Monday, January 3, 2011

SCIF vs. Seam

Several people have asked for a definition of a SCIF drop. I want to preface this post by saying there is no universal football terminology. The SCIF drop and technique I am going to define is based on my experience and surely will not cover all definitions. The SCIF drop I am referring to is a Seam-Curl-Flat drop which is utilized in 3 under 3 deep fire zone coverage. The 3 under structure is SCIF/3RH/SCIF. The SCIF (unlike Dick Lebeau's Seam technique) is played by collisioning the #2 receiver inside-out.

If #2 goes vertical:
  • Cover all Quick Game and Hot Routes by #2 (Hitches & Slants)
  • Collision #2 and re-route in the Seam
  • Expand Late to the Curl-Flat

If #2 goes across:
  • Cover all Quick Game and Hot Routes by #2 (Lookies)
  • Wall #2 and re-route
  • Expand late to the Curl-Flat
If #2 goes out:
  • Top the Route (Get body in window of #1's curl)
  • Be ready for the throw to the Curl or the Flat


If #2 Blocks:
  • Drop with depth over #2
  • Be alert for check release & screen
  • Head on a swivel for routes coming into the seam
  • Cannot be out leveraged to the flat
  • If no threats in the seam & no threats to the flat expand late to the curl

Simply Put the SCIF player's drop is to "Hang & Bang" in the seam, expand late to the curl, and let the throw take you to the flat.
I have seen film of both the SEAM and the SCIF used effectively. Neither is the "right" nor "wrong". Ultimately it all comes down to what can your team execute.

7 comments:

  1. Great explanation, this is how we teach this concept and it is one of the most important concepts in the blitz game. If you have a player that can play the SCIF technique well, you can bring all sorts of pressure. Thanks

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  2. Does the SCIF player carry #2 vertical? Would he turn and run with him after collisioning him or keep his eyes on the QB and sink?

    Thanks, I really enjoy your blog.

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  3. Anonymous,
    The SCIF player does not turn and run with #2 vertical. The reason being he would have his back to any threats to the flat or crossers. The Seam technique player however, can run with the vertical by #2 because from outside leverage when he turns into #2 he can still see threats from the inside.

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  4. an advantage to the seam technique and a primary reason that the entire lebeau-capers tree plays it the way they do is that the seam player is always the force player...playing scif inside out allows #2 to pin the force on perimeter runs and especially quick swing routes, bubbles, etc.

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  5. Would you treat a wheel route by #2 the same as a flat route?

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  6. Yes, in many cases a wheel by #2 would be covered by the SCIF defender. Because the CB is playing hard 2 or aggressively on the #1 receiver, any vertical break by #2 after getting width would require the SCIF defender to follow.

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  7. The Sciff-Middle-Sciff 3 deep, 3 under coverage tech works well at the high school level....Especially when there isn't an elite QB in your league who can hit routes to the sideline with precision and power.

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