This document describes a Cover 3 zone defense and how it adjusts based on the quarterback's actions. The coverage rolls to the side of the field that the quarterback is most likely to attack. When the quarterback drops back or rolls out, the coverage rolls to that side. However, when the quarterback bootlegs, the coverage must roll to the bootleg side instead. While not difficult, players will need repetitions for this adjustment to the quarterback bootleg to become second nature.

1. Cover 3 Zone (Base Coverage) Our Cover 3 is a basic 3 deep roll coverage based on QB action. The coverage is “rolled” to the side of the field most likely to be attacked by the QB - based on QB action. Since we flip to strength in our base defense and invert our SS, this is a easy coverage to teach and execute against the QB actions we are most likely to see at the youth level – Drop Back and Roll Out (see Diagram 1) But when the QB Bootlegs, the coverage must be rolled to the QB bootleg (see diagram 2). Teaching and executing this part of the coverage is not difficult, but players must be alert and will need reps before it becomes 2 nd nature.

2. Terminology Key WC – DB on Weak Side of Offensive Formation WS – Free Safety (be consistent with terms) SS – Safety on Strong Side of Offensive Formation SC – DB on Strong Side of Offensive Formation Roll Out – QB running outside Tackle box to Strong Side Bootleg – QB running outside Tackle box to Weak Side H/S – Hitch/Slant zone

3. QB SS W S WS SC WC 8-10yd Flat Deep 1/3 Deep 1/3 Deep 1/3 8-10yd H/S 8-10yd H/S Base Cover 3 Zone vs. Drop Back & Roll Out

4. QB SS W S WS SC WC Deep 1/3 Deep 1/3 Deep 1/3 8-10yd H/S 8-10yd H/S Base Cover 3 Zone vs. QB Bootleg 8-10 yd Flat