Defending Pro Slot Formation

Auggie
Junior Member

Posts: 7

Defending Pro Slot Formation Dec 3, 2002 6:23:12 GMT

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Post by Auggie on Dec 3, 2002 6:23:12 GMT

We are a 4-4 defense mostly running cover 3 & 1. We have difficulty defending passes out the pro slot formation. Do you think it is more effective in cover 3 to have the FS split the difference of the slot reciever or to walk a backer out and keep the FS over the formation for run support and help with the TE? We have been having the FS splitting the difference and having the OLB covering the TE but we have had problems with late recognicatoin and playing tentative on the run due to worrying about coverage responsibilitly. I don't like taking the FS out of the middle of field either. Opinions, any help is appreciated.
Thanks
dan_augustine@hotmail.com

Coach W
Member

Posts: 88

Defending Pro Slot Formation Dec 9, 2002 18:05:18 GMT

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Post by Coach W on Dec 9, 2002 18:05:18 GMT

Coach,

We are a 4-4 team as well. But, we run Cover 3 and 2. Vs. a slot, this year, we started to play cover 2 to that side, and back off the TE side Corner. This way, we have an OLB to the slot side who can focus more on the run, a press corner who can play the run better, and our FS is a 1/2 safety. We found that it solidified our pass defense out of this set with and 3 on 2 matchup and were still solid vs the run.

The only problem we found with this coverage vs. slot was, when they release the TE wide and release a back up the seam. The FS would no longer be able to play both seams.

We used to play Cover 3 vs. slot. Cheat the FS over the OT to the slot side and have the OLB play head up to outside shade of the slot back. But, we felt we were somewhat weak on both the run (off tackle to the slot side) and pass (quick seam). Our ILB would not be able to get out to the slot in time, especially with play action!

Hope this helps.

Auggie Junior Member Posts: 7	Defending Pro Slot Formation Dec 10, 2002 7:43:00 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Auggie on Dec 10, 2002 7:43:00 GMT That does help. Let me ask you this question though. In your cover 2 look (I like that idea) how would you defend the post/wheel.

Coach W
Member

Posts: 88

Defending Pro Slot Formation Dec 10, 2002 14:55:12 GMT

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Post by Coach W on Dec 10, 2002 14:55:12 GMT

....................................................................................FS
...................................C
.............................................................................
..............................R..............B.........B...................................................C
.................................................................................W
...................................E....T.........N.........E..
...................................O...O...O...O...O...O...........................................O
...................................................O...............................O
..............................................O........O

vs. #1 running a post and #2 running a wheel. The FS would play over the top of the post coming to him and the W would break underneath the post. The Corner would "slow creep" out with #1 while reading #2. When he sees #2 coming out to him, he will lock up (over the top). If #2 breaks his route off (to a wheel/comeback), the Corner must drive through the receiver to the ball. This is a week spot in all cover 2. Corners on an island must be well coached and athletic.

We don't teach our corners to press up in the WR's face and re-route. We prefer to pattern read and break on the ball.

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Post by Auggie on Dec 3, 2002 6:23:12 GMT

Post by Coach W on Dec 9, 2002 18:05:18 GMT

Post by Auggie on Dec 10, 2002 7:43:00 GMT

Post by Coach W on Dec 10, 2002 14:55:12 GMT

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