Split-field coverages are nothing new. Many coaches around the country run them at all levels of play, but there are not many resources on how to teach them. In Cody Alexander's third book, he breaks down how to teach the many varieties of Quarters coverage. From simple match-Quarters to defending Empty and Quads formations, Coach Alexanders breaks it down and simplifies the concepts for any coach. Xs and Os are great, but the players must still execute and the coach must know when to use each scheme. Match Quarters: A Modern Guidebook to Split-Field Coverages, allows anyone interested in football to have a deeper understanding of the game itself and why each coverage is used. Along with the basics, Coach Alexander gives you multiple tags and variations within each family (Cover 4 and Cover 2). Come learn the Art of X.
If you're an aspiring football coach or are already a coach, this book is an excellent way to understand modern defensive coverage schemes and how to combat offenses that like to base out of Spread. I was already familiar with "Cloud" coverage or "Palms" as it was the base defense that the high school I worked with used.
Not only does this book give may different coverage variations to defend different route concepts, but also individualized techniques that coaches can look to coach their cornerbacks and safeties. In fact, my father (defensive back coach) and myself coach the slide technique that was used in the book.
Coach Alexander does a great job explaining the Why for using Match Quarters ac a base coverage. He then goes into detail into the many coverage checks that can be utilized depending on gameplans or formations. He explains the pros and cons, and how to adjust to common pass patterns. The teaching points are also included for defensive back techniques in each coverage. This book is a must-have for any coach looking to utilize any type of split field coverage!