How to Set Up Kickoff Left Coverage
The best kickoff coverage method is simple — kick left, create a funnel, watch them get tackled.
Here's what you do:
- Select Kickoff Left
- Push left stick ALL the way left
- Aim accuracy meter slightly left (NOT right)
- Max power on the kick
That's it. When they choose "Return Right" — which happens A LOT — they're running straight into your coverage. Free tackle.
The Funnel Setup
After you kick, immediately start building your funnel:
- Tap B/Circle — select one coverage player
- Send him ALL the way outside (edge contain)
- Tap B/Circle again — grab another player
- Bring this guy inside (interior contain)
Now you've got a funnel. Outside guy holds the edge. Inside guy closes the gap. Returner has nowhere to go.
Once players start running, tap B/Circle again. Make more adjustments. Get someone closer to the ball.
When to Use This Coverage Strategy
Use this EVERY kickoff. Seriously.
It works because:
- Prevents random 80-yard return TDs
- Forces returners into traffic
- Even if guys look out of position — they get back into the play
Don't overthink it. Kick left, create funnel, tackle. Done.
Why the Funnel Works
Most people play kickoff coverage wrong. They just kick it and hope.
The funnel concept gives you CONTROL. Here's the breakdown:
Edge Contain: Your outside player forces the returner back inside. No edge rush. No sideline sprint.
Interior Contain: Your inside player closes the cutback lane. No dancing around in space.
The Squeeze: These two guys create a funnel that pushes the returner into your other coverage players. Easy tackle.
Even when it looks like you're dragging players too far out of position — they recover. The angles work out. The funnel forces everything back toward the middle where your coverage is waiting.
What Happens When They Don't Return Right
Sometimes they pick different return directions. That's fine.
The funnel concept still works. You're creating lanes and forcing movement. Your coverage players are in better position than random chaos coverage.
The key is getting your hands on the controls IMMEDIATELY after the kick. Don't wait. Start moving guys into position right away.
Common Mistakes with Kickoff Coverage
Mistake 1: Aiming right when kicking left
Don't do this. Kick left, aim left. Keep everything flowing the same direction.
Mistake 2: Not using B/Circle fast enough
You have to move guys IMMEDIATELY. The longer you wait, the more the returner gets into open space.
Mistake 3: Overthinking the funnel
Two guys. One outside, one inside. That's it. Don't try to control five different players.
Mistake 4: Giving up when it looks broken
Sometimes it looks like your guys are way out of position. Keep playing. The angles work out more often than you think.
What Counters This Strategy
Broken tackles.
That's really it. If the returner breaks multiple tackles, they can still score. But that's football — sometimes guys just make plays.
The point is you're forcing them to break tackles instead of giving them a clean lane to the end zone.
Smart returners might try to attack the opposite direction from your kick. But even then, your funnel concept gives you better coverage than doing nothing.
Advanced Funnel Adjustments
Once you get comfortable with basic funnel coverage, you can add layers:
- Use the third B/Circle tap to bring a safety closer to the play
- Adjust your funnel width based on where the kick lands
- Recognize when to abandon the funnel and just send everyone at the ball
But master the basics first. Kick left, create funnel, make tackle.
This method prevents those random kick return TDs that kill drives and momentum. Use it every time.