How to Read a Defense | A Guide to the Basics of Football Coverage

Terms discussed: man, mirror technique, off man, press man, zone, coverage shells, cover 2, cover 3, cover 6, cover 7, man-match, pattern-match, rip/liz, greendog blitz, man free
The offseason is in full swing which gives us plenty of time to distract ourselves with any scraps of football we can cling to. For this offseason, the main distraction will be coverage concepts.
Coverage is one of the most important aspects of football but due to generally awful camera angles, most fans aren’t encouraged, or often even able, to get the full scope of what’s happening on the field.
The goal of this upcoming video series is to solve some of these issues. To get into the nitty-gritty of what football coverages are like and how Florida State Defensive Coordinator Adam Fuller uses them in his scheme.
So to start things off there needs to be a primer. This primer needs to not only educate viewers about the differences between coverage families but also how to identify them using the generally awful angles you get watching the game from home. Then it should explain how the offense can attack those coverages and what modifications the defense needs to make to fill those gaps. Hopefully, this primer accomplishes those things.
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[@nikitaa2204]

Who’s here because CFB 25 hard as hell

[@XsandNoles]

Shoot even I just won my first game on Heisman yesterday. It's tough but the gameplay is fantastic!

[@dwngrnG]

Ong😊

[@brennanbutcher9062]

Guilty

[@muhammadrollie9457]

Me

[@grandmasterrecordings125]

Me! 😂

[@austinshivers1644]

This is great. As a fan who didn't play organized football, these help me really understand what I'm watching. And you teach the ideas much better than most.

[@XsandNoles]

Thanks that's the goal. TBH even a lot of people that did play football often didn't pay attention to these things. Good on you for trying to learn about the sport we love!

[@Joshua-uw7wm]

It'll also improve your game 🎮 in NCAA football and Madden (all though Madden is soo garbage it really doesn't matter)

[@TheWrestlingArchitect]

@@Joshua-uw7wm’ve found myself doing this a lot recently watching real life coverage breakdowns of defense helps your game so much it gives u a big advantage over your opponents

[@dylenfowler5870]

I played organized football and my coaches didn’t break down coverages a fraction of this. Now I can finally play on All-Madden difficulty

[@leviprimavera9367]

@@Joshua-uw7wmwith the release of ncaa yesterday, that’s exactly why I’m watching😂 plus, I actually want to learn about the game I love and how my longhorns really operate

[@daveedmondson6561]

Thanks for increasing our football IQ's.

[@jobaecker9752]

Great video - filled in some gaps with detailed explanations. One thing I don't like about TV coverage is that they don't always show you all the players at once, where you can "see" the strategic placements and shifts before the play starts.

[@XsandNoles]

Yup all-22 is the gold standard. Wish they would use that angle more on TV

[@XsandNoles]

What are you confused about?

[@TheMichaelBeck]

Came across your channel. Love it. I played from '82 to '86 until I fracture dislocated my ankle running routes during P.E. without my ankles taped the Monday before the first game of my senior year of high school. Since my season was over I shadowed my coaches during games. I learned a lot more about the game coaching than playing. I served in the Army and after retiring I started coaching the Pop Warner team I played for as a kid. I absolutely loved it. I've coached middle school kids ever since. As a life long Seminoles fan, GO 'NOLES! Cheers. P.s. I never let my kids practice without taped ankles. Lesson learned.

[@XsandNoles]

Thanks for the support! Glad you enjoy the channel. Sorry about your ankle. Hopefully your kids have better luck!

[@LTGiants2000]

Great introduction video, thank you for putting this together. I have played Madden for years without really paying attention to what all of the X's & O's mean. Now with Peyton and Eli on MNF, it's made me want to understand it more and this helps a lot! Thanks.

[@gridlock489]

I'm so thankful this video exists! Learning to predict the future based on where 11 people are standing is not an easy task

[@XsandNoles]

It's why it's such a beautiful game! So many possibilities

[@blackchatles4773]

I’m a fan of football and never played actual football in my life I’m studying and working out for the next season so I’m prepared and this helped very much thank you

[@arunbuck7084]

I'm so happy with myself for being able to look at the 1/4 1/4 1/2 coverage and diagnose it on my own. 🥂

[@XsandNoles]

Awesome good job!

[@ADPuckey]

I love this video. This is exactly the kind of stuff I've been looking for - a perfect introduction to scheme stuff for someone who already knows the basics but never played the game. Really well done, stoked to check out the rest of your videos.

[@RobertCleggRC]

In 1988, I programmed Joe B. Hall's (Kentucky) 1-3-1 zone defense. I then animated/ran plays against it and wondered if the computer could eventually deign optimal plays against it. Later I worked w a DB for the Browns to create a playbook but that wasn't animated. I did create a prototype for football that tested a players ability to read a defense in real time eventually using touch screen overlay on video for a prototype for the Vikings in 1991. I have video of it up on KZbin if you are interested. My expertise is now video game- based learning.

[@XsandNoles]

That's awesome! I've had those same thoughts. Like having AI play the game to see if they come up with novel schemes. That's really cool and I would love to learn more about that.

[@wmatlanta96]

I covered Super Bowl 25 and I’ve watched football for decades. This is By Far the Best Masterclass on Defense I’ve ever seen. Congratulations !🏈

[@XsandNoles]

Thanks!

[@sionedwards5682]

This is very helpful. As a new fan from the UK it's great to see videos like this to help me understand the more intricate side of the game

[@XsandNoles]

Glad it helps!

[@logo0507]

Anyone Here because of ncaa 25 ?????

[@Vinny-202]

Me 🤣

[@joshcaden24]

Yup

[@mrdrillherdown4710]

Yup

[@2wavyB]

we all living the same life

[@randombiasedrevert]

Shi hard af

[@jonspringer4307]

I love football and getting into the defense and learning as I am watching makes even the boring games fun!! Great video, thank you!

[@seanholley7284]

Excellent video! I am a Louisville fan but got recommended this by KZbin. I enjoy seeing channels with people that are actually knowledgeable about the game and how it is supposed to be played and this appears to be one of these channels. I prefer these channels to the "homeboy" type channels where the person just beats their chest about their team or conference, screams into the mic, repeats what everyone else says, and shares little to no actual insight. I enjoy learning about the x's and o's of different sports and what it takes to actually play those sports at a high level. Thank you for making this video! It is one of the best general football educational/strategy videos that I have seen. Good luck to the Noles next season!

[@XsandNoles]

Thanks for the kind words! I try to keep as neutral as possible and I'm an educator by trade so I'm glad it came off that way!

[@shadowki1647]

Excellent video. Understanding instead of just watching is key to Madden domination. Keep up the good work.

[@justingagnier1394]

Best vids I’ve found to explain real life coverage and that I’ve you time to really look at what’s happening. I’m just a couple of minutes I at least half understood what was happening even with the mixed coverages when I saw the corner jamming on one side and playing off the receiver on the other. I just get confused about cover 2 and 4 and what each means lol. I can see what’s happening I just don’t know how to articulate it. Great shit man. Really enjoying learning this.

[@NBAJAY_0007]

Gday from here in UK. Thanks for the brilliant content. I'm always interested in the nuances of American football and Basketball as growing up in the early 90s ( born 81' ) UK we never had alot of access to the " American sports " so never got to really learn the game even though I've been a fan for nearly 3 decades. So to be able to watch and learn from a well presented, really informative and uncomplicated video/s is a brilliant find that I'll be watching and studying ALOT. Big thanks and look forward to seeing more.

[@XsandNoles]

Glad it was helpful from across the pond!

[@BwalyaHiggins-es3cw]

Came here as a football fan expecting football tactics (soccer as the Americans call it) didn't find exactly what I was looking for but I still learnt something

[@XsandNoles]

Haha well I hope I have you a bit of an appreciation for the game I love!

[@supash3]

Okay you got me on the quiz portion, I totally thought that was cover 6 (2 on the left and 4 on the right)at 8:15. Great video!

[@CoachAB75]

Fantastic work Kev!

[@XsandNoles]

Thanks man! Worked hard on this one

[@thersten]

I watched your videos for a month and now I'm a head coach in the NFL! 👍

[@XsandNoles]

Better prepared than most!

[@xrexc3179]

Love these bro! They're great teaching tools. Keep em coming!

[@vadderkraft8563]

THAT is actually a very good explanation - NOW I'd like to know more about matching coverages

[@XsandNoles]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4XIeIGufNqJmMk Glad you enjoyed it! Let me know how this one is!

[@justin8006]

Can you post more defensive coverages in football, and maybe post some of the offensive side as well. Such as routes, and types of schemes different coaches use offensively. It’s good to understand these things. Because you break things down really well and i understand them. thanks for this video man

[@XsandNoles]

Glad you enjoyed it man! If you go to my channel page I have a playlist called "football 101" where I put all the videos like that I have. Some might be a bit older but let me know if those work for you!

[@Joshua-uw7wm]

Love the Memphis clips. Go tigers go!!

[@jenniferlittle2870]

Awesome Son another great video,I understand this one 🤗

[@XsandNoles]

Haha that's always the goal Mom

[@christianglass7599]

Love these kind of videos Kevin! Would love to see more. My suggestion: when our defense failed schematically last year vs when our personnel failed to execute

[@XsandNoles]

That's a great idea! My next video is going to go into that a bit but unfortunately I'm going to have to look more at his season at memphis for 2 reasons. 1. I have more all-22 film of that season and 2. The AAC has much better media rights haha but a lot of the concepts and ideas transfer over

[@EdKennedyV]

I LOVE these videos. I’m a late bloomer for football, my fandom didn’t kick-in until 2012 honestly, so less than 9 years of seriously following college football. The visual aids are incredible. My next obstacle is learning the play calling terminologies, as well as the specific roles/responsibilities of position groups. Of course, some position groups and play calls are easily defined. Others are super complicated, or difficult to recognize in the heat of a game. Especially as these terms are fluid depending on the coordinators/coach from one program to another.

[@XsandNoles]

Terminologies is very team specific but things like cover 3/ 4 and different route concepts tend to be universal. What do you mean by position group responsibilities?

[@EdKennedyV]

@@XsandNoles For me, as an example, I can cheer & brag when the Noles pick up a stud at DB, or linebacker, perhaps a DE. But I have a hard time knowing what, specifically, those position groups are held responsible for on the field. The general concept, yes, is obvious: stop the offense from driving the field. But I’m speaking to their roles on a defense. Know most of those are a Google search away. I can read as much as I want, but sometimes seeing it play out in a live or review setting helps put it into perspective. Also doesn’t help that different staffs call these position groups by different terms (and different sites like Rivals and 247 might call them something else). Hope that makes sense, I’m not expecting videos on this, I suppose this is just research I’ll need to do on my own time.

[@XsandNoles]

While it won't answer all your questions this video I made last year tries to answer some. Hopefully it helps you out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXnXl4R8YsunfNk

[@ethanrichard4950]

Thank you so much. I love football, but im not the most knowledgeable on schemes and the x's and o's. Thanks so much.

[@XsandNoles]

Glad it helped!

[@Chrisx954]

GREAT Video. As a football fan, i've always found myself wanting to dig a bit deeper than just what you see on tv. Keep these going!

[@CeeBuck14]

Just because you like Memphis you deserve a new sub....

[@agy3487]

great video

[@Jweezyization]

A+ video, keep them coming!

[@seandupont4414]

Dude I loved this. More please!!!! Agree with the comment that you are gifted at explaining this stuff.

[@XsandNoles]

Thanks! Id like to think so!

[@JJackson27]

Nice work! I learned many new concepts.

[@loganfowler7987]

Great stuff Kev, keep em coming! GO NOLES!

[@nolimitsio]

Thankyou perfect video, I’m European & kno our football really well ⚽️ but it’s hard understanding & read coverage I haven’t got that far yet in my football 🏈 knowledge but we’re getting there, football 🏈 real fun to watch

[@XsandNoles]

Awesome. I'm glad it helped!

[@PercentBettr]

Excellent and simple breakdown, one of the best Ive seen.

[@TDPhinsTalkAdmin]

Easily earned a sub! Great great video really well broken down so it’s understandable for anyone no matter their level of football background

[@XsandNoles]

Thanks for the love. Hopefully will get to more general focus football videos this offseason but we try to be educational even in our FSU vids!

[@nickolauslodge6150]

I really enjoyed and loved this video it helped me understand the game a lot more thank you so much

[@XsandNoles]

Thanks for the love! Do me a favor and share it with other football fans!

[@meridethtohayes]

Thanks very much for this video! I'm very much interested in seeing more! Thanks!

[@XsandNoles]

There's more on the channel! On my front page there's a football 101 playlist. I'm glad it helped!

[@mbaron4311]

More about coverages, please. Never learned about them.

[@michaelthomasiii9369]

Love all of the Memphis Tigers footage.

[@XsandNoles]

It's what I had to work with!

[@Bennybot90]

Great video and format. Liked the quiz section, thanks for the info!

[@XsandNoles]

Glad you enjoyed it. I don't get to put quizzes in my videos often but I just did another if you wanna check that out kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqSxlaeAo61lebM

[@curlyqv2467]

Thank you for this! Great way to get me started in knowing what I'm seeing on the field

[@XsandNoles]

Awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@Detriment44]

Awesome video. Thanks!

[@adventurepassport6436]

Good job. I enjoyed your way of breaking down coverages.

[@XsandNoles]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nomore-constipation]

My spouse is getting more interested in football. Her original thought on the sport was that it is just men bashing themselves together to fight over the football 20 years later and a few fantasy football seasons in, she has become fairly aggressive with trying to understand how to get better results from picking her players and where they play and who they play against etc Watching our favorite team she definitely has shown faster turn around then even some of my guy friends. She's a hoot having around when the gang gathers for a big division rival (pretty proud of her) I think her next logical step is understanding the situation just before the ball is snapped. She's heard me multiple times yell out coverages and thinks she will never get to my level. However I swear she has it in her she's just not truly trusting her instincts I'm going to share your video with her and see what she thinks. It'll naturally take time to adjust but I can see her next season surprising the gang at the next tailgate session!

[@XsandNoles]

That's awesome. I'm getting my wife around on it as well. Let me know how it goes!

[@dkoda840]

This is really good man. Your information was solid and the visuals were clean, too the point, and informative. Keep up the work man, this is a great video for anyone knew to the gridiron. I know I just wrote this on Reddit but felt like I should comment directly here too.

[@JordonJ]

Could you discuss maybe some offensive plays that can be great for these coverages? Like for example the seam route that WR2 (slot wr) went for and got an easy completion. Also, will audibles be effective when changing these and are audibles team made? In the case that the QB sees something he doesn't like, can he audible to another play that will be more effective on a defense for a specific coverage. (e.g. WR1 go route, WR2 10 yard Out Route on Cover 2 *after the audible is called*) Btw, great video. Keep it up!

[@XsandNoles]

Thanks for the interest. I made a video a while back talking purely about passing concepts so check it out and let me know if it answers some questions kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5TVkIuJmJWVfqM Audibles are great but they often take a while to put in and you can sometimes get tricked by defenses. What's more common in today's college game is packaged plays where the qb has different route concepts on each side of the ball and/ a pass and a run and he gets to decide which one is best pre snap

[@smillie9537]

Thanks for the break down it really helps

[@TimothyZakaria]

I was good at this back then on Madden it's been a long time. More experience playing Madden in the early 2000s

[@thedrumman64]

Great intro video. Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@beyonddefeated]

Idk why but there’s something really satisfying about the beginning frame of the video being the same as the thumbnail

[@XsandNoles]

Haha I've stopped doing that but I always liked how it looked

[@stephenrusche5528]

Great information. Thanks for sharing!

[@letsgobroncos4143]

This video was great. I’m starting to understand more about the game, but I’m still a little dumb so I might need to watch it a few times to burn it in my head.

[@XsandNoles]

That's a great idea!

[@alexmcleod3883]

Exactly the info I was looking for, thanks!

[@XsandNoles]

Glad it helped!

[@6789uiop]

Subbed. So clear, great teaching ability with knowledge too.

[@XsandNoles]

Thanks for the support! Glad you got something out of it!

[@TheRenegadeReport]

simply phenomenal

[@PRINCE-zn3ih]

trying to learn football really helpful video!

[@ravendon]

Awesome video, keep up the great work.

[@dharrison9221]

Absolutely loving these videos you're putting out, man! Much appreciated!

[@XsandNoles]

Thanks for the love!

[@chegvra]

Great video.

[@ryderfisk3450]

Man this channel is so good. Go noles

[@XsandNoles]

Thanks for the love!

[@festythenoun]

Great work!

[@chomply]

Thanks

[@anthonyv3732]

Great stuff brutha! Thanks!!!

[@jdorr111]

Question about position abbreviations: the s and w mix up for strong and weak and the f for fox were explained, but what is B? Buffalo nickel? Bandit/robber? Box defender? Banjo guy?

[@XsandNoles]

In Fullers system which this graphic was based off of, he calls the strong safety the "bandit." Good question!

[@Leo-V]

Man seems like the best coverage compare to others with more flaws.

[@mikey3877]

I'm here to get better at Madden lol

[@XsandNoles]

I hope this helps!

[@johncomitz9479]

Outstanding

[@notmarcus17]

Thanks for this! Now I actually know what the plays kinda do in Madden and not just picking random plays lol

[@XsandNoles]

Glad to help!

[@FeaturingKO]

Great video buddy

[@tomsmith3982]

Fresh ideas on what to cover next. The roll of the Fox position. You may done this to a extent last season though. It just seems to be so often misunderstood, another would be linebacker responsibilities in Fullers defense. Perhaps address how they may be using Gainer differently in the next season.

[@XsandNoles]

Yeah I did touch on this last year. Maybe we can do position group previews and elaborate more on their roles in the process?

[@Hussaria]

Dude, don’t like FSU, but that was best damn explanation I ever saw! Good job! We Are!

[@XsandNoles]

Thanks! I try to be educational enough that it spans fanbases

[@ZekePlayz18]

great video! learned alot

[@andybobandy08]

Great video! One thing I was confused about is the "F" position. Who is that?

[@XsandNoles]

It's a remnant from doing FSU videos. That hybrid defensive end is referred to as a Fox in their D.C.s language. Good question!

[@jayg1438]

excellent video

[@sapalot5660]

Great video. Thanks.

[@ericjohnson4877]

Great video. How about run fits in an upcoming video?

[@XsandNoles]

Man that would be a great topic! I may be able to pull something like that off but we're getting pretty close to the season ramping up!

[@deckthompsonjr2887]

Very Informative information.

[@leonrobinson2053]

good content, you could have easily made it more complex but its very digestible for fans new and old. thanks

[@XsandNoles]

That's a big compliment. Thanks!

[@leonrobinson2053]

@@XsandNoles It was really good, credit, where credit is due.

[@worldnolonger]

On the very last defensive formation they're lined up in Cover 4, and also playing the Sticks to prevent a first down. The areas highlighted as the weak spots in the video are not the actual weak spots in this formation because of how they're back playing sticks. The weak spots on this formation are everything in front of the first down line, and in this case the weak spots are there by design. They're inviting the offense to throw in front of the first down line so they can immediately run up and tackle, giving up a completion however one too short for a first down.

[@XsandNoles]

The safeties in "sticks" would be at the LOS but you can see they drop deep after the snap. You could also attack underneath the dropping defenders though

[@zelandakhniteblade5436]

It was a simple 5-2 zone. If it had been a Cover 4, the corner would have run back with the WR post route and the safeties would be more central. It could in theory also have been a Cover 3 read, with the player responsible for the central third staying short after seeing there is no deep threat in his segment but given the down situation, I suspect not. Rather, I assume that the 2 inside zone cover players have responsibility for any receiver crossing into the deep central hole from their side, which is why they are sitting a little deeper than the mike.

[@DemBoys88-Lamb]

2:06 not that receiver being a whole foot offside

[@Martin.The.Credit.Doctor]

Great video

[@anthonygrassi6288]

What about the clear offsides at 2:09

[@jondehoff4512]

Thank god I’m not the only one who saw that

[@AidenB1010]

ong i thought i was trippin, hes like a full yard offsides i had to check my eyes

[@NoleYakin]

Love this stuff thanks for it Go Noles

[@XsandNoles]

Glad you enjoy it! Honestly with this one I bit off a bit more than I can chew. You could probably will a whole college course on coverage stuff

[@NoleYakin]

@@XsandNoles definitely I find the tactics of the game to be some of the most interesting parts of it and you never hear about it

[@johnstewart9]

can someone explain why at 4:40 the weak side linebacker and strong side are designated as they are? I would have thought the strong side would be lined up on the side of the tight end and in the direction the RB would go in, say an inside read option. also, what space is "the box" exactly? It seems wider than between the tackles... and how far back does it go? I'm sure someone here knows. thanks for the video. I wish I'd learned this stuff a long time ago.

[@XsandNoles]

Good eye! I messed up on this video I made forever ago, but if you're catching errors like that then that's a good sign!

[@barbaraadlof7696]

A great help.

[@EurekaCard]

Hey, man. I know I’m 3 years late but this is great. Thanks a lot & Go Cards 😂

[@silverstonehtpc6889]

This was a really informative video. Next time try putting the viewer in the seat of the QB looking at the defense rather than looking at the defense from behind though. I know that's likely not possible for the live-action scenes, but for the X's and O's it will help.

[@XsandNoles]

Yeah. I was trying to show from a viewers perspective but thanks for the feedback!

[@caseyjames2331]

This is an amazing video

[@XsandNoles]

Thanks! Check out part 2 that gives into some more specifics

[@zacturf-n-sports6203]

Cover 3 the flats are the most difficult if you have backers that reroute

[@XsandNoles]

For the offense or defense?

[@TheNostalgiaFiend]

I like press man coverage with a jam and the safeties helping.... but sometimes the talent isn't there, or the numbers/mismatch..be it a CB, or poor safety help. U also can't always be in man. You must switch up to zone, and change up small things throughout the game. It's also hard to play ANY defensive coverage with no good push from the D line. Which..leads to blitz, that leaves you with a bit disadvantage if you don't get to the QB, or affect his throw.

[@XsandNoles]

Only as good as your weakest link on defense especially

[@TheNostalgiaFiend]

@@XsandNoles there's always a weakness. That's why there is what u said about Saban's add-on with numbers in his favor. He directly works with his DB's as well to this day. Zone, sometimes that outside DB in the flat has to go with him up in man. There's so much. The curl/flat. Flat/curl. I love defense.

[@Magswap]

My brother in law loves Madden and I have almost zero real football IQ...that being said, thank you for this!

[@youtubewatcher4955]

Somebody send this to Dak, dawg 😭

[@porterwake3898]

For all you aspiring coaches, when in doubt, run hitch/seam. Are you a middle school coach? Do you need yards right now on 3rd down? Just run a drop back pass, four verts, then have your QB run. It is a little cheap, but you'll get wins and your kids will love football.

[@XsandNoles]

Haha can't forget slants! Good against man and zone, easy completions, and the wide receivers are moving downfield when they catch it

[@DaRealReficul]

has a high school 10th grader qb can u give more info on rpos and mike, will and , Liz (linebackers) u the best qb coach i heard from. MUCH LUV BRO!!

[@XsandNoles]

Hey man thanks for the love. If you go to my profile I have a few more videos a bit like this. Most of them are FSU centric but they still have a lot of general information. Good luck! I hope things go well. It's a beautiful game enjoy it while you can!

[@DaRealReficul]

@@XsandNoles bet if i go pro be ready to coach for me😏

[@XsandNoles]

Counting on you

[@DaRealReficul]

@@XsandNoles🖤🖤