What he does

• Covers a receiver one-on-one (man) or an area (zone)
• Jams the receiver at the line to disrupt his route
• Reads the quarterback’s eyes and breaks on the ball
• Tackles near the sideline and stops screens
• Often follows the other team’s best receiver around the field

On running plays

Supports the run by coming up quickly when a ball carrier reaches the outside, and tackles him near the sideline.

On passing plays

In man he stays on the receiver’s hip and plays the ball in the air. In zone, as in Cover 2, he covers the flat and takes the receiver who enters it. The goal is a deflection or an interception.

What makes a good one

Speed, change of direction, ball skills and a short memory, since even great corners give up catches.

How he lines up

Cornerbacks line up either close to the receiver (press) or several yards off (off coverage). Press gives a chance to disrupt the route but leaves less cushion against speed, while off coverage gives room to read and react but allows easy short catches. The cornerback also aligns with inside or outside leverage, which forces the receiver toward the side where the help is.

Techniques and common mistakes

Key techniques are the backpedal, the speed turn to run with a receiver, a jam at the line, and playing the ball at its highest point. Common mistakes are grabbing the receiver’s jersey, which draws a holding or pass interference flag, turning his head too early and losing the receiver, and being baited by a fake route.

Animated play

Blue circles are the team with the ball. X marks the other team. The yellow oval is the ball.

1. The cornerback lines up on the outside, across from a receiver, a few yards off the line.
2. At the snap he runs with the receiver and keeps close, matching every cut.
3. He looks for the ball only when it is close. Looking too early can make him lose his man.
4. He puts a hand in front of the receiver and knocks the ball away. The pass is incomplete.

Related terms