DOUBLE COVERING A RECEIVER-UP AND BACK

This method of double coverage on a receiver assigns 2 defenders to deny the

receiver the ball. One defender is assigned to a trail position directly behind the
receiver, and is expected to mirror the receiver’s break into the passing lane
between the quarterback and the receiver. This underneath defender overplays/
expects all shorts routes. The second defender will always be “over the top” on
deeper routes, anticipating a tipped pass by the underneath defender or an
overthrow by the quarterback.

UNDERNEATH DEFENDER OVER THE TOP

DEFENDER

Stance: square stance, shoulders over
toes, weight on balls of feet, weight
evenly distributed for balance, slight
bend forward in ankles, knees, and
waist, arms hanging loosely at sides.
Alignment: Head up, or slightly
outside shade, on line of scrimmage
Assignment: On pass, deny receiver
the ball by getting into the passing
lane on all short routes. Force
quarterback to overthrow pass.
Technique: trail technique 1-1 ½
yards directly behind the receiver.
Mirror any break, whipping head
around to QB, play the ball.
Key: receiver’s hips, right above belt
line.
Read: break of receiver, mirror his
break.
D Quarterback throw
Stance: Shoulder over toes, inside foot
back equal to middle of instep of outside
foot, weight on balls of feet, weight evenly
distributed for balance, slightly bend
forward in ankles, knees, and waist, arms
hanging loosely at sides.
Alignment: At snap, head up, or slightly
outside shade, 9 to 12 yards off receiver.
Assignment: On pass, anticipate and
overplay deep routes—always be “over the
top” on deeper routes, anticipating a tipped
pass by the underneath defender or an
overthrow by the quarterback. Break to the
ball.
Technique: Off man to man technique
using backpedal.
Key: On snap, unit end (tackle or tight end)
if pass, bottom of receiver’s numbers, right
above belt line.
Read: readLEGEND
break of receiver
Defender’s Path
Receiver
UD Up, or Underneath
Defender
D Back, or Over the Top

UD
QB
RECEIVER