vertical Release: Attack #2 with Inside Leverage. Get Eyes on #1. If #1 goes vertical
use trail technique on #2. If #1 comes insides or stops attack #1.
#2 Inside Release: Get underneath #1 and Leverage the Flat.
1
2
1
E
Curl-flat
Final 3
Curl-Flat
D
F
Outside Thirds
Middle Thirds
Outside Thirds
3
E
Curl-flat
N
M
E
B
Final 3
Curl-Flat
Outside Thirds
Middle Thirds
Outside Thirds
ORANGE COVERAGE
Orange Coverage is a 4 Deep Concept. There will be 4 Defenders defending the deep
quarters of the field. There will be 3 underneath defenders based on the type of pressure
we will be bringing. The FS will make a Lucy or Roger call to the WR Strength. The Dog
away from the FS will make an Im Gone Call to the LBs. The LBs will shift to the Im
Gone Call. The LB will play curl-flat to that side.
DB COVERAGE RULES:
CB = Quarters
FS = Quarters
LB COVERAGE RULES:
4-Man Pressure (Bob , Buck , Mike Strong / Weak):
BAT (Im Gone Call) = Curl-Flat
MIKE = Final 3 or Blitz
BAT = Final 3 or Blitz
5-Man Pressure (Bird Spy):
BAT (Im Gone Call) = Curl-Flat
MIKE = Blitz
BAT = Blitz
Final 3:
#3 Outside Release: Get Depth and Width on Drop and take Inside Leverage on Final 3.
#3 Vertical Release: Attack with Inside Leverage, Collision and look outside for Final 3.
#3 Inside Release: Use Backpedal to gain depth to take away Deeper Drags and Digs.
Curl-Flat: Read Release of 2 to 1.
#2 Outside Release: Get under #1 now and Leverage the Flat.
#2 Vertical Release: Attack #2 with Inside Leverage. Get Eyes on #1. If #1 goes vertical
use trail technique on #2. If #1 comes insides or stops attack #1.
#2 Inside Release: Get underneath #1 and Leverage the Flat.
1
2
1
E
Curl-flat
Curl-Flat
C
Final 3
Quarters
Quarters
Quarters
Quarters
3
E
Curl-flat
N
M
E
B
Hole
Curl-Flat
Quarters
Quarters
Quarters
Quarters
YELLOW COVERAGE
Yellow Coverage is a 2 Deep Concept. There will be 2 Defenders defending the deep
halves of the field. There will be 4 underneath defenders based on the type of pressure we
will be bringing. The FS will make a Roger or Lucy call to the WR Strength. The Dog
away from the FS will make an Im Gone Call to the LBs. The LBs will shift to the Im
Gone Call. The LB will play curl to that side.
Note: Vs. Trips. Coverage could roll to Quarter Quarter Halves vs 3 Vertical. Backside
Bat would become a Curl-Flat Player vs. Trips.
DB COVERAGE RULES:
CB = Soft Flat
FS = Deep Halves
LB COVERAGE RULES:
3-Man Pressure (Jacks)
BAT (Im Gone Call) = Final 2
MIKE = 3 Hole
BAT = Final 3
4-Man Pressure (Bob , Buck , Mike Strong / Weak):
BAT (Im Gone Call) = Final 2
MIKE = Final 3 or Blitz
BAT = Final 3 or Blitz
Final 3:
#3 Outside Release: Get Depth and Width on Drop and take Inside Leverage on Final 3.
#3 Vertical Release: Attack with Inside Leverage, Collision and look outside for Final 3.
#3 Inside Release: Use Backpedal to gain depth to take away Deeper Drags and Digs.
Final 2: Read the release of #2.
#2 Outside Release: Get Depth and Width on Drop and take Inside Leverage on Final 2.
#2 Vertical Release: Attack with Inside Leverage, Collision and look outside for Final 2.
#2 Inside Release: Use Backpedal to gain depth to take away Deeper Drags and Digs.
3 Hole: Spot Drop over the center of formation about 12 yards deep. Get Head on a
Swivel looking for anything crossing.
Curl-Flat: Read Release of 2 to 1. (BACKSIDE BAT VS TRIPS)
#2 Outside Release: Get under #1 now and Leverage the Flat.
#2 Vertical Release: Attack #2 with Inside Leverage. Get Eyes on #1. If #1 goes vertical
use trail technique on #2. If #1 comes insides or stops attack #1.
#2 Inside Release: Get underneath #1 and Leverage the Flat.
1
2
1
E
Soft-flat
Soft Flat
B
C
Final 3
Final 2
Curl
Deep Halves
Deep Halves
3
E
Curl-Flat
N
M
Soft-flat
C
Final 3
D
3 Hole
Soft-flat or Quarters
Curl
F
Deep Halves
TAMPA 3
Tampa 3 is 4 or 5 Under 3 Deep Concept. The CBs will play a Hard 2 and take care of
the Flats. The Dogs will play loose and take care of the outside Thirds. The FS will play
the Middle Third of the Field.
DB COVERAGE RULES:
CB = Flat
FS = Middle Thirds
LB COVERAGE RULES:
BAT = Final 3
BAT = Final 2
Final 3:
#3 Outside Release: Get Depth and Width on Drop and take Inside Leverage on Final 3.
#3 Vertical Release: Attack with Inside Leverage, Collision and look outside for Final 3.
#3 Inside Release: Use Backpedal to gain depth to take away Deeper Drags and Digs.
Final 2: Read the release of #2.
#2 Outside Release: Get Depth and Width on Drop and take Inside Leverage on Final 2.
#2 Vertical Release: Attack with Inside Leverage, Collision and look outside for Final 2.
#2 Inside Release: Use Backpedal to gain depth to take away Deeper Drags and Digs.
3 Hole: Spot Drop over the center of formation about 12 yards deep. Get Head on a
Swivel looking for anything crossing.
1
E
E
Flat
Flat
B
C
Final 2
Final 3
3 Hole
F
Outside Thirds
Outside Thirds
Middle Thirds
COVER 1
Cover 1 is a Man Free Concept. Everyone will have a man and one defender will be free
in the deep post. Linebackers must communicate with one another to who has #3 or the
RB. Man to Man is important in that you can not allow an inside release. If the offense
gives a trips formation the FS will check spin and roll down take #3 man to man. The dog
away from the check spin will spin to the middle of the field on the snap.
DB COVERAGE RULES:
CB = #1
LB COVERAGE RULES:
4-Man Pressure (Bob, Buck, Mike):
1 RB RULE: Banjo RB
2 RB RULE: Banjo #3
5-Man Pressure (Ammo, Bird):
1 RB RULE: Man RB
2 RB RULE: Man #3
BANJO: This is a term used by the LBs to help in determining who has #3 or RB man to
man and who will play the Rat technique. This term is used when we are only bringing
one LB on a blitz and we leave two for coverage.
RAT TECHNIQUE:
Drop off of #3 if LB does not have a man. Get to 10 yards depth and Square Shoulders to
the Final Three. Do Not allow an inside route by anyone.
MAN TECHNIQUE: Aiming Point is Inside Hip of RB
Inside Route: Deny the Inside Release and Route. Use the outside foot and hand to attack
Receiver. Once the inside route has been denied, the LB can use his inside hand to wall
the receiver to the outside.
Vertical Route: Attack with Inside Leverage to the Inside Ear Hole of Receiver Stay
Tight and Underneath the Receiver. Play the Receivers Eyes and Hands.
Outside Route: Engage with Inside Leverage. Accelerate and Run the more the Receiver
widens. Put Body between the QB and Receiver. If Receiver feet chops LB slow feet and
chop and be ready to accelerate.
No Route: Go Attack and engage your man to take away any screen attempt.
Note: Can Call Cover 1 Fly. This is a change-up that allows the dog to travel to Trips
and the Free Safety will play the middle of the field.
1
2
1
E
D
C
RAT
F
3
2
1
E
C
RAT
F
1
2
1
E
C
F
2
2
C
F
Note: FS makes
check spin call
BLACK COVERAGE
Black Coverage is a Man to Man Concept. This Coverage is used when we are blitzing a
Dog or a Dog and a LB and we want to play Man to Man behind it. This coverage is a full
man concept and there is no post player. It is important you keep inside leverage on your
man and close the distance between you and your man. Dog will Travel if Trips is to the
Blitz side.
DB COVERAGE RULES:
CB = #1
FS = #2 or #3 (vs. Trips)
DOGS = #2 or Blitz
LB COVERAGE RULES:
4-Man Pressure (Dog):
1-Back Rule: Trio RB
2-Back Rule: Trio #3
5-Man Pressure (Storm):
1-Back Rule: Banjo RB
2-Back Rule: Banjo #3
BANJO: This is a term used by the LBs to help in determining who has #3 or RB man to
man and who will play the Rat technique. This term is used when we are only bringing
one LB on a blitz and we leave two for coverage.
TRIO: This term is used by LBs when the Dog is the only one blitzing. There are 3 LBs
left for one receiver. One LB will have the receiver and the other two will play Rat technique.
RAT TECHNIQUE:
Drop off of #3 if LB does not have a man. Get to 10 yards depth and Square Shoulders to
the Final Three. Do Not allow an inside route by anyone.
MAN TECHNIQUE: Aiming Point is Inside Hip of RB
Inside Route: Deny the Inside Release and Route. Use the outside foot and hand to attack
Receiver. Once the inside route has been denied, the LB can use his inside hand to wall
the receiver to the outside.
Vertical Route: Attack with Inside Leverage to the Inside Ear Hole of Receiver Stay
Tight and Underneath the Receiver. Play the Receivers Eyes and Hands.
Outside Route: Engage with Inside Leverage. Accelerate and Run the more the Receiver
widens. Put Body between the QB and Receiver. If Receiver feet chops LB slow feet and
chop and be ready to accelerate.
No Route: Go Attack and engage your man to take away any screen attempt.
1
2
D
C
1
E
D
RAT
RAT
3
2
D
C
1
E
D
F
RAT
RAT
Note: Trio Call
by the LBs
1
2
1
E
C
F
RAT
2
2
3
E
E
B
D
C
RAT
F
BROWN COVERAGE
Brown Coverage is a Man to Man Concept with 6-Man Pressure. This Coverage is used
when we are blitzing a Dog and 2 LBs and we want to play Man to Man behind it. There
is only one LB left for Man coverage. This coverage is a full man concept and there is no
post player. It is important you keep inside leverage on your man and close the distance
between you and your man. Dog will Travel if Trips is to the Blitz side.
DB COVERAGE RULES:
CB = #1
FS = #2 or #3 (vs. Trips)
DOGS = #2 or Blitz
LB COVERAGE RULES:
6-Man Pressure (Storm):
1-Back Rule: Man RB
2-Back Rule: Man #3
MAN TECHNIQUE: Aiming Point is Inside Hip of RB
Inside Route: Deny the Inside Release and Route. Use the outside foot and hand to attack
Receiver. Once the inside route has been denied, the LB can use his inside hand to wall
the receiver to the outside.
Vertical Route: Attack with Inside Leverage to the Inside Ear Hole of Receiver Stay
Tight and Underneath the Receiver. Play the Receivers Eyes and Hands.
Outside Route: Engage with Inside Leverage. Accelerate and Run the more the Receiver
widens. Put Body between the QB and Receiver. If Receiver feet chops LB slow feet and
chop and be ready to accelerate.
No Route: Go Attack and engage your man to take away any screen attempt.
1
2
1
E
C
F
RAT
2
2
3
E
E
B
D
C
RAT
F
BLUE COVERAGE
Blue Coverage is a Man to Man Concept. This man to man coverage is used when all of
the LBs are hot. The FS, Dogs, CBs will take care of the receivers. Blue will be run with
the Bird package. Blue will tell the LB that is normally not hot in the Bird package that
he will blitz the open B gap.
RULES:
CB = #1
FS = #3
DOGS = #2
MIKE = Blitz
2
3
D
C
1
E
D
C
0 COVERAGE
Zero Coverage is a Man to Man Concept. This coverage is called when we want both dogs
to blitz. The dogs will be hot as long there are two backs in the backfield. If the offense
comes out in One Back we will check to Smoke Pinch 1.
DB COVERAGE RULES:
CB = #1
FS = #2
DOGS = Blitz
LB COVERAGE RULES:
5-Man Pressure (Dig Pinch and Dig Switch):
2-Back Rule: Deuce
1-Back Rule: Bats Blitz
Mike Man RB
DEUCE:
This term is used by LBs when the Dogs are the ones blitzing. There are 3 LBs left for
two RBs. Two LBs will have the two RBs and the other one will play Rat technique.
RAT TECHNIQUE:
Drop off of #3 if LB does not have a man. Get to 10 yards depth and Square Shoulders to
the Final Three. Do Not allow an inside route by anyone.
MAN vs. #3 or #2: Aiming Points is the inside Hip.
Inside Route: Deny the Inside Release and Route. Use the outside foot and hand to attack
Receiver. Once the inside route has been denied, the LB can use his inside hand to wall
the receiver to the outside.
Vertical Route: Attack with Inside Leverage to the Inside Ear Hole of Receiver Stay
Tight and Underneath the Receiver. Play the Receivers Eyes and Hands.
Outside Route: Engage with Inside Leverage. Accelerate and Run the more the Receiver
widens. Put Body between the QB and Receiver. If Receiver feet chops LB slow feet and
chop and be ready to accelerate.
No Route: Go Attack and engage your man to take away any screen attempt.
1
2
1
E
RAT
E
D
D
C
E
B
D
F