Attacking Zero Coverage

David Buchanan explains how the Mason County High School offense attacks zero coverage, and the answer starts before the ball is snapped. Unbalanced sets, tighter receiver alignment and motion pull the free safety away from the defense's strength and let you pick the spots and match-ups you want. From there Coach Buchanan walks through specific run, pass and screen plays, with blocking assignments, that punish a defense committed to bringing pressure.

What you'll learn

• Attacking zero coverage with unbalanced sets that move the free safety away from the defense's strength.
• Using tighter receiver alignment against zero coverage.
• Taking advantage of motion plays and individual match-ups.
• Running plays that work against zero coverage, including the off-tackle play and the midline option.
• Pass plays built to beat zero coverage, with the actual receiver routes.
• Screen plays to add to the attack: the jailbreak screen, the triple screen and the halfback screen.
• Blocking assignments and responsibilities on both run and pass plays.
• Bonus What if?: when the blitz does not come, how the offensive line is prepared to climb to the next level and block.

Who it's for

High school and college offensive coordinators who need a plan for the defense that plays zero coverage and brings pressure. Coach Buchanan says the principles of attacking zero coverage transfer to any offense.

About the coach

David Buchanan was the head coach at Mason County High School in Maysville, Kentucky, where he built an offense that turned an opponent's pressure into an advantage through formation, spacing and match-ups.

Part of Coach Buchanan's four-part Mason County series, with extensive game film. Runtime: about 43 minutes.