Coach Leff from Coraopolis sent the following question:
Coach, I am coaching a very young group of defensive backs this year at the high school level. We run a 4-4 cover 3 defense 95 percent of the time. My question is, do you favor outside leverage, or inside leverage of the 2 cornerbacks in the cover 3 technique. Thanks Coach. - - Jeff
Hi Daniel,
There are three basic considerations you need to look at before you make this decision.
First, what pass routes are your corners going to face a majority of the time? Second, is the arm strength of the opposing quarterback who will have to play against your two corners.
Both of these are considerations that need to be given to your opponent’s passing attack.
If the quarterback has an average to below average passing arm and if you determine through scouting or video that a majority of the pass routes to the outside receivers are moving into the center of the field, then I would allow the corners to use inside leverage in their pass coverage.
Versus a strong arm quarterback and an attack that runs routes to the outside a great deal, I would think you would want to maintain outside leverage. These adjustments could easily be a game to game coaching adjustment for the two corners.
The third thought is from a defensive perspective, the major consideration being the assignment of the two outside linebackers on any passing play. If they are assigned to drop wide into a hook area [inside the outside receiver] then the corner should be outside.
This location will usually be your base starting point in a cover three defense. The reasoning being that if there is a free safety in the center of the field, the linebacker can help on the hook and in routes and the ball is in the air longer for any outside pass giving the corner more time to react.
If for any reason the outside linebacker is not dropping wide to the hook zone [on a blitz or lack of physical ability] or if the wide receiver moves to within 7 yards of the sideline, then the safest thing to do is to move the corner to inside technique.
Look over each consideration and then try to determine where you want them to start and then gradually teach them to move to the other leverage position so they have both ways of playing the defense, and you are afforded the opportunity to change the look of your defense when it is to your advantage, Coach Tom Bass.