Being Multiple: Organizing and Adjusting Cover 1 Defense

with Jason Burianek,
Missouri Baptist University Head Coach;
former McKendree University Assistant Coach;
former Belleville West High School (IL) Offensive Coordinator

The cover 1, or man-free defense, is one of the most widely used and simple defenses that can be implemented at any level of play. The cover 1 allows the defensive team to play tight man-to-man coverage on every receiver and have middle of the field help. Also, the cover 1 defense allows the defensive team to play with an 8-man front to stop the run. In this video, Coach Jason Burianek gives a detailed look at cover 1 and some of the variations that he utilizes with his team.

Cover 1 Variations

Coach Burianek gives a detailed overview of the alignments, techniques, and coaching points for each player involved in the coverage in the cover 1 defense. Cover 1 allows the defense to be multiple with different looks while playing the same coverage concept.

One of the most crucial aspects of the cover 1 defense is the low-hole defender. Burianek gives a detailed explanation of the technique and provides several coaching points using game and practice video that demonstrate proper technique. He also diagrams simple 5-man pressure concepts using the same coverage. The variations of cover 1 discussed are cover 1 single, cover 1 cut, and cover 1 robber.

Cover 1 Adjustments

Coach Burianek gives several common adjustments that are necessary to handle some of the man coverage "beaters" that teams will run. Coverage adjustments are shown for y-off, 2 backs, bunch, stacks, compressed formations, short motion, and more! The key to being successful with the cover 1 defense is having simple adjustments and answers to common issue. Some of the concepts discussed are:

• 2-man stack and bunch alignments.
• How to use the low hole cutter to defend shallow crossers.
• How to defend short motion using the "axe" call.

The cover 1 defense is a simple, yet effective system that allows the defense to be sound and play fast. Coach Burianek diagrams three versions of cover 1, and gives several adjustments to common issues that man coverage teams face. Using some of the concepts in this video will have your defense ready to dominate this fall!

94 minutes. 2021.