How to run it
- LC lines up 7 yards off the widest receiver on the left and bails to the deep left third, about 15 yards.
- S lines up 12 yards deep in the middle and drops to the deep middle third, about 16 yards.
- RC lines up 7 yards off the widest receiver on the right and bails to the deep right third, about 15 yards.
- W lines up 5 yards deep, outside the slot on the left, and takes the left curl and flat, 0 to 10 yards.
- M lines up 5 yards deep over the center and takes the short middle, 5 to 10 yards.
- N lines up 5 yards deep, outside the slot on the right, and takes the right curl and flat, 0 to 10 yards.
- R lines up 3 yards off the ball, in the gap right of the center, and rushes the QB on the snap.
- Center: M.
- Run fit: R keeps the quarterback inside, M fills on a handoff or scramble, W and N keep contain, the deep three stay home.
- High school fields are 40 to 53 yards wide, so line the corners up wider and add 1 to 2 yards to the deep depths.
The coverage read
The deep three keep every receiver in front and follow anyone who runs past. W and N take the first receiver to the flat on their side. M sits in the short middle and takes slants and crossing routes.
- S MIDDLE THIRD
- M SHORT MIDDLE
- R RUSH
When to call it
- On third down and long yardage, when the offense needs a first down.
- Against a quarterback who makes quick reads.
Tags and formation
Common questions
How do you line up Cover 3 in 7v7 high school flag football?
The rusher starts 3 yards off the ball and M 5 yards over the center. W and N sit 5 yards deep just outside the slots, the corners 7 yards off the outside receivers, and the safety 12 yards deep in the middle.
What beats Cover 3 in 7v7 high school flag football?
Four receivers running vertical routes against three deep defenders, and quick throws to the flats before W and N get there. Pull the flag right after the catch so short gains stay short.
Why does Cover 3 keep a rusher in 7v7 high school flag football?
High school rules have no pass clock, so with no rusher the quarterback can wait until a receiver comes open. One rusher forces the throw and still leaves six defenders in coverage.
Video transcript
Cover 3. Three defenders drop into deep thirds. W, M and N cover the short field. One rusher comes on the snap to make the quarterback throw. Keep everything in front. Build your plays free on Flag Fifty.
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