Cover 3 Routes

Attack the flats vs. Cover 3. Clear and replace routes are great. The FADE/FLAT combo is a classic. Also, the two man game is a good way to pick on the LBs (HB Swing/TE Option).

curl/flat combo to a twins set. throw off the flat defender whatever he does he is wrong.

Thanks for the replies guys. I like hitch / flag against cover 2 and I know you can go 3 vertical. What else do you like to do?

What do you mean by smash?

Four verticals is good against cover 3. My favorites:
1) some kind of trips formation - #1 runs a fade, #2 runs a straight seam, #3 runs what we call a slash (three steps straight ahead, cut on third step and take an angle to opposite hash at about 18 yards deep), #4 runs a fade. It's really the same concept as 4 verticals versus cvr 3. Let the FS pick either the seam or the slash. Throw to the other.
2) 2x2 formation - #1 runs a stop/hitch, #2 runs a corner, #3 runs a seam, #4 runs a fade. QB should take his drop and stare down the corner route. When the FS turns to run to it, come back to the seam. WIDE OPEN!!!

Those are my 2 favorites.

Can some explain cover 4?

Coaches

Like this thread. prob just a terminology thing but what do you mean by " the invert"?

Coach
thanks. thought it might be that. Why is he called the invert?

Run your quick game-hitch, slant, and quick out especially. A true cover 3 will not hold up to the quick game. Other routes you can run:
1. Deep comebacks.
2. Pro set- run a post by the x receiver, a dig by the z receiver or slot receiver if in twins. High/ Low read on the FS.
3. Curl /flat combo.
4. 4 vertcals
5. Smash-- Hitch by the outside receiver, seam by the slot. Read the walked out player. If he sinks, hit the hitch, if he sits, hit the seam.

Basically, a lot will work against cover 3. If you are a good passing team, it is foolish for an opponent to sit in this coverage all game. If they do, you should have a big night.