Shane Mulhern, Defensive Coordinator, Coatesville HS, PA

Watch the full video on Glazier Drive: 4-2-5 Underneath Zone Coverage Progressions & Development 

DRILL SETUP AND FIELD PREPARATION

Use cones to mark zone areas with accurate boundaries. The key modification is making the seam-curl zone look like a sideways "L" - keep the back line the same but move the front of the box deeper than six yards from scrimmage. This prevents getting "layered in the flat" where offenses attack with both low and high routes in the same area.

DAY ONE: BASIC ZONE DROPS WITH QUARTERBACK READS

Begin with linebackers in base defense alignment using a quarterback and barrels for reference. Players learn assigned drops while working off the quarterback's eyes. Critical teaching point: when the quarterback's shoulders turn, defenders tighten their drops and lean toward that side of their zone. This quarterback-eye discipline forms the foundation of effective zone coverage.

SITUATIONAL FOOTBALL TRAINING

Train three quarterback timing scenarios: three-step, five-step, and play action from shotgun alignment. Three-step timing requires fast, lateral movement as receivers develop routes quickly. Play action is critical - defenders press downhill on the fake, then recover to proper zone depth with clear landmarks to avoid shallow recovery mistakes.

LIVE RECEIVER INTEGRATION

Add receivers in seven-on-seven format to teach zone relationship with live routes. The "push concept" becomes crucial - when formation strength changes post-snap (running back motioning to create 3x1), zones must adjust. Outside linebackers expand when threatened while inside linebackers push to prevent voids in seam coverage.

VISION AND CONFIDENCE DEVELOPMENT

The drill builds defensive vision through collective space management rather than individual position coaching. Players learn how their zone responsibilities connect with teammates, creating better distribution and preventing linebackers from working independently.

THREE-STEP TIMING EMPHASIS

Three-step routes require "fast and lateral" movement from seam-curl defenders. Since receivers develop routes quickly, defenders must match route development speed with immediate lateral movement, differing from five-step timing where more depth is available.

COACHING POINTS FOR SUCCESS

Start simple and build complexity gradually. Keep players in middle of field initially to master basics. Train what you see most in your conference - if facing shotgun offenses, train primarily from shotgun alignments.