Pass Route Concepts

There are many Offensive Pass Route packages utilized against today’s defenses. They are used to exploit the inherent weaknesses in each pass defense scheme. The more "Concepts" you understand the better you will be at defending your opponent. There are more but these are the most often used. They are categorized by “Concept” and all combinations can be used out of any set. 

DB's vs. Open Field Blockers

There are two ways to deal with downfield blockers…

Break Up the Pass

Most of your success at slowing down explosive passing games has come from your ability to play tight man coverage. The fundamental premise of this style of play is to prevent the completion. I know big hits make the crowd go oooooooh, but you gain nothing by letting him catch the ball!

The following four questions must be answered with all man coverages:

Philosophy and Mechanics of Bump and Run Basics

The following information discusses the different, basic releases that wide receivers use at the line of scrimmage and the routes you will see against man coverage. I ask my defensive backs to compare these points with their film notes as they prepare for each opponent.

Cover 2 Fundamentals

Why is it called Cover 2?

The number of deep zone pass defenders that are deployed will normally determine what a defensive coach calls a defense. In Cover 2 for example, there are two deep safeties that divide the field into halves. If the secondary played Cover 3, three deep defenders would divide the deep responsibility on the field into thirds. If they played Cover 4, four deep defenders divide the deep zone into fourths.

Off Coverage Progression Drill

In order to completely capitalize on training “Route” recognition you must understand what routes are run from what specific QB Drop.

Route Progression Drill

One of the most difficult tasks in coaching Defensive Backs is to acquaint your players with the Route Tree and those routes which can be run from the three primary QB Drops. I have attempted to put together some drills that illustrate all the basic routes and then incorporate those routes into the Pass drop schemes instituted by any QB. The purpose of this drill is to develop route recognition and to utilize the proper cutoff path to the reception area.

Man Versus Zone

There are inherent advantages and disadvantages to playing man coverage. You say to yourself: “Do my corners have enough speed? Are my safeties athletic enough to cover a slot receiver? What about the pass rush schemes? Will the D-line get the sack? Will the Linebackers take their proper blitz lanes? Once you have decided to play man coverage be it in a blitz package or as a standard coverage scheme within the framework of your defense be aware of the risks and rewards of both man Coverage and your favorite zone schemes:

Five Seconds!

Football is a game played in spurts; spurts that last approximately 5 seconds in duration. Kids have short attention spans; spans that last approximately 5 seconds in duration.

Run or Pass?

When the ball is snapped, DBs need 3 things (feet, body position and eyes) to work together as they determine whether the play is run or pass.