Chad Wilson
July 30, 2025
Match coverage is a powerful blend of man and zone principles that allows defenses to adapt to modern offensive route combinations. But to make it work, your defenders must master two key fundamentals: leverage and landmarks. These elements determine positioning, technique, and ultimately success in matching routes across formations and motion.
What is Leverage in Match Coverage?
Leverage refers to a defender’s positioning in relation to a receiver’s alignment and likely route. It helps dictate how a DB will cover his man if he goes vertical or breaks off the route. There are two types to teach your players:
- Inside Leverage – Used when the defender positions himself between the receiver and the ball. Great for taking away slants, posts, and digs.
- Outside Leverage – Defender aligns outside of the receiver. This leverage is ideal for pushing routes toward inside help (like linebackers or safeties) and for taking away out-breaking routes.
Choosing the right leverage is based on the coverage call, the receiver’s split, and route tendencies. A well-coached unit understands the “why” behind their leverage — not just where to line up.
What are Landmarks?
Landmarks refer to imaginary or fixed points on the field that guide a defender’s drop, zone depth, or coverage responsibilities. In match coverage, landmarks ensure defenders are in the right place to match routes as they develop. Common landmarks include:
- The Hashes – For safeties and inside zone defenders to align and recognize route stems.
- Numbers – Used by corners and outside defenders to maintain spacing and understand when they must carry a vertical route or pass it off.
- Top of the Numbers – Often used as a break point for out-breaking routes or zone drop targets for linebackers.
Without a solid understanding of these landmarks, defenders often drift or find themselves “in space” rather than being where they need to be.
Drills and Coaching Tips
- Walk-throughs with Cones – Use cones to represent hashes, numbers, and landmarks. Teach defenders how to use them to guide their drops and coverage angle.
- Film Sessions – Show players where their leverage broke down or where a missed landmark allowed a completion.
- Route Recognition Reps – Simulate route stems that test leverage (slants, corners, digs, fades) and force defenders to adjust in real time.
Final Thoughts
Teaching leverage and landmarks isn’t flashy — but it’s foundational. The best match coverage units operate with clarity and speed because they trust their positioning and understand their spatial cues. As you install match coverage this season, build in time to teach, re-teach, and rep leverage and landmarks until it becomes second nature.
If you’re a coach looking to take your DB group to the next level, our All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area has dozens of videos and resources breaking down match coverage, leverage strategies, and practice drills. Join now for a 7-day free trial.
Chad Wilson is the owner of All Eyes DB Camp and author of "101 DB Tips". He played college football at the University of Miami and briefly in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks. Over his 15 year high school football coaching career, he tutored over a dozen Division I defensive backs and as a trainer has worked with NFL All Pros, first round draft picks, college football All Americans and Top 10 ranked high school football prospects.
