Tampa 2 Coverage: Defending the Run and Other Tools
by Andy Merfeld
Description
In the modern game, defenses need to be able to play close coverage on receivers by using zone-match, man-match, and man-to-man principles. At the same time, it is important to have change-ups to take pressure off of the corners and give quarterbacks a different look. Tampa 2 coverage is a great way to play pure zone coverage and change up secondary rotations and run support without having to overhaul your defense or take too much practice time on an expensive new coverage.
In the first course of Coach Merfeld's Tampa 2 Bundle, he focuses on coverage installation and pass defense and provides key coaching points for each coverage role: flat defenders, deep half defenders, the deep middle run-through player, and the hook-curl defenders. Coach Merfeld includes game and practice examples for each role and technique, along with relevant practice drills.
In this second course, Coach Merfeld discusses stopping the run with Tampa 2 coverage. He details different ways for the defensive front and linebackers to make sure the ball ends up on the perimeter, where the flat defenders can force the play and the deep zone defenders can flow over the top. In the final few chapters of the second course, he emphasizes the benefits of disguising your coverage with a middle of the field closed look. Finally, he proposes a number of alternate coverage rotations that can be used with Tampa 2, from both base calls and creepers / simulated pressures.
This bundle is a great resource for coaches looking to implement Tampa 2 coverage. It contains almost four hours of lessons and film, as well as the Powerpoint slides from the courses.
Lessons
The Coach
Andy Merfeld has experience coaching at the small-college and high school levels and specializes in coverages, defensive back play, and special teams. His CoachTube courses focus narrowly on very specific topics, which allows coaches to effectively implement the strategies and processes he discusses.
He currently is the corners coach and special teams coordinator at Benedictine College (NAIA – KS) and previously coached at Upper Iowa University, the University of Minnesota Duluth, and Edgewood High School (WI). Relevant coaching achievements:
- Benedictine College (CBs). In 2019 the Ravens led all NAIA and NCAA schools with ten blocked punts, and also led the NAIA in punt return yards at the end of the regular season. In 2020 the team again led the NAIA in blocked kicks, and also finished sixth in punt return yards. The defense finished 3rd in the NAIA in sacks, 4th in interceptions, 2nd in rush defense, and led all NAIA and NCAA schools with four shutouts in ten games. In 2022 the Ravens blocked eight total kicks and were fifth in the country in kickoff return average. In 2023 Benedictine had the top special teams unit in the NAIA, again leading the country in blocked kicks (T-1st), finished 4th in the NAIA in gross punt, 4th in gross kickoff average, 5th in punt return average, and 9th in NAIA in KOR average.
- Upper Iowa (DBs). In 2017 the Peacocks finished second nationally in punt return touchdowns and fifth in punt blocks. They also finished 10th in the country in pass defense.
- Minnesota Duluth (Def. GA). In two years the Bulldogs compiled a 22-4 record, including three postseason wins and a #3 national ranking in the 2014 season.
- Edgewood High School (DC, strength and conditioning). In 2011 the Crusaders set the school record for wins and advanced to the WIAA state semifinals for the first time.
Ratings and Reviews (0)
This Course Includes
| 24 hours on-demand video |
| Streaming from mobile and TV |
| Lifetime access |
| Certificate of completion |
| 100% money back guarantee |
Course Info
| Rating: | (0) |
|---|---|
| Caterory: | Football/Coverage |
| Bookings: | 45 |
| Duration: | |
| Videos: | 16 |
