Cover 4
Cover 4 , also known as Quarters , is a defense scheme in American football based on zone coverage . As with most zone coverages in American football, it is named after the number of deep zones. In the cover 4, the depth of field is quartered, and each of the four zones from a defense player defends.
principle
The main purpose of a Cover 4 defense is to avoid deep passes.
tasks
Cover 4 can be played with both the classic 4-3 and 3-4 defenses. The two cornerbacks and the two safetys cover the four deep zones. One or two linebackers cover the short passes over the middle, two further linebackers or defensive backs cover the short passes to the outside. Three or four linemen try to attack the opposing quarterback . Often the two outer cornerbacks are well behind the line of scrimmage before the snap . But you can also stand directly opposite the two outermost receivers ( press coverage ), which is particularly helpful when defending against the barrel.
Offense against cover 4
Play-action can work against cover 4 , as this causes the safeties to move forward to defend the run and not cover the deep zones. Cover 4 can also be beaten with receivers that are widely spread horizontally and whose pass routes attack the short and middle zones. The use of a post-in concept is also popular . An inner receiver runs a deep in-route and thus pulls the safety with it, while the outer receiver runs a post-route. Due to the lack of safety, there is no help on the inside and the post-playing receiver can thus be played.
Individual evidence
- ^ Defensive Back Press Technique with Multiple Coverages [VIDEO]. In: afca.com. 2018, accessed January 21, 2020 (American English).
- ^ Matt Bowen: NFL 101: Introducing the Basics of Cover 4. In: bleacherreport.com. Bleacher Report, accessed January 21, 2020 .