Coach -

Many Quarterbacks today are taught to key the boundary safety in two-high structures to help them get an indicator on converge. Having variations of your coverages and good disguise allows the defense to make the indicators cloudy for the QB and slow down his progression which is an advantage to the defense.  

Coach Kauffman gives us an in-depth look at coverages out of two-high structures in today’s article.

-Coach Grabowski

Double Trouble: A Guide to Achieving Two High Coverage Looks

Two High Coverages are a key element of football strategy, characterized by two safeties positioned deep in the secondary. This setup aims to protect against deep passes while allowing for various quarter and half coverages.

Operating subtly, Two High Coverages influence the game's dynamics by fortifying defenses against long passes and excelling in disguise. This makes it a crucial and intriguing aspect of football strategy.

The flexibility of Two High Coverages allows for a range of defensive looks. For example, a base Two High Coverage can incorporate quarters coverage and press coverage from under defenders, offering a blend of nuanced strategies.

Coach Safford of Georgia Southern breaks down the coverage here. 

Video: Press Quarters

The offense perceives a Cover 2 shell when the corners jam at the line from this look. This setup is versatile and can transition into regular quarters with a press bail, traditional Cover 2, quarter-quarter-half tendencies, or even some robber coverage variations with bail techniques from the corners.

Pressing corners in a Two High Look adds assertiveness to the defense, as cornerbacks disrupt the rhythm of opposing wide receivers. This tactic challenges offensive plays and enhances the effectiveness of the Two High Look by limiting the quarterback's options and disrupting his timing.

Incorporating variations of Cover 2 is essential to fully utilize the defensive potential beyond just Quarters variations.

Explaining the base movements from the two high shells is Coach John Hayden of St. Teresa High School.

Video: Cover 2 Against Doubles

Combining Cover 2 with other alignments consistently across various coverages maintains its effectiveness. This strategy relies on interchanging coverages from the same look.

The movement of the nickel and Will backer depends on the level of play. Although field dimensions are consistent, differences in hash marks and numbers at different levels affect the route tree and positioning. This determines whether the Will plays inside or outside the box and how far the nickel apexes the #2 receiver. Given these variables, adapting to tendencies based on down and distance is the best situational approach.

Maintaining a Cover 2 base allows for adjustments while preserving the two-high safety structure and deep coverage.

Coach Lou Anarumo DC discusses this for Tampa 2 Coverage of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Video: Tampa 2 Game Film

Incorporating variations such as Tampa 2, 2 Man, 2 Robber, 2 Buzz, and Quarter-Quarter-Half into Cover 2 introduces a strategic dimension that enhances the defensive playbook. These variations maintain the foundational two-high structure while minimizing vulnerabilities to Cover 2 beaters.

This approach diversifies defensive schemes and enhances adaptability, allowing teams to transition smoothly from their base Cover 2. These variations keep offenses guessing and create opportunities for turnovers, making the base defense more dynamic.

Ultimately, this strategy can transition from a two-high shell at the snap to a three-deep coverage model.

Head Coach E.J. Mills of Amherst College gives us a glimpse into their 2 high - 3 deep looks.

Video: 3 Deep Technique

Expanding on a Two High Look that transitions into Cover 3 or Cover 0 at the snap adds unpredictability to the defense. This strategy keeps the offense uncertain about the coverage pre-snap while shifting to three deep defenders as the play unfolds, enhancing coverage against both short and deep passes.

This adaptation increases the versatility of the defensive scheme and challenges quarterbacks and receivers to adjust quickly. The seamless switch from a Two High Look to a 3-deep coverage strengthens the defense's ability to disrupt offensive plans, creating a multifaceted approach that can confuse and limit various offensive strategies.

As Always,

Compete!

Coach Kauffman

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