I have used number keys to teach pass coverage because it is simple and once a player understands the numbering system, it is easy to remember.

I have used this numbering system to help players understand who they are to cover in zone or man coverage. Most players understand who they are supposed to cover when the offensive player is lined up in front of them. When the offensive player leaves their area or if they have to switch in man coverage, they get lost or they do not understand who they are to cover next. This numbering system helps the player understand where to look for the next man to cover.

#1 is usually the outside receiver or the tight end in a slot formation. #2 is usually the second receiver or the back in a two-back formation. #3 is usually the back on the two receiver side or the inside receiver in a trips formation. When you are teaching the players how to drop or cover, you also are teaching them how to read their keys. The numbering system also puts the players in position to read their run keys and some blitz keys.

The instructions are based on the players playside keys, backside keys, formations and players position on the field (See Diagrams 1-4).

Diagram 1

C - KEY #1 TO 2
SS - ZONE 1 TO 2 THEN 3
MAN FOR MAN KEY 2 THEN 1
FS - KEY WEAK SIDE 1X TO 2Y-THEN 1 TO 2B
OB - KEY 1 TO 2 THEN BACKSIDE 2Y
SB - KEY 2 TO 1 AND THEN BACKSIDE 1X OR 2B
SHALLOW
MB - KEY 2 TO 1 THEN BACKSIDE 2Y
3 DEPENDS ON SIDE HE SWINGS TO OR KEY


Diagram 2

C - KEY 1 TO 2
FB - KEY 2 TO 1
SS - KEY 2 TO 1
OB -KEY 2 TO 1-3 COMES TO YOUR SIDE
BACK SIDE 2Y
MB - KEY B2 OR 2Y DEPENDING ON
COVERAGE
DROP THEN 1X TO 1Z
SB - KEY 2 TO 1-3 IF SWING TO YOUR SIDE-
BACKSIDE B2


Diagram 3

C - 1 TO 2
OB - 2 TO 1 3 IF FLAT ZONE COVERAGE
SS - 2 TO 1 3 FLAT ZONE COVERAGE
FS - 2 TO 1
MB - 2 TO 1 BACKSIDE Y2-3 IF SWING TO CURL
SB - 2 TO 1 BACKSIDE 2B-3 IF SWING TO CURL
MB - MAN KEY 3 TO YOUR SIDE 2
TO 1-BACKSIDE-Y2
SB - MAN 3 TO YOUR SIDE THEN
2 TO 1-BACKSIDE 2B



Diagram 4

CW - KEY 1 TO 3 TO BACKSIDE Y3
C- 1 TO 2 TO Y3
SS - 2B-Y3 OR 1Z DEPENDS ON COVERAGE
FS - Y3 TO 1X THEN 2B TO 1Z
OB - 1X TO 3 BACKSIDE YS-2B
MB - 3 SWING CURL 1X-BACKSIDE Y3 TO 2B
SS - Y3 – TO 2B TO 1Z THEN BACKSIDE 1X  p

About the Author:  Martin Smith is a retired high school coach that coached for over 35 years in southern California. He coached at Jefferson High School from 1973-1984 and at Westchester High School from 1985-2006. A 1970 graduate of USC, Smith played linebacker for John McKay on the 1968 and 1969 Trojan teams.