Week 1 Install Blueprint: Coverage, Fronts, and Pressure Rules w/ Coach Bradburn

In this episode, we flip the script. Kyle Bradburn moves from host to guest, and Matt Dixon leads the deep dive into Kyle’s defensive install process. If you coach high school or college football and run quarters-based coverages, this is a detailed look at how to structure your install with clarity, confidence, and pressure from Day 1.

Kyle outlines how he builds out his Cover 7 package over time. He discusses base rules, daily structure, alignment tools, pressure integration, and how his players take ownership of checks post-snap. Whether you call it split-field quarters, match quarters, or Cover 7, this is a must-watch for coaches looking to build a system that teaches players how to solve problems on the field.

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Timestamps

00:00 – Intro and role reversal
01:30 – How Kyle structures his install
02:40 – Day 1 priorities and pressure mindset
03:30 – Teaching player-led adjustments and checks
04:15 – Using Clamp vs 2x2
06:00 – Base rules for split zone quarters
08:45 – Install sequencing against 20 and 21 personnel
11:10 – Adjusting to trips and motion
14:00 – Keeping the toolbox manageable
17:05 – Coverage tags
20:40 – Corner technique and teaching points
23:55 – Nickel and Star player roles
26:15 – Pattern-match triggers in Cover 7
30:10 – Pressure installation and rules
33:00 – Tying pressure into coverage structure
36:45 – Advice for new play callers

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