4-2-5 Split Coverage Variations to Defend Trips

Apr 6, 2019 | Defense, Coverage, Split Field Coverage Structures

By Chris Endress
Defensive Coordinator
Columbus High School (KS)

Introduction:

columbusAt Columbus High School, we are a 4-2-5 base defense that uses split coverage rules. A couple seasons ago, we divorced our front 6 from our secondary which made things much easier to adjust to what we see week after week.  Our defense is based on rules for different receiver combinations we see at during points throughout the season: 1 WR; 2 WR; Trips; Quads. For this clinic report, I will discuss our two top coverage rules for trips looks.

Base Coverage (Solo)

We base out of a quarters look (called “Blue”). Our free safety (F) and gorilla/strong safety (G) always travel together and move to the receiver strength which will be the trips side. The Willie (W) always aligns away from the F. For trips, our corner aligns 1x7 outside of the #1 receiver tilted inside. The F apexes the #2 receiver and the football. The G aligns 1x5 outside of the #2 receiver.  The W aligns in B gap away from the trips at 10 yd deep. The linebackers bump to the trips. The play side backer apexes the #3 receiver and the football. The back side backer aligns on the weak side shoulder of the RB in the backfield.

Slide1

Each defender has a pre–snap key. They are as follows:

  • The corner (C) reads #1 and has him on all vertical routes.
  • The G reads the end man on the line of scrimmage (EMOLOS).  He works outside and deep at the snap under #1 but locks on to the first threat that crosses his face.
  • The linebackers key their near guard then works to hook/curl and breaks on the first threat to enter the tackle box.
  • The F reads #2 and has him on any vertical route.
  • The W reads #3 and has him on any vertical route. The F and the W become de facto “cover 1” safeties if their reads do not go vertical.

Slide2

Solo works the same for other trips looks besides Trips Open (see diagrams 3 and 4). The pre-snap keys and the responsibilities remain the same.

Slide3

Slide4a

For Bunch looks, we play more of a box look. In that case, the C has the first outside deep threat, the G has the first short outside threat, the LB has the first inside threat, the F has the first deep inside threat, and W plays “Cover 1” to give help on any 3 vertical looks.