Use when: A base call against balanced run/pass personnel. Teach the front and linebacker run fits before adding curl-to-flat pass responsibilities. Check the flat rotation when the offensive strength changes.
Run 4-3 Over Cover 3 — defenders read pre-snap formation and motion, then play their assignment below. Primary key: alignment first, eyes to keys at the snap.
Personnel: 11 defenders — 4 rushing, 0 in man, 7 in zones, 0 spying.
Before the snap: identify every eligible receiver, confirm strength and matchups after motion, and communicate who has deep help.
Run/pass key: linebackers read the line and backfield. Fill the assigned gap against run; gain the shown coverage depth against pass. Safeties confirm the read before stepping forward.
Assignments:
: align 1 yards off the LOS, left; rush off the edge — attack the assigned lane, keep contain on the edge and close the pocket under control.
: align 1 yards off the LOS, left; rush through the A-gap — attack the assigned lane, keep contain on the edge and close the pocket under control.
: align 1 yards off the LOS, right; rush through the B-gap — attack the assigned lane, keep contain on the edge and close the pocket under control.
: align 1 yards off the LOS, right; rush off the edge — attack the assigned lane, keep contain on the edge and close the pocket under control.
: align 4.5 yards off the LOS, left; drops into Hook L (8-yard landmark) — read run/pass; drop under inside routes on pass, communicate crossers, then close forward on the ball.
: align 4.5 yards off the LOS, middle; drops into Hook M (8-yard landmark) — read run/pass; drop under inside routes on pass, communicate crossers, then close forward on the ball.
: align 4.5 yards off the LOS, right; drops into Flat R (4-yard landmark) — read the inside receiver into the curl-flat window; widen with the short threat without abandoning an inside receiver too early.
: align 6 yards off the LOS, left; drops into Deep 1/3 L (17-yard landmark) — protect the deep third — open and gain depth, stay over vertical threats; let the underneath defender take the flat.
: align 6 yards off the LOS, right; drops into Deep 1/3 R (17-yard landmark) — protect the deep third — open and gain depth, stay over vertical threats; let the underneath defender take the flat.
: align 13 yards off the LOS, middle; drops into Deep 1/3 M (17-yard landmark) — protect the deep third — open and gain depth, stay over vertical threats; let the underneath defender take the flat.
: align 7 yards off the LOS, left; drops into Flat L (4-yard landmark) — read the inside receiver into the curl-flat window; widen with the short threat without abandoning an inside receiver too early.
What it gives up:
Four vertical routes stress the seams between the three deep defenders; underneath players must carry threats until the deep coverage can take them.
Flood and curl-flat combinations create two threats at different depths in one side’s zone. Rally to the short completion without pulling a deep corner out of the third.
Play-action can pull the hook defenders forward and open an intermediate window.
Teach it: walk the alignment first, then rehearse a vertical, a short outside throw and a crossing route on each side. Freeze after the first movement to check depth and leverage. Add a run or ball-exchange read, then finish under control.
