Bump and run coverage

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Bump and run coverage is a strategy often used by defensive backs in American Football in which a defensive player will line up directly in front of a wide receiver and try to "bump" them with their arms in order to disrupt their intended route.

This play works well against routes that require the receiver to be in a certain spot at a certain time. The disadvantage, however, is that the receiver can get behind the cornerback for a big play. This varies from the more traditional defensive formation in which a defensive player will give the receiver a "cushion" of about 5 yards in order to prevent the receiver from getting behind them. In the NFL, a defensive back is allowed any sort of contact within the 5 yard bump zone except for holding the receiver, otherwise the defensive back can be called for an illegal contact penalty. Under NCAA rules, contact is allowed anywhere on the field as long as contact is in front of the defender and a pass is not in the air.