Does not matter if you play Cover 2, Cover 3, Cover 6 etc., Cloud is pretty much the same for cornerbacks in the secondary. You will learn how to make great decisions in cloud coverage, so read on.
1. What is the high-low route concept
Offense runs a short route underneath by the outside receiver.
The slot/inside receiver (or TE) runs a corner route over the top.
The goal is to put stress on the Cover 2 corner: do you stay up on the hitch, or sink back to help on the corner?
2. Cornerback’s Role in Cloud Coverage
In Cover 2, the corner is a flat defender. Your job isn’t to cover deep (the safety has that), but you must reroute the receiver and hold the flat.
Initial Alignment: Usually press technique, inside leverage, eyes on the receiver but aware of the QB.
Reroute the Outside WR: Get hands on him at the line to disrupt timing, then release him to the safety.
Sink With Vision: Don’t just squat on the hitch — sink with depth under the corner route until the QB forces the ball short.
Read the QB: The QB will usually high-low you. If his shoulders stay level and he’s looking deep, sink under the corner route. If he comes down quick, trigger on the hitch.
3. Key Coaching Points
Don’t get greedy on the short route — the flat is yours, but your depth forces the QB to check it down.
Trust your safety — he has the deep half; your job is to buy him time by slowing the corner route.
Keep eyes on QB — Cover 2 is a vision-based coverage.
Break downhill hard once the QB commits to the throw.
Coach Rod
