defensive back: pattern read vs. droping to landmark

Question
When providing instruction for DB's, I find that many  coaches utilize a "pattern read" (DB keys designated receiver(s) to coverage into a zone) or "landmark" (key QB/OL and drop/bail to designated zone) approach.  I would like feedback on which approach may/may not better for high school athletes.

Answer
Dear Mark Carter,
Sorry I took so long to get back to you but I just found out that my mother is in the hospital. I have not had much time to answer questions.

Your question is, what is the best coverage for high school football? Landmark drop or pattern reading?

LANDMARK DROPS
Landmark dropping is the simplest but least effective way to play zone coverage. Teams that defend an areas or spots on the field with little regard for other factors, will find themselves giving up substantial yardage to their opponents with even the simplest of passing offense. The only strong point for the use of this defense is, the 3 deep zone that keeps the other team from beating you deep.


PATTERN READING
Pattern reading is used mostly on the college and professional level. Only the top programs on the high school level use pattern reading. That is why some coaches stay away from pattern reading. They feel that pattern reading is for college football programs and up, therefore, too complex for the high school level.

Pattern reading is not as complex as some coaches might think and it assures that the defense will always win the numbers games. Here is a simple system you can use to add pattern reading to your defense.

1. Spend some time looking at the game film of your next opponent.

2. Make a list of their pass plays, and place the pass plays into two sets, short passes and long passes.

3. Now make the the groups even smaller by dividing them into sub-groups  that include passes by formation, downs, tendencies, and distance. This will give you an idea what to look for in every situation. Now that you know all this you can play the percentages game.

For example, when it is third and long, you know your opponent is not going to throw a short pass and gain a first down. You know he is going to throw a long pass. You know what patterns he runs and out of what formations. You know what his tendencies are in this type of situation.

The odds are now in your favor to make the big play. Here is where the pattern reading comes in.


Pattern reading is nothing more than a combination of landmark dropping and reading the receivers routes. In fact, your defensive backs must know their Landmark drops before they can move up to the pattern reading level.

A pattern reading is a simple read of the second receiver from the sidelines. For example, many teams, on the high school level, usually have their tight end run a short pattern while the slot-back will run a deeper route. By reading the tight end's pattern, you will have a good idea of what the slot-back is going to do. The same goes for the two receiver set. One receiver will usually run a short pattern while the other will go deep. If you know what combination patterns the two receivers run, by doing your homework, your defensive backs will be waiting for the ball when it is thrown.

I hope this answers your question. If not please let me know and I will do my best to help answer your question.

Your friend, Coach Louis.