Football Library · Defenses
7v7 Zone Tampa 2
A two-high starting shell with no designated rusher. The middle linebacker drops into the deep middle, while the safeties protect the outside deep windows and four defenders cover underneath.
The solid line marks the line of scrimmage. Arrows show the initial coverage movement or rush lane; shaded areas show zone responsibility. Man defenders maintain cushion, then match the receiver’s release. The dashed rush line is a starting-depth requirement for rushers, not a limit on safety depth. Confirm your league’s rush and receiver-eligibility rules.
Defender breakdown
Use when: Use after the team understands Cover 2 and the middle defender can turn and carry a seam. The middle drop is a pass responsibility; confirm run/pass before opening upfield. Run 7v7 Zone Tampa 2 — defenders read pre-snap formation and motion, then play their assignment below. Primary key: alignment first, eyes to keys at the snap.
Personnel: 7 defenders — 0 rushing, 0 in man, 7 in zones, 0 spying.
Before the snap: identify every eligible receiver, confirm strength and matchups after motion, and communicate who has deep help.
Flag rules: the rush line sets the rusher’s minimum starting depth; safeties can align deeper. Use your league’s rush, center-eligibility and ball-exchange rules. Play coverage without grabbing or contacting receivers.
Assignments:
- : align 5 yards off the LOS, left; drops into Flat L (5-yard landmark) — cloud technique — hold the flat, sink under the outside vertical and drive on the throw.
- : align 5 yards off the LOS, left; drops into Hook L (8-yard landmark) — gain hook depth, squeeze the window vacated by the middle drop and communicate crossers.
- : align 6 yards off the LOS, middle; drops into Deep mid (M) (17-yard landmark) — turn and carry the seam into the deep middle; gain depth on pass rather than chasing a shallow crosser.
- : align 5 yards off the LOS, right; drops into Hook R (8-yard landmark) — gain hook depth, squeeze the window vacated by the middle drop and communicate crossers.
- : align 5 yards off the LOS, right; drops into Flat R (5-yard landmark) — cloud technique — hold the flat, sink under the outside vertical and drive on the throw.
- : align 12 yards off the LOS, left; drops into Deep 1/2 L (17-yard landmark) — protect the outside deep window and stay above vertical threats while the middle defender carries the seam.
- : align 12 yards off the LOS, right; drops into Deep 1/2 R (17-yard landmark) — protect the outside deep window and stay above vertical threats while the middle defender carries the seam.
What it gives up:
- The middle drop opens an underneath window for digs and crossers.
- A slow middle defender can be outrun by a seam.
- Smash and flood still stretch the sideline coverage; no rush gives the QB time.
Teach it: walk the alignment first, then rehearse a vertical, a short outside throw and a crossing route on each side. Freeze after the first movement to check depth and leverage. Add a run or ball-exchange read, then finish under control.
When to call it
Use after the team understands Cover 2 and the middle defender can turn and carry a seam. The middle drop is a pass responsibility; confirm run/pass before opening upfield.
Known weaknesses
- The middle drop opens an underneath window for digs and crossers.
- A slow middle defender can be outrun by a seam.
- Smash and flood still stretch the sideline coverage; no rush gives the QB time.