Flood is a concept that "floods" one side of the field with three receivers at three different levels, creating an overload that zone defenses can't cover with only two defenders.
Overview
Flood is one of football's most fundamental concepts for attacking zone coverage. The idea is simple: put three receivers in an area where the defense only has two defenders. Someone has to come open.
The classic Flood concept has three levels: a deep out or corner, an intermediate dig or out, and a flat route. The quarterback reads the flat defender - if he sinks, throw the flat; if he widens, throw the intermediate route; if the corner jumps the intermediate, throw deep.
Flood is particularly effective against Cover 3 and Cover 4, where the flat defender is often a linebacker responsible for the entire underneath area. The concept forces impossible choices.
History & Origin
Sid Gillman, the "Father of the Modern Passing Game," developed Flood concepts as part of his comprehensive attack on zone coverage. The idea of creating numbers advantages in areas of the field became fundamental to all passing attacks.
Key Principles
- 1Three receivers at three different levels
- 2Create an overload on one side of the field
- 3Deep route clears out or threatens corner
- 4Intermediate route (dig/out) is the primary target
- 5Flat route provides checkdown option
- 6Read flat defender: sink = flat, widen = intermediate, jump = deep
- 72-on-1 or 3-on-2 advantage is guaranteed
When to Use
Flood is excellent against Cover 3 and any zone coverage that only has two defenders to one side. Use it to create guaranteed completions and put defenders in conflict. It's effective at all field positions.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Creates numbers advantage against zone
- +Three-level stretch overwhelms defenders
- +Someone always comes open
- +Works from many formations
- +Deep route provides big-play potential
Disadvantages
- −Takes time to develop all three routes
- −Less effective against man coverage
- −Requires quarterback to see whole field
- −Vulnerable to pressure if deep route is primary
What Coaches Call It
Different coaches use different terminology for the same concepts.
| Coach | Team | Their Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don Coryell | Chargers | Flood | Air Coryell staple |
| Mike Leach | — | Flood | Air Raid core concept |
| Kyle Shanahan | 49ers | Three-Level Flood | Descriptive name |
What You Need
Skills and jobs required to run this scheme effectively.
Critical
Work high to low through the flood
Work through receivers methodically. Eyes, patience, and processing.
High
Intermediate route attacks void
Find void in zone coverage and settle. Read coverage and communicate with QB.
Deep out clears the flat defender
Beat defender deep with speed. Pure speed and release moves.
Flat route needs yards after catch
Make plays after the catch. Vision, elusiveness, and physicality.
Medium
Bootleg/sprint out requires mobility
Create outside the pocket when protection breaks. Athleticism and vision.
Matchups
Good Against
- +Cover 3
- +Cover 4
- +Zone coverage
- +Soft underneath coverage
Avoid Against
- −Man coverage
- −Heavy pressure
- −Pattern-matching zones
- −Tight coverage underneath
Installation
What You Need
Prerequisites for running this scheme effectively.
- ✓Three receivers who run disciplined routes
- ✓QB who can see full-field
- ✓Protection for 3+ seconds
When NOT to Use This
- !Takes time to develop all levels
- !Not effective vs man
- !Vulnerable to pressure
Technical Variations
2 concepts in the Eyes Up playbook use this scheme.
Flood Left
LEFTPASS3-receiver vertical stretch concept - Left
Position Assignments
RECEIVING
#1 receiver runs flat route in flood concept
#2 receiver runs 12-15 yard dig route
#3 receiver runs deep route (go/corner)
PASSING
QB reads coverage and makes protection calls