Cover 3

When to call it

When their QB can throw deep, or they're beating Cover 2 down the middle.

Tap a player to see just their job on the field.

• RRusher — Pressure the QBLine up where the ref allows rushers. At the snap, sprint at the QB's throwing shoulder with your hands up. Go for the flag, never the body.
• LCLeft corner — Deep, left thirdBack up at the snap. Nobody gets behind you on the left side.
• LSLeft safety — Deep, middle thirdStay deeper than anyone in the middle. Read the QB's eyes and break on the throw.
• RCRight corner — Deep, right thirdBack up at the snap. Nobody gets behind you on the right side.
• LMLeft middle — Short, leftCover the short area on the left, from the middle out to the sideline.
• RSRight safety — Short, middleCover the short middle. Slants and crossers are yours.
• RMRight middle — Short, rightCover the short area on the right, from the middle out to the sideline.

Rules

• Deep three: stay deeper than the deepest receiver in your third.
• Short three: stay in your area until the ball is thrown, then sprint to it.
• Rusher: keep the QB inside.

Keys to making it work

• Corners: your first step at the snap is backward, not forward.
• Short passes will be open. Pull the flag right away and live to the next down.