What it is

Bracket coverage is double coverage on one receiver: one defender plays underneath him and another plays over the top, so the receiver is boxed in between them.

In a game

Usually the apex covers the receiver from underneath and the safety stays on top of him, so a deep pass or a route that breaks inward has two defenders waiting. The cornerback covers the #1 receiver man-to-man, and the hook usually takes care of the running back.

More detail

Bracket is used against a dangerous #2 receiver. The weakness is the safety: on play-action, he may step toward the line of scrimmage to stop the run, and then he is out of position to help on a deep pass. Bracket is generally not played against a tight end who is attached to the line.

The diagram

1. The cornerback covers #1 man-to-man.
2. The apex covers #2 from underneath.
3. The safety stays over the top of #2.