Cover 3 defense diagram
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Three defenders each take a deep third and four play underneath. Hard to throw deep against, but the flats are open.
When to call Cover 3 defense
Use it as your everyday defense, especially on long-yardage downs and at the end of a half. Three deep defenders keep the ball in front of you.
Be careful with it on third and short. Four underneath defenders cannot cover the whole width of the field, so quick passes to the flats are open. Switch to Cover 2 when that hurts you.
Cover 3 defense: each defender's job
Outside deep thirds
Two defenders, one near each sideline, starting 10 to 12 yards deep. Stay over the top of the widest receiver.
Middle deep third
Line up 12 yards deep over the ball and stay deeper than everyone. H's post is coming to you.
Flat defenders
The two outside underneath players, marked CB on the diagram. Drop to the curl area first, then come up when the ball is thrown to the flat.
Hook defenders
The two inside underneath players, marked LB. Drop 6 or 7 yards on either side of the center. Take his hitch and anything breaking into the middle.
What the defense watches
The three deep defenders watch the receivers and stay behind them. The middle one also watches the quarterback. Underneath, all four defenders face the quarterback and break when he starts his throwing motion.
The diagram shows the stress point. Z curls and Y runs to the flat on the same side, so the right flat defender has two receivers. If the flat keeps gaining yards, widen both flat defenders 2 yards before the snap. If seams are hurting you, have the hook defenders run with the slots for the first 10 yards.
How to teach Cover 3 defense at practice
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Divide the field into thirds with cones and put a deep defender in each. Run go routes at them and make sure nobody gets behind.
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Have a coach throw to the flat. The flat defender breaks on the ball and pulls the flag.
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Scrimmage against four verticals and curl-flat, since those are the plays you will see.
Common mistakes
- A deep defender bites on a short route and a receiver runs past him. Deep thirds do not come up until the ball is in the air.
- The flat defender runs to the flat at the snap and leaves the curl wide open. Have him drop to the curl before he comes up.
- The middle deep defender drifts to one side. He stays between the hashes.
Cover 3 defense FAQ
What is the weakness of a Cover 3 defense in 7 on 7?
The flats and the seams. Four underneath defenders leave room near both sidelines, and four deep routes outnumber three deep defenders. Curl-flat attacks the first weakness and four verticals attacks the second.
Is Cover 3 the best defense for flag football 7 on 7?
It is the most common starting point because the rules are short and it prevents long touchdowns. Pair it with Cover 2 or man so the quarterback sees more than one look.
Who should play the middle deep third?
Put your best athlete with good instincts there. He has the most ground to cover.
Plays on this site drawn against Cover 3 defense: Four verticals, Curl-flat.
More plays: all 7v7 flag football plays, easy plays, flag football defenses. Draw your own in the flag football play designer.