By Zach Wilkinson, Defensive Coordinator
Hardin-Simmons University
The following is an overview of how we play Tampa Coverage. Tampa Coverage is essentially a 3 deep 4 under zone. We will defend our underneath zones with our LB’s and corners and the deep zones with our safeties and Mike LB. We like to use Tampa coverage in passing situations because it allows us to be aggressive in quick game and at the same time strong vs. vertical routes. Tampa is not our primary run defense. In order to stop the run we will utilize line stunts to cancel gaps to put the ball into the perimeter. There are two ways to get beat on defense; get beat over the top or lose leverage on the football. Tampa gives us the best of both worlds. We keep great leverage on the football and at the same time it allows us to play high to low.
Diagram 1 gives a visual key of what areas we are taking away in the passing game. When installing all coverages we talk to the kids about looks rather than formations. We cut the field down the middle and talk about a Twins, Trips or Pro look. We also define everything on defense. We talk about our AKA’s (Alignment, Keys and Assignment). We want everyone on defense from coaches to players talking in the same language. This allows us to line up and play faster.
2 x 2 TWINS (Diagram 2)
Safeties are the QB’s of our defense. The FS will give a reading left or reading right call to talk to the Read Side Corner, $ and M. He will read to the field first and passing strength second. The WS will align to the boundary or away from the passing strength. He will talk to the Away Side Corner and Will. The safeties will align off the hash. They will play deep half and will lean toward #1 WR. They are not part of the run game. On the snap they are reading the QB to the routes. Corners will align inside leverage of the #1 WR. We do not have them get hands on #1. He is our primary force defender vs. the run. If the CB reads run he will pull the trigger. If he reads pass we will read the QB for a 3 step to 5 step. If it is 3 step, we are breaking on the ball. The corner is never wrong. This coverage allows us to take chances with our underneath players vs. the passing game. If it is 5 step we will sink and read routes. We will not jump underneath routes until the QB tells us to. If it is 5 step, we play high to low. (Diagrams 3 & 4).
$ and Will LB will align between the #2 WR and EMOL. They are heavy run defenders. If they read run they will pull the trigger. If pass shows they too are reading 3 step to 5 step. If it is 3 step, take a shot you are never wrong. If it is 5 step get depth and read routes. If #2 is out, hold curl and find #1. If #2 is vertical, get depth and weave inside holding off the seam. If #2 releases inside, get depth and find work. (Diagrams 3 & 4)
Mike LB will align 7 yards deep over the ball. He will work a pedal on the snap. He is not a primary run defender but will be an overlap player vs. the run. If pass shows, he will play high hole and will read vertical of #2 to #2. If both are vertical, he will play off the QB. If one of the #2 WR’s is not vertical he can flip his hips and play the other vertical route. (Diagrams 3 & 4)
