Cover 1 is man-to-man coverage across the board with a free safety providing help over the top. It's aggressive coverage that allows extra defenders in the box.
Overview
Cover 1 (Man Free) assigns each defender to a specific receiver in man-to-man coverage, with one safety playing "free" as a deep help defender. This allows the defense to play tight coverage while maintaining a safety net over the top.
The coverage is aggressive and allows extra defenders in the box for run support or blitzing. The free safety reads the quarterback's eyes and breaks on throws, providing help on deep routes.
Cover 1 is commonly used in obvious passing situations and when the defense wants to pressure while still having a safety valve.
History & Origin
Cover 1 has been a fundamental coverage since the early days of the passing game, providing a balance between man coverage aggression and deep help.
Key Principles
- 1Man-to-man coverage on all receivers
- 2Free safety provides deep help
- 3Allows extra defender in box or blitz
- 4Corners play outside leverage
- 5LBs cover backs and TEs man-to-man
- 6FS reads QB eyes and breaks on ball
- 7Aggressive coverage
When to Use
Cover 1 is effective when you have confident man coverage players and want to play aggressively. It's common on third downs and when you need to blitz.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Tight coverage on all receivers
- +Extra defender for blitz/run support
- +Safety help over the top
- +Good vs TE-heavy sets
- +Allows pressure packages
Disadvantages
- −Requires man coverage ability
- −Rub routes and picks are dangerous
- −Only one safety deep
- −Quick throws can beat press
What Coaches Call It
Different coaches use different terminology for the same concepts.
| Coach | Team | Their Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Belichick | Patriots | Cover 1 | Base man coverage |
| Nick Saban | Alabama | Cover 1 | Standard terminology |
| Kirby Smart | Georgia | Man Free | Descriptive term |
Matchups
Good Against
- +Slow-developing plays
- +TE-heavy offenses
- +Teams without speed
Avoid Against
- −Pick/rub concepts
- −Speed at receiver
- −Quick passing game
- −Mesh
Installation
What You Need
Prerequisites for running this scheme effectively.
- ✓Corners who can play man
- ✓Rangy free safety
- ✓LBs who can cover
When NOT to Use This
- !Picks and rubs create problems
- !Speed WRs can beat press
- !Only one deep safety