How do you play Cover 4?
How do you play Cover 4?
Cover 4 is based on the concept that if the offense sends 4 vertical threats deep the defense can cover all four threats. They accomplish this by having both cornerbacks and both safeties responsible for a deep quarter of the field.
What is a Cover 4 in football?
A common zone coverage that focuses on eliminating the deep portion of the field is Cover 4. Also known as quarters coverage, Cover 4 has four deep zones, typically two corners and two safeties, splitting a fourth of the deep portions of the field.
When should I use Cover 4?
No matter what version of the defense is run, the Cover 4 is an excellent option for any team looking to keep the ball in front of them and limit the number of yards an offense has the ability to gain on any one play.
What is the weakness of Cover 4?
Football Fundamentals: Cover 4 Defense “Coverage”
| Strengths | Weakness |
|---|---|
| Four-Deep Coverage | Flat Coverage |
| 9-Man Box (Safety Run Support) | Overload Underneath Zones |
| Bracket coverage on #1 | Safeties in run/pass conflict |
| Outside Coverage Options (Tight/Soft) | DBs on an island |
What is the difference between Cover 2 and Cover 4?
In Cover 2, the corners are going to be tighter to the line of scrimmage, and be slightly outside of your outside receivers. In Cover 4, they ultimately need to be deeper on the snap of the ball so they will not get beat deep, as they have the entire quarter of the field, from the line of scrimmage to the endzone.
What do cornerbacks do in Cover 4?
Typically the cornerback will shade outside of the receiver to force an inside release (similar to cover 2). If the outside receiver runs a vertical route (typically defined as no break in the first 12-15 yards of the route) then the corner converts into man coverage on the receiver.