When to use: 1st down, 2nd & long, 3rd & long vs spread formations. Best when the offense is spreading receivers and you want to prevent big vertical plays.
Two flat defenders cover short routes and horizontal motion on each side; three deep defenders split the field into thirds to take away vertical shots.
Flat defenders (FL/FR): Stay in your flat zone (0–8 yards depth on your side). Carry any receiver who runs flat, wheel, or bubble. Don't chase vertical routes upfield.
Corners (CB/CB2): Own your deep outside third. Play soft (arms ready, backpedal). First job is not letting anyone get behind you; second job is rallying to the ball when the QB throws to the flat or middle.
Free Safety (FS): Middle third, deepest player. Read motion pre-snap and rotate toward trips/strength. First help on any seam route. If both flats are clear, drop into the middle third coverage.
Keys: watches the QB's shoulders; if the QB scrambles or extends the play, rotate and rally. Flat defenders: if no one enters your zone in the first 3 seconds, burst to the ball in the open field.
When to use: 1st down, 2nd & long, 3rd & long vs spread formations. Best when the offense is spreading receivers and you want to prevent big vertical plays.
Two flat defenders cover short routes and horizontal motion on each side; three deep defenders split the field into thirds to take away vertical shots.
Flat defenders (FL/FR): Stay in your flat zone (0–8 yards depth on your side). Carry any receiver who runs flat, wheel, or bubble. Don't chase vertical routes upfield.
Corners (CB/CB2): Own your deep outside third. Play soft (arms ready, backpedal). First job is not letting anyone get behind you; second job is rallying to the ball when the QB throws to the flat or middle.
Free Safety (FS): Middle third, deepest player. Read motion pre-snap and rotate toward trips/strength. First help on any seam route. If both flats are clear, drop into the middle third coverage.
Keys: watches the QB's shoulders; if the QB scrambles or extends the play, rotate and rally. Flat defenders: if no one enters your zone in the first 3 seconds, burst to the ball in the open field.
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