Zone coverage (also referred to as a zone defense) is a defense scheme in gridiron football used to protect against the pass. Zone coverage schemes require the linebackers and defensive backs to work together to cover certain areas of the field, making it difficult for the opposing quarterback to complete passes.

Zone coverage in American football is a defensive strategy used to protect against pass plays. Unlike man-to-man coverage, where each defender is assigned to cover a specific opponent, zone coverage assigns defenders to specific areas on the field, called zones.