Build football vocabulary, sharpen communication, and know what to look for on film.
Core Vocabulary
PERSONNEL
The offensive grouping on the field based on running backs and tight ends.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
Notice whether the offense is using more speed, more size, or a balanced group before the snap.
FORMATION
How the offense lines up before the play.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
Check where the receivers, tight ends, backs, and quarterback are aligned.
STRENGTH
The side of the formation with more surface, more eligible receivers, or the tight end.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
Find the side that gives the offense more blocking power or passing options.
COVERAGE
How the defense distributes responsibility against receivers and space in the passing game.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
See whether defenders are matching routes, dropping to zones, or rotating responsibilities after the snap.
LEVERAGE
A defender’s positional advantage used to take away space or force the play where the defense wants it to go.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
Watch whether the defender is inside, outside, over the top, or underneath in a way that controls the receiver or ball carrier.
PROTECTION
How the offense organizes blockers to handle pressure in the passing game.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
Study who stays in to block, where the weak points are, and how the offense tries to handle blitz or edge pressure.
Structure & Alignment
OVER / UNDER FRONT
Two common ways a defense can shift its front in relation to the offense’s strength. An over front sets the front to the strength. An under front shifts it away.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
See where the 3-technique, shade, and linebacker structure are set in relation to the tight end or passing strength.
BOX
The area near the ball where the defense places players to stop the run.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
Count how many defenders are close enough to fit the run quickly.
SURFACE
The number of immediate blockers or attached threats on one side of the formation that the defense must account for.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
Identify where the offense creates extra gaps, attached bodies, or stronger edges that affect the defensive front and fit.
TECHNIQUE
The numbered alignment of a defender in relation to an offensive lineman.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
Identify where each defensive lineman is aligned before the snap.
FIT
How each defender is assigned to control a gap, lane, or run path within the front.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
Study where each defender inserts against the run and whether the defense stays sound in its gap control.
ROTATION
A late movement that changes the shell, coverage structure, or support picture before or after the snap.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
Watch whether a safety spins down, a middle-field player opens up, or the shell changes after the quarterback thinks he has the look.
Recognition & Film Clues
2-HIGH SHELL (Middle of the Field *MOF* Open)
A pre-snap look with two safeties deep, usually suggesting split-field coverage or a disguise.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
Check whether both safeties stay deep after the snap or if one rotates down late.
PRESS COVERAGE
Coverage where a defender aligns close to the receiver to disrupt the release and timing.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
Watch the corner’s alignment, hand usage, and whether the receiver gets knocked off rhythm early.
BLITZ
A pressure where second- or third-level defenders attack the backfield instead of playing normal coverage responsibilities.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
Identify who is rushing, where the pressure comes from, and what area of the protection is being attacked.
FIRE ZONE
A zone pressure concept that sends pressure while dropping a defensive lineman or edge player into coverage.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
See who rushes, who drops, and which underneath zone is being replaced after the pressure is sent.
LOW HOLE
An inside underneath zone often used to rob crossers, spy the quarterback, or help in the middle of the field.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
Find the defender sitting inside after the snap and see whether he is reading the quarterback or cutting inside routes.
RAT
A middle-field helper who reads the quarterback and looks to cut crossers or react to in-breaking routes.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON FILM
Watch for a free defender in the middle reading the quarterback’s eyes instead of matching one receiver right away.