Coverages Explained: Cover 6 vs. Trips (3 x 1)

In my previous article I talked about cover 6 vs. a 2 x 2 set which is two WRs to the weak side and two WRs to the strong side.  Every now and then,  the offense will unbalance the WR sets to load up on one side of the field.

Offenses change to a 3 x 1 set for a number of reasons.  One could be to take advantage of match-ups.  Another reason could be to flood a zone and sneak a WR into an uncovered area.  Whatever the reason may be,  against a change in formation,  adjustments to a coverage need to be made.

The adjustments will vary from coach to coach and some (like myself) may just check to an entirely new coverage.  However,  a change to a 3 x 1 or trips set does not mean that you must come out of Cover 6.

Remember in my previous article that in Cover 6,  Cover 4 is run to the strong side of the formation and Cover 2 is run to the weak side (4 + 2 = 6). That principle remains the same vs. a 3 x 1 formation.

Here’s how it looks:

Coverage Responsibilities

Weak side cornerback:  Flat  – re-route #1 then read RB release.  If no threat by #2.  Zone off and climb with #1 if going vertical.

Will LB (W):  Hook to Curl.  On wide release by RB,  look to #1.

Weak Safety (FS):  Deep 1/2.  If no vertical threat weak side,  look to aid on vertical MOF attack by #3.

Mike LB (M): Wall off #3 and run with him on vertical release.

Sam LB (S): Split difference between 2 and 3 on alignment.  Re-route #2 then get to flat underneath #1.

Strong side corner:  1/4.  Over the top of post route by #1.  Alert 7 route (corner) by #2.  (note: some defenses may call for corner to release #1 to SS if #2 is running a corner route. Check with your coach)

Strong Safety:  Man on #2 vs. a vertical release.  (see note on strong side corner responsibilities)

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One note for coaches.  You can switch Mike and Will in this defense based on athletic traits.  Will may be better suited for the run with #3 on a vertical route.  Mike may be in a better place vs. run if he’s aligned to the weak side vs. a 3 x 1 formation with the back aligned to the weak side.

Again,  coaches may have some tweaks to how this is run.  Some coaches may opt to run more of a man concept on the weak side with the corner and the Will backer allowing the FS to assist more with #3 on a vertical route.  It all depends on the type of personnel they have or their overall scheme.  These are just the basics providing you a solid foundation on how the coverage works.

As always,  if you have questions about this article or the member’s area in general,  feel free to send me an email to: cwilson@alleyesdbcamp.com – Thank you for being a member.

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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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