Man-to-man coverage is designed to prevent the offense from gaining even the smallest amount of yardage. In third-and-short and red-zone situations, man coverage can be effective at shutting down options for runs and short passes.

Press man coverage is a defensive strategy where a cornerback lines up close to the line of scrimmage and engages the opposing wide receiver with physical contact at the line. The goal is to disrupt the receiver’s route timing, preventing a clean release off the line and forcing them into unfavorable positions.

Man-to-man coverage begins with the proper alignment of the defensive backs to the receivers at the line of scrimmage (LOS). This normally places the corner backs 5 to 7 yards off of the LOS, with an inside shade on the receivers. At the snap of the ball, the defensive back must maintain that inside advantage throughout the play.