Coach ,

It’s a battle that both sides of the ball work to win. 

Dictate to the opponent. One of the first answers developed on the defensive side of the ball to stop RPO was to utilize man coverage.  

In this way, dual responsibility is taken off of the linebackers who are stressed by the RPO. Of course in that battle, is the idea that now the offense can attack man coverage, especially the cornerback.  

So how can the defense maintain an advantage?

At Duke University a big part of being able to control that battle is through the use of man coverage.  Many coaches equate man coverage with having superior athletes.  For the Blue Devils, it is about having elite technique coached in a detailed way that allows the coaches to problem solve.

Assistant Coach Joe Kasper explains the benefits of playing man coverage first and foremost as using it to be a challenge and give nothing away for free.  In using the correct technique, every route should be forced to struggle from the snap.  

He wants to control the pace of the fight and defend every blade of grass by utilizing this aggressive strategy. Kasper shares their reasons for playing man in this video:

The process for correctly executing man technique begins with the defender answering five pre-snap questions quickly:

1. Who do I have?
2. What are his splits?
3. What is his skill set vs my technique?
4. What is the situation?
5. Where is my help?

After having those answers, the concept is simple, but the fine details are critical.  Using techniques like OTP (over the rop), DOH/Trail, Quick Jam and Cheetah, Duke is able to be successful with man coverage.

Kasper explains the DOH/Trail technique in this video:

There’s clinic talk and what is actually taught to players.  Kasper shares exactly what they teach players in his course utilizing the coaching points and film that effectively gets these points across.  

If you want to play man technique, take away RPO and dictate to the defense, this resource will be indispensable for you.  Kasper answers common questions he gets from players as well as shares his thoughts on which technique is best for young corners learning how to play man. Check out more here.

To Your Success,

Coach Keith