Trap Coverage in a 3-4 Defense

with Cody Day,
West Hardin High School (TX) Head Football Coach;
rebuilt West Hardin HS, ranked at the bottom of 2A football in Texas, into: a playoff team, best win total in 7+ years; gave up over 120 fewer regular season points using Trap Coverage than the previous season

Cody Day, the head football coach at West Hardin High School (TX), brings you a complete look at the 3-4 scheme his team runs and specifically lays out how he utilizes trap coverage to stop his opponents. These concepts are fantastic for coaches at the high school level and if you already run a 3-4 look, then this video will give you some great wrinkles to throw into your system.

Match Quarters Concept

Coach Day begins with an overview of the match quarters concept that he utilizes with his defense. This coverage is a soft cover 2 concept that allows the defense to account for almost any route combination the offense can run. He also diagrams two separate adjustments to this coverage that can be utilized against 3x1 formations. You'll get Day's "Red" coverage, including pattern read rules for the corners and safeties. Additionally, points and rules for linebackers are covered.

Three Variations of Trap Coverage

Day diagrams three variations of his trap coverage concepts that are sure to keep opposing offenses off balance. You will see the trap, double, and spin coverages that utilize the trap defender in different ways. Coach Day diagrams each coverage against a variety of formations and gives rules for the trap defender and other defensive players against both run and pass plays. Also, as an added bonus, Day explains several common issues that come up with running trap coverage concepts and how to correct them.

Practice Drills

This video concludes with Coach Day leading several drills that he utilizes with his team to teach trap coverage concepts. Day demonstrates how he teaches the trap player to react to several different route combinations and many of the common plays that are seen in the game today. You'll also learn how to coach other secondary players to execute their assignments.

Coach Day's trap coverage scheme, which is an excellent counter against modern offenses, is a must-have for defensive coaches everywhere!

99 minutes. 2019.