---
title: "Cover 4 (Quarters) in Flag Football Explained"
description: "How flag and 7v7 defenses play Cover 4 with four deep defenders, why it stops the deep ball and how a flag football quarterback attacks it underneath."
url: https://www.crucibletech.com/playbook/flag-football/coverages/cover-4/
---

Flag football coverage

# Cover 4 in Flag Football

Cover 4 drops four defenders deep in flag and 7v7: both corners and both safeties, each with a quarter of the field. Only the linebackers stay underneath, so deep throws are very hard to complete and the short areas are thin.

![Cover 4 coverage diagram](https://www.crucibletech.com/playbook/img/flag_7v7/coverages/cover-4.webp)

## How It Works

Each corner and safety owns a deep quarter. The two linebackers cover the short middle.

## What Beats It

- Quick throws to the flats and short outside routes.
- Underneath crossers in front of the deep defenders.
- Don't force deep routes into four deep defenders.

## How to Recognize It

Four defenders deep, with only the two linebackers underneath and one defender rushing.

## Common Questions

### What is Cover 4 in flag football?

Cover 4 drops four defenders deep in flag and 7v7: both corners and both safeties, each with a quarter of the field.

## Plays You Can Practice Against Cover 4

Every one of these is in Crucible, run against Cover 4 so you learn where the ball goes before you see it live.

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![Flood diagram](https://www.crucibletech.com/playbook/img/flag_7v7/plays/flood.thumb.webp)

Flood

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![Hi-Lo Opposite diagram](https://www.crucibletech.com/playbook/img/flag_7v7/plays/hi-lo-opposite.thumb.webp)

Hi-Lo Opposite

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![Smash diagram](https://www.crucibletech.com/playbook/img/flag_7v7/plays/smash.thumb.webp)

Smash

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