It no longer matters who is lining up in front of each offensive lineman. It's not as wide. The Chip Kelly/Mark Helfrich/Scott Frost Pin-Pull Sweep Football 101: Outside Zone - Weekly Spiral Click here. Outside zone is one of the hardest plays for the defense to stop, simply because it takes the element of power completely out of the situation. How he blocks him can vary - some coaches prefer lead or angle step up field, whereas some tell their offensive lineman to bucket step. 4 hands on DLM, 4 eyes on LB. Below, I explain how that method translate into one-on-one blocks in the inside zone. ", But against stunting first level defenders, keeping both shoulders squared becomes a difficult fundamental to accomplish. Before we talk specifics, we wanted to give you a general consensus of why teams are running the scheme. With the wide zone run scheme, offensive linemen work laterally as they try to gain the edge. Now, this aspect of the scheme won't be covered in this report, but please know we are currently working on a report that outlines this package in great detail. endobj toInside Zone Rulesin that they use the covered/uncovered read and playside direction. This can be run from a variety of different formations and sets which makes it particularly difficult to defend. On the backside, the LG = -1 and the LT = -2. Our research has shown nearly an even split on this topic, with 52.6 percent preferring to run the scheme under center. The best part about the Outside Zone scheme is that it can be used in a multitude of different ways to attack the defense. 3 0 obj The backside guard takes his track to overtake for the center while putting his hand on the near hip of the player in his backside gap. endobj If you have an offensive lineman built more for a power game than a zone game, we recommend you forego outside zone. For the zone blocking scheme to work properly, there are some keys that offensive linemen need to follow. Each system is taught slightly differently within each team and small adjustments are made via game plans, but generally, this is how they work: In the numbering system, the first defender to the play-side is labeled as the 0. A primary goal of almost all offenses is to get the ball to a speedy player in space. Various trigger concepts: By "trigger" concepts we're referring to the actions off zone option such as the flash or speed sweep, the outside zone option as well as the reverse package. The linemen open up and get on a 45 degree track. Running backs also have to be able to key and see that pre-snap to adjust their track accordingly. Forward This Report to Coaches Using Our Easy Form. On the backside, the LG = -1 and the LT = -2. Man blocking schemes gave each offensive lineman the responsibility of blocking a specific defender on every play. It gave the OZ play a chance to cut into C gap. Similar line blocking assignments: Just like the inside zone, the outside zone utilizes a full zone scheme. (RB Position Guide), What are Up Downs in Football? Teams that can effectively execute outside zone will have success. The count works out from there. Again, the zone blocking scheme will start with the offensive tackle and guards combining for a double team block at the line of scrimmage, followed by one of these linemen peeling off to block a second-level linebacker. Inside and Outside Zone take a little time for the blocking to develop and have delays or long distance built into the ball carrier's path, while Midline and Wide Zone are more aggressively downhill. It works great as a horizontal flow and is common to use on boot legs and play action. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright text 2022 by Football Advantage. Sweeney, now a high school offensive line coach, feels it's too tough a task to accomplish. One way Duo is often explained is Power without a puller. The center is 0, the play-side guard is 1, play-side tackle is 2, backside guard is -1, and the backside tackle is -2. . Tenopir talks about the pull and overtake method by the uncovered lineman. Although this topic was not in our original survey, we did do our research to find the most common aiming points of the ball carrier. Teams who use outside zone as a primarily outside zone run play may have their running back trying to get to the edge no matter what. Last, if the tackle successfully cuts off the defensive end, the running back will bounce the ball to the outside, hoping to outrun the rest of the defensive backs. Communicate with each other. "The aiming point for the drag hand is the backside pec of the defender. As that defensive tackle slants inside, the center leaves them because he knows his BSG is going to be on his 3-step track to overtake. We've found that the difference lies more in philosophy than it does in technique. Outside Zone From Football Fundamentals: Zone Blocking Schemes: Blocking Rules To really simplify this section, we'll treat the entire line as if it's the same, rather than splitting apart the front side and back side of the OL. Many Running Backs can find this to be a more difficult read because they are moving directly sideways which makes it difficult for them to cut and get upfield. ,h_;9%Z*`0~`Wgaiwr>Qbsvo]9-o!N"e"wZQ'"-Hb.ZG: nwj?mCA7cQOc7Le:RDZD->Zu!+DGnz@NSSFWbk;Tlp`:@11ZcK :YZgGviGf]XkB`MvpN&:7 When a play side lineman is covered on the outside zone or stretch play, it is his job to handle that down lineman. In both of these cases, the guard wouldn't be able to get to the Sam linebacker in time to make a successful block. For clarification, the first blocker is the tight end, the second blocker is the fullback and the third blocker is the wide receiver play side. The wide-zone run scheme is a play based on horizontal movement. Better Know a Run Game- Crack Toss - The Only Colors Some offensive linemen may still have only one blocking responsibility, again depending on the offensive play and defensive scheme being used. There were numerous reasons as to why high school coaches don't tell their kids to cut block, but perhaps no other coach was more straightforward about it then Sweeney. 9 0 obj "But we do concern ourselves with a player who lines up in a gap position. That 3-technique would be the next adjacent down lineman. The whole point of the play is to block a defender where they are, and not have to "move them." Due to the speed the runner is moving at he will not be reading the playside tackle and is automatically trying to get to the edge. That movement will stop the penetration of the defender inside. Yes, he did just say front side A gap. This forces the safety to hold back and not come downhill for the run fit. So Herb Hand, the offensive line coach at Vanderbilt University (who spent a good part of his coaching career under famed spread coaches like Rich Rodriquez and Gus Malzahn) emphasizes the drag hand technique of the covered offensive lineman. Aiming points and angles are some of the most important rules for the OL Maximizing the Outside Zone Blocking Scheme. Stick your foot in the ground and making a slashing cut north and south. For years, offensive linemen were given man blocking responsibilities. The biggest one is that if the ball is dropped by the runner it is considered a forward pass and the play is dead. Case 5: Problem Areas Among the Front (Pin and Pull Technique). The backside tackle is looking to cut off the defensive lineman to his play-side gap. Teams now use the outside zone as a counter to this pressure by getting the ball to the edge. Look at your gap - This includes pre-snap so you get an idea of whether or not you're going to get a defender in your face right away. Hh9%9|6s$a=|/a!$T|{&q9z\1R3'kNCy@;XgGC8z|T?5B/XI4& Here's what they told us: Top reasons for running the outside zone/stretch scheme: Complements the inside zone scheme: While the inside zone relies on vertical displacement of the defense, the outside zone relies on horizontal displacement. Even the Blocking Scheme in itself is very different in the the . Its best used as a base play for your offense if youre running three wide receivers and a tight end or two wing-backs. Zone Read Scheme Rules, Techniques and Drills. 5 0 obj At the snap, the center is responsible for blocking the nose tackle lined up head-up on him. Case 1: "Covered" Blocking Concepts to the Play Side. This eBook takes my blocking chapters from my Power Wing Beast Offense and Wildcat Multi Spread Offense playbooks and combines them into a basic blocking book for any youth football offense. Your counting rules for zone blocking also work for pass blocking; OL players become interchangeable, as all the rules stay the same. Shoot, my guys blocked inside zone so much that they were taking their steps and shooting their hands while . "He wants to get started up field because he is going to come off on the next level. Case 4: The Path/Reads of the Ball Carrier. Blocking Outside Zone Using the Count System The play is designed to go to the right. The tackle to the read side will be blocking the end on his side, and stepping with the opposite foot as the rest of the OL. "We want the pulling guard (or whoever is uncovered) to get depth and distance on the pull. These are the primary rules for outside zone. . The technique is obviously different from blocking inside zone to blocking outside zone. 3 Keys to a Successful Stretch Play - Joe Daniel Football With an outside track, linebackers and second level defenders have to respect the threat of the offense getting the edge. Understanding the Zone Blocking Scheme in Football On the right side, they'll double team the defensive end. If the first read is not reached, but is stretched and running outside, the back looks for the second read. There are certain indicators that would "tip off" some form of angle or stunt to the play side of zone. Next is the play side guard. In Grabowski's scheme, the fullback or H block gets assigned for force. On the backside the shaded Nose = -1, the Will = -2 and the backside DE = -3. Follow, Head Coach Monterey HS @coach_besaw born and raised in the Spread (Eugene, OR) covering all things Spread Offense, A few different ways you can use the sniffer tight end in the run game Follow us for breaking news and latest updates: Thanks for subscribing! Why the Inside Zone Scheme is All You Need <> The double team on outside zone will be short lived and evolved into a co-op block between the PS Tackle and PS TE. on October 11, 2013. Outside zone is a simple yet effective running play. Before getting into the actual drills, a few things must be understood. The Packers here choose to help their backside guard with their center. H Lead up, looking outside in Position Base Rules WRs Playside: Block the Most-Dangerous Man (MDM) Backside: Cutoff Stay alert for Bubble Tags or Audible OL Zone Combo - Covered / Uncovered Rules to Stack LB F A-Gap to A-Gap run Primary 1-back formation Last, the play-side tackle has one of the most important blocks in the entire play. "We don't ever worry about getting beat underneath, the ball will be outside already," said Ruel. "He was the best in the business at that time and he used to tell us he always wanted to see our butts so that he can make the right cut. In 2011, Oregon averaged 9.8 yards per play as they ran this play 36 times for 353 yards and 2 touchdowns. What are the key pieces of a successful Zone Run Scheme? "We got it from Glen Mason while he was at the University of Minnesota. Ruel calls his uncovered technique a "stretch scoop." The center does an excellent job of helping on his defensive tackle and then passing them off to the BSG. 1. On this play, the offensive tackle would have man blocking responsibilities for the defensive end, while the offensive guard would have man blocking responsibilities on the Sam linebacker. The left guard has someone in their play-side gap so they attack their play-side shoulder. Blocking on Inside Zone vs Outside Zone Runs : r/footballstrategy - reddit Head Up, 50% chance he is mine engage and release if he goes inside. "Pro Rt. Please reload the page and try again. Once his gap is secured, he will continue working up to the linebacker to cut off his angle. Coaching Offensive Line Youth Football Best 1 Blocking Line Outside Zone Running Back Aiming Point Last, the running back needs to read the block of the play-side tackle. This was very similar to a man-to-man defense. The best part about the Outside Zone scheme is that it can be used in a multitude of different ways to attack the defense. <>/XObject<>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 10 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S>> Even if they cannot gain the edge, running backs will work outside-in until a gap pops open. To start on offense, the count will begin with the Center and then work to the front side. There are a variety of different coaching points that must be mastered but one of the key things is that the runner gets the ball at as close to full speed as possible. Coach Ferentz calls it a "force the hole" play and that hole is usually the C gap. His main job is to cut off the players gap toward the play side. 6. The TB chases the butt of the tight end on this. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This eliminates rules for the bend bang or bounces from the running back. Select an applicable Action of either Block, Legacy CAPTCHA, Managed Challenge, or JS challenge. If any wrong color jersey crosses his face on that path, cut it. Similar line blocking assignments: Just like the inside zone, the outside zone utilizes a full zone scheme. He uses the drag hand to catch and hold the defender so he cannot penetrate.". <> Football 101: Zone Blocking Scheme - The Phinsider The defense counters with four defensive linemen, as well as the Sam linebacker lining up in tight toward the line of scrimmage. Zweifel will do this when he sees a C gap down defender to the play side. This takes some work and some practice, but they'll be able to easily pick it up over time. Outside zone is usually somewhere "on the tackle," or "on the TE." Again, often at the butt or outside leg. But how these coaches teach their blocking assignments will vary, as we will explain below. Programs like Boise State and Oregon thrive off running it from the gun, while the Colts ran it from under center, forcing the QB to get to the landmark quickly. Remember above assume BOB. In addition to our research, we've also consulted with over a dozen coaches on this topic so that they can provide you with how they run the scheme. This is still a zone scheme, and OL will have to take their zone steps and pick up anyone who enters their gap because after all, the defense are humans and they will react differently after the snap. Copyright ©2023 Youth Football Online. We base block the TE, block back on the 3-technique, pull the guard, and the center. "We watch the inside foot pre-snap. (Diagram 2) Can't see the diagram? Chip and GO. "I don't like the theory of keeping the outside arm free - you need four hands on defender," says Sweeney. PDF Tags for Inside Zone - footballcoachescorner.com Sure, some teams have chosen to man block the play, 73.8 percent of coaches still use a covered and uncovered principle when running the outside zone. Aiming point is the outside leg of the ghost tight end (ghost means whether a tight end is actually in the formation or not), The running back reads outside in from the end man on the line of scrimmage to the defensive tackles, Essential to take a good track to force linebackers to flow over and set up easy blocks for the offensive linemen, If the running back has a lane outside, they must immediately take it, Attack the play-side end man on the line of scrimmage (EMLOS) with goal to seal outside, If the end man on the line of scrimmage is outside their frame and in a wide enough alignment that an overtake is not possible, they must kick out that player, When the EMLOS is possible to overtake and seal, the PST will take lateral steps (losing ground if needed) to win the outside, If the play-side guard is able to overtake the EMLOS, climb and look for play-side linebacker inside to prevent scrape, If the EMLOS is possible to overtake and seal, the PST will take lateral steps (losing ground if needed) to win the outside, Attack the play-side shoulder of the defender in your gap, Take three steps flat with goal to overtake for the offensive lineman to your play-side, If you cannot overtake or push over defender onto your play-side tackle, climb to first linebacker play-side, Attack 1 with same technique as filled/unfilled, Work through first level defenders that appear, Attack 0 with same technique as filled/unfilled, If you cannot overtake or push over defender onto your play-side tackle, climb to second linebacker play-side, Attack -1 with same technique as filled/unfilled, Attack -2 with same technique as filled/unfilled, Defensive players lined head-up are treated as players that can fill gaps to either side, Linebackers walked up in gaps are treated as filling those gaps and become priority assignments, A defender in your play-side gap overrides a defender that is head up. On running plays, this is especially important. Xs and Oz: Outside Zone Rules - Internet Nebraska "We tell him to take a deep drop step and come out on the strong side A gap. Some teams will have the Quarterback read the backside Defensive End on this play. Sign up for our weekly recaps, informed analysis, and film breakdowns. It started to become popular in the 1980s and in the 1990s with Alex Gibbs and Mike Shanahan. The goal is to stress the defense horizontally and the back has to be ready to take it if its there, but especially at the NFL level, getting on the edge is unlikely. BLOCKING RULES RULE: Base - Big on Big rule CALL: "big" Block inside, over, outside to near backer. If so, you'll love my daily "Football Coaching" emails. In a clinic setting, Coach Greatwood teaches the inside zone concepts of the devastating Duck ground attack. Regardless of how the handoff takes places the Jet man will be getting the ball and stretching the edge of the field. The fullback is responsible for picking up the defensive end on the left side of the field. Navigate to Security > WAF > Tools. Download now just $7. "When we put the lead foot where it is supposed to be, the rest of the body will come with you," said Tenopir. I found this excellent article that breaks it all down here. By having the Running Back coming downhill the defenders are forced to react or risk being beaten to the edge. Theres a lot of moving parts and there are a lot of areas that need to be practice in a short amount of time. This will close any holes between the linemen and prevent defenders from busting through them. Terms and Rules Ace - Double . What we've found most interesting is that unlike the inside zone, the outside zone does not have to be a cornerstone of your offense. When the EMLOS is aligned in a wide-9 technique or way outside the PST, the PST now has to kick that player out. At the snap, the defensive end would quickly slant to his right, going through the B gap -- between the guard and tackle. If the defensive end goes to the inside (through the B gap), then the offensive guard will stay on him while the offensive tackle peels off to pick up the Mike. Zone running plays are designed to block general areas across the line of scrimmage while the running back finds the best opening. Click here. The slant and angle defense exposed one fatal flaw in the man blocking scheme -- that offensive linemen were asked to follow their assigned defender wherever they went. If the defensive end has the play-side tackle in a stalemate, the running back will bang it next to their block to recoup some yards. "We must open the defender's shoulders. Can't see the diagram? Backside hand through the sternum. This can be particularly difficult for younger running backs as they hear the Stretch play called and want to run the ball to the outside no matter what. *@,$Oe* R:MnRO_ *?r&*o}OQ!*M$}M Their objective is to reach and overtake the next down lineman play side. 5. Unlike a full zone principle, this scheme involves down blocks and pulls at the point of attack. The ZBS takes the offensive line and choreographs their movements. Make your splits work for your advantage. Strategies for blocking covered vs. uncovered in inside zone runs The blocking techniques, though, are different, as the plays are designed to get the defense moving laterally across the field and create seams in their coverage. Can't see the diagram? Cutting off offensive linemen requires no size or strength. In our example, the offense will have a fullback and running back in the backfield, a quarterback under center, and one tight end lined up to the right. But here comes the beauty of the zone blocking scheme. If he tries to pull and come around the back-side number of the tackle, he will never get it done. To preface, the count system does not equal man blocking. 4. Everything that Zweifel teaches in his outside zone progression is based upon the "reach and overtake" mantra that he drills into his linemen from day one. We are trying to put both hands on the far shoulder pad. The off-season is an opportunity for your child to improve. The end would line up head-up on the offensive tackle. Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with the latest trends! The 3 templates include: Last, the running back needs to read the block of the play-side tackle. Iowa Run Game: Zone Blocking and Variants - Inside The Pylon Think inside shoulder to outside shoulder. One of these players on each side of the field will come off their initial double team block to get to the second level and pick up the Will and the Mike, respectively. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. The face goes to the play side defender's armpit. ", Milt Tenopir, the legendary offensive line coach under Tom Osbourne at Nebraska, believed in the same philosophy of having his covered offensive lineman really work to get to the second level. Outside zone is a concept that can be used as a base run play (Similar to how we detailed inside zone in the article). Here is one last example of how the flow and horizontal pressure of outside zone can exploit defenses. Maximizing the Outside Zone Blocking Scheme - Youth Football Online x[[o6~GkPs(>t.MC&dI9$EHxn$CQ/."_F Duo vs Power (blocking) vs Inside Zone : r/footballstrategy - reddit Zone blocking is a style of blocking for offensive linemen that was created by offensive coaches in response to a new style of defense that had emerged. Landmark is the play side armpit of defender. If the center cannot reach the nose, he will make a "me" call to the strong guard telling him to block the nose and the center will pull to block the MLB. The Inside Zone Blocking Scheme in the Ferris State Offense As you can see from the description and illustrations, the slant and angle defensive scheme posed a big problem for man blocking schemes. <> Duo - by Alex Byrne - In-depth NFL analysis Teams may have outside zone hit a bit wider than wide zone, but outside and wide zone are the same at its core fundamentals. The rules. They're starting to put like, a bunch of . All rights reserved. cd0uw0o! He teaches his players to eye the outside armpit of the defender with the objective to always advance to the second level. Those numbers for the defense can adjust in real time with pre-snap motion and fakes that move defenders into different alignments. Chip Kelly Playbook 101: Shotgun, Inside- & Outside-Zone Run - Niner Noise Rules to live by with Zone Blocking Know if you are covered or uncovered. He helps seal that scrape and AJ Dillon is able to get outside on edge of the defense. This outside zone from the Rams is a great example of an overtake from the BSG and BST. The last thing we wanted to address were the various "pin and pull" techniques that some coaches are using to get to the perimeter. <> It all starts with. Click here. Pistol Formation Part II: A Few Basic Rushing Plays It's a curveball, so to speak, to keep defenses off balance and on its heels. Also, similarly to Inside Zone, it has multiple possible points of entry. #12nzsMfBhJ@x~G$4BhOACeQ6Z98E y 'ILj*k>W\R He will identify the force player then make the decision on whether or not that player can make the play based on his leverage on the player who is blocking him. It's all doable depending on the path of the back which Zweifel explains. Offensive linemen must still take outside tracks (which will be covered below) and work through any first level defenders to get to their number. The scheme is versatile, doesnt ask offensive linemen to physically overpower defenders, and puts more responsibility on the running back to make the scheme work effectively. I use about 10 blocking rule calls to create the best angles for our offensive linemen. Click here. This can only be accomplished through practice with the backs running at full speed. Now let's zero in on the right side of the field to illustrate the example of which offensive lineman will peel off to block the Mike linebacker. % Instead, Sweeney spends more time alerting his lineman pre-snap about the possibilities of a stunt or scrape. Wide Zone and Techniques - Coaches Insider