Cover 2 Sink: 6v6 flag football defense

Cover 2 Sink is a 6v6 flag football zone defense. Two safeties split the deep field in halves, the corners sink under the outside routes, the middle defender takes the hook, and one rusher pressures the quarterback, so the offense has to beat you with short, patient throws.

5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 LOS LS RS LC RC M R
Two High

How to run it

  1. LS lines up 10 yards deep over the left slot and drops to the deep left half, about 15 yards.
  2. RS lines up 10 yards deep over the right slot and drops to the deep right half, about 15 yards.
  3. LC lines up 5 yards off X, mirrors X's release without contact, then sinks to 10 to 12 yards under the outside route.
  4. RC lines up 5 yards off Z, mirrors Z's release without contact, then sinks to 10 to 12 yards under the outside route.
  5. M lines up 5 yards deep in the middle and drops to the middle hook at 7 to 8 yards.
  6. R lines up 10 yards off the ball and rushes the QB.
  7. Center: M takes a center release.
  8. Run fit: M and R attack the ball carrier, the corners keep contain, the safeties stay home.
  9. For younger divisions, shorten the deep depths by 3 to 5 yards.

The coverage read

The safeties read the quarterback's eyes and break on the throw. The corners watch the inside receiver: if it goes to the flat, come up; if it goes vertical, sink.

  1. LS DEEP HALF
  2. RS DEEP HALF
  3. M HOOK

When to call it

  • Against a team that keeps throwing deep.
  • Late in a half, when you have to stop the big play.

Tags and formation

Two Highzonetwo-deepbeginner

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Common questions

How do you line up Cover 2 Sink in 6v6 flag football?

Two safeties 10 yards deep over the slots, corners 5 yards off the outside receivers, the middle defender at 5 yards, and the rusher 10 yards off the ball.

What beats Cover 2 Sink in 6v6 flag football?

Throws into the seam between the safeties and quick passes to the flat before the corner can come up. Keep the safeties disciplined and the middle defender deep enough to take the seam away.

When should you call Cover 2 Sink in 6v6 flag football?

When the offense lives on deep balls down the sideline, or when you are protecting a lead late and can give up short gains.

Video transcript

Cover 2 Sink. Two safeties split the deep halves. Both corners mirror the release, then drop under the outside routes. The middle defender takes the hook, and the rusher goes after the quarterback. Make them throw it short. Build your plays free on Flag Fifty.

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