Set Two

Set Two

Despite the fact that the 4-2-5 is a natural fit for Cover 3, I love Quarters Coverage. We've got to start out in Cover 3 with this defense, because it is just right. But we would probably run Quarters more than anything else. It is an adaptable coverage to whatever the offense gives you, since both sides can operate independently. It takes away the need for a Cover 3 corner to split two vertical routes. At the same time, you can put 8 in the box, and even 9 versus a 2-back set. There are a variety of checks that can be used, and the players pick it up amazingly fast because the rules are simple. I'll go into some of the most important checks here. None of this was my idea, by the way, I'm just adapting what I've stolen in the past for the 4-3 Defense to a 4-2-5 structure. Almost everything I'll show here is with the idea of keeping a 4-2 box at all times, so that the defensive linemen and linebackers can play fast!

We're going to set the passing strength to the wide side of the field, or to the most receivers if the ball is in the middle of the field. Two wide receivers would take precedence over a Tight End - Flanker set. Against a balanced set in the middle of the field, we would set the strength to the left unless film indicated another tendency.

The first check we teach is the "Read" Check. This check can be used to the Field or Boundary side when we have one receiver set wide, particularly against a Tight End and Flanker. The Corner aligns at 6-8 yards, 1 yard outside of the #1 receiver, and stays over top of him. The only time he leaves #1 if he goes down inside immediately. The Free Safety reads #2, aligning at 9 yards. If #2 run blocks, the safety fills immediately on the run. If #2 goes inside or outside, under 8 yards, he immediately heads to the inside hip of #1 and robs. If #2 goes vertical, the Free Safety has him in man coverage. The Strong Safety is responsible for the flat and boxing the run, and stays on the top side hip of the #2 receiver when he goes flat. The Inside Linebacker on the read side has the hook zone, and walls anything coming inside. He will go to the inside hip of the most dangerous (Tight End) and redirect as soon as he gets a pass read.

Another important check is the "Alert!" Check. The Alert Check is used when we have two receivers removed, alerting everyone that there are two fast guys out there. The corner aligns at 4-6 yards, with outside leverage on the #1 receiver. The Free Safety aligns over top of the #2 receiver at a depth of 12-14 yards, depending on his speed. With the Alert Check, we work the Vertical Line Rule. The Free Safety stays over top of #2 and the Corner funnels #1 inside. If #2 crosses the "vertical line" of #1, the Corner immediately opens his hips and takes #2, with the Free Safety now staying over top of #1. The Strong Safety is still the box player, and plays the flat. He must wall anything coming inside by #2, instead of just getting to the top side hip. This is a soft cover 2 look.

What's important to remember is that these check are independent of each other. So if one side has two receivers set wide, while the other side has only a tight end and a split receiver, each side makes its own check. The two-receiver side may use an "Alert" check, while the other side is playing a "Read" check.

There are lots of different checks that you can use, so do your research and get a little creative!

Joe Daniel
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