Man to Man Coverage Tips

It sure is easy playing man to man isn't it? Nobody to help you on your little island of fun and frolic and all of the fame or blame rest on your shoulders. I hope you can handle it because that’s where you are and it is what you have chosen to do. Here are some Man to man reminders:

Darryl Williams

Total concentration must be on the man you are covering.

Always keep the receiver in front of you - Don't get beat deep.

Never align or be driven to a head up position.

Route recognition - A receiver who is going to run an outside route will generally reduce his split. A receiver who is going to run a route inside will widen his split.

When Working drills that talk about stance, always mention butt up and chin in line with the toes. The best possible situation is for the defenders to stay in his backpedal as long as possible or until the receiver breaks the cushion which puts him within 3 yards of the defender, when this happens turn and run with receiver.

A receiver who is bent over and running with his head down cannot make a sharp cut, until he raises his shoulders and gathers himself under control. Therefore the defender should focus his attention on the receiver’s belt buckle and his shoulders. Anticipate the post move first!

At the break point, 12-15 yards, pick up the receiver’s hands. Low hands equal a hard break to the Dig or to the Out. If no discernible movement get on your horse and run because they are going long!

Playing bump and run - Never allow an inside release by the receiver, make the quarterback make the long throw.

Don't get your feet crossed over.

If a pass is thrown to your receiver in front of you and you cannot make the interception attack the up-field shoulder. Never go in front of a receiver unless you can get both hands on the ball.

If beat deep, put your head down and sprint to catch the receiver. Do not look back to the qb until you have caught the receiver. Your attention should be focused on the receiver's head and hands.

As long as the ball is behind the L.O.S. and receivers are downfield, always maintain tight coverage.

Post route is the most dangerous route we must defend when there is no free safety help. Therefore, we must honor any inside fake as a potential post. Never take an outside fake. You may get help on the post, but it will be a bonus. You cannot let a receiver have an inside cut when playing man, especially on the goal line.

Alignment and the maintenance of your alignment position throughout the receiver's route are critical. Never align or be driven to a head up position except when playing bump to tight wing or flanker.

Be aware of the receiver's split. Generally, a receiver who is going to run an outside route will reduce his split. A receiver who is going to run an inside route will increase his split. Outside split = inside route. Inside split = outside route!

Free safety must be aware of stress or mismatches at the backers, corner or strong safety position. Cheat if coverage allows it.

If your wide receiver releases inside as if to crack block, go with him and shout: "crack!" be sure you watch the block being thrown before you release him to play crack and replace.

If the timing is close in a pass, bat the ball with your near arm to the ball and hook the receiver’s upfield arm with the far arm.

When late (ball is completed in front of you) breakdown and use your open field tackle skills. Make the play and line up again.