How to Play Cover 2 vs. Trips Sets [video]

Cover two is a solid coverage and one of the safest zone coverages you can run especially when the offense has a balanced set (i.e.: two WRs on both sides of formation).  However,  when the offense starts moving WRs to unbalance the formations,  adjustments to your assignments have to be made.  This video discusses that.

In the video I give you two ways that Cover 2 can adjust to trips formations. One is when you have a four man front (basically 4-3 cover 2) and a three man front (3-4 cover 2).  Of course there are other ways that you can adjust your cover 2 to meet the skill level of your personnel and / or the preferences of your coach.  What this video gives you are the basics and hopefully and understanding of what Cover 2 is intended to do vs. the offense in a trips formation.

For players viewing this video,  take note on how the assignments may change and the affects it may have on you.  As I always say,  a true playmaker not only knows his own assignments but the assignments of those around him. Also get an idea for what the overall intentions and philosophy is in cover 2.  Understanding the philosophy of a defense or coverage will give you a better understanding overall of defense and allow you to adapt to adjustments quicker.

For coaches,  use this video is a template for running Cover 2 vs. these type of formations.  As I mention in the video,  my preference is to have a check out of Cover 2 ready for Trips formations but there are times when you may want to stay in the coverage no matter what formation the offense runs. What you see done in the video can also work vs. empty sets.

[image at the top of this post was created using First Down Playbook software.  I highly recommend it to any coaches looking to create a playbook for their team.]

For any questions and / or feedback on the video or the member’s area,  send email to: cwilson@alleyesdbcamp.com

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alleyesdbcamp

Owner at All Eyes DB Camp

Chad Wilson is the founder of All Eyes DB Camp and a former standout defensive back for the Miami Hurricanes. After an elite collegiate career, Wilson spent a season with the Seattle Seahawks before transitioning into coaching. A 3-time Florida state champion defensive coordinator, he has spent over 20 years developing the "All Eyes" blueprint that has produced NFL All-Pros and stars like Xavien Howard, Patrick Surtain II, Tyson Campbell, Minkah Fitzpatrick and more. His coaching system is proven at the highest levels—his own sons, Quincy and Marco Wilson, both excelled as starters in the SEC before being drafted into the NFL.

Chad is the author of "101 DB Tips"—The Ultimate DB Reference Guide. You can find more information on the manual and how to order your copy in the sidebar and footer of this page.

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