Vertical leverage
What it is
Whether you are ahead of, even with, or behind an opponent down the field — the phase of the coverage.
Why it matters
Vertical leverage answers a different question from horizontal: not which side, but whether you are in position to play the ball at all. A defender who is even or ahead can turn and find it; one who is behind is in trail and must play through the hands instead. Losing vertical leverage without losing a step is possible and common — it happens whenever a defender's pedal is deeper than the route, so he is behind the break rather than behind the man. Coaches grade it as phase: in phase, trailing, or beaten.
Also called
Programs call this phase, in phase, on top, trail position or cushion. The Coach answers to any of them.
Related
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