IZ/OZ Technique Questions

Coach,

We are a college that blocks IZ differently from OZ - your question was an excellent one. We actually run the same plays as Oneback - OZ, IZ, and countergap, but with different techniques. I agree with Bill that most block inside and outside zone with the same rules (uncovered/uncovered). There is a good AFCA article by U of Minnesota coaches on inside zone in 2002 or thereabouts that supports Oneback's excellent descriptions.

Our goal on IZ is maximum vertical movement. Based upon game planning, we identify the combinations we want vs particular defenses. The two linemen executing a combo block will step toward their half of the the man - their aiming points are the numbers of the defender. So versus a 4i technique, the guard will step laterally first to get to the inside number and the OT will basically execute a base block onto the aiming point since it is right in front of him. If the DT is a 3 tech, the guard has a drive block on his aiming point while the OT will move laterally to his aiming point before engaging the DT. The actions of the LB determine which man comes off for the LB. We try to stay on the double team for as long as possible. It is a bigger sin to not get vertical push than not getting off for the LB.

We teach our linemen that are "giving help" to move laterally first because we want to make sure their hips are touching and parallel to the LOS. This is important because it gives us the best veritcal push possible - we hope to push the DLM into the second level. It also allows smaller players to move a bigger player because they aren't pushing against each other with the defender sandwiched in between them. Look at the forces (lines of force) generated when both OL step at 45 degrees towards the defender. Much of their force is against each other and the DLM has an opportunity to split the double team because their hips are not together. And it is hard to swing your hips after stepping at 45 degrees and having a strong DLM attack your playside shoulder. We would rather get properly aligned first, and then attack with the doubling lineman. The job of the covered man is to shock the defender, secure his half, and set the defender up for the doubler. All you need is a good draw with a good fit into the man - anything more is great but not necessary.

This is more like Coach Campbell's "near ear" rule.

The pros to this approach are (a) it maximizes the opportunity for vertical push for inside zone and (b) lets smaller players get vertical push on bigger players.

The cons are (a) it is conceptually more distinct from OZ which means more learning, and (2) is less effective when you can't get much vertical push since there is usually not as much incidental horizontal stretch compared to Oneback's techniques which involve everone stepping playside.

The other thing we do abit different (I think) is our weakside iso play (say from a pro set). Our OT will use an influence step on the EMLOS (5 or ghost 6 tech). The OT will take a short "pull" step that puts him on a track to attack the outside arm of the DE. The OT stays on that track and (a) hooks the DE if he stays inside or (b) kicks the DE out if he moves outside to maintain his initial leverage as the OT ends up on the DE's inside shoulder. We try to make him wrong whatever he does. The FB (who has will) and TB read the OT's block and either bounce the play or cut it up. The PSG will solo a 3 technique and will combo with the center on a 2, 2i, or 1 tech to mike.

I would be glad to go into more detail about techniques if you would like.

Coach Mountjoy,

All of your input was very helpful thank you. You can bet that I will take you up on your offer of a phone call (possible tonight). In your scheme, on IZ if a DL is a 4i vs PST, and the PSG and PST are working him to LB, does the PST step will with PS foot or the foot closest to the 4i and what do you tell him is his specific aiming point (outside #, etc). How would to would you teach the steps in this scenario for OZ. Also do you teach the forearm technique (flipper and lift) to the covered OL or do you teach him to put his inside hand (relative to his combo partner) on the outside breast plate of shoulder pads. Or do you teach both techniques and let the linemen choose the one that works best for them. Thanks again for you time.

KB

Coach cllew,

Thanks for your input it is very helpful (along with Coach Mountjoy). One can never have too much knowledge of the game. I’m still trying to figure out which techniques will be best for my HS linemen so I appreciate different views (but understand that each sound and has its place). I have a few more questions for you about your theory.

1. What foot does the PST take on a 4i on IZ if he is stepping toward him (PS foot or foot closest to 4i)?

2. On IZ, vs 4 you still looking to get vertical push by PSG/PST correct? With a 5 tech the PSG is still working to get in double team alignment with PST?

3. Is your lateral step with toe point upfield or toward sideline?

4. Could you elaborate a little on you techniques (steps, aiming points, contact tech) for OZ?

5. What technique do you teach for making contact with the DL, hands, forearms, “forklift”, “flipper” etc? And is it different for Cov/Uncovered OL? Is it different for IZ and OZ?

KB

There are a lot of good tapes on teaching the Inside Zone (& with cutups). Not necessarily a DRILL tapes per se, but if you know how to teach it, it is EASY to set up DRILLS (2 on 2, 3 on 3, etc.):

A) COOL CLINIC

Howard Mudd (now w/Colts) - Inside Zone - 1997
Larry Beightol (now w/Packers) - Outside Zone - 1997
Jim Colleto (Ravens) - Inside Zone - 2003
Steve Loney (Vikings) - Inside & Outside Zone Play - 2004

ORDER THE ABOVE FROM:

J.M.W.
ATTN: VIDEO
4017 GROVE AVE
Cincinnati, Oh 45227

Tapes are inexpensive - contact them for exact price.


B) SYSKOS SPORTS BOOKS & VIDEOS (CALL 1-800-932-2534 TOLL FREE)

Anthony Munoz & Jim McNally - "Stretch" Play: Zone Blocking - $39.95


C) Contact David at lgcuban@comcast.net & order "Alex Gibb tape on "TIGHT (INSIDE) ZONE AND WIDE (OUTSIDE) ZONE". This is the best of the bunch.

That list = 6 of the BEST tapes EVER produced on ZONE BLOCKING!!!!!

1. What foot does the PST take on a 4i on IZ if he is stepping toward him (PS foot or foot closest to 4i)?

Since he is executing a base block because he is covered, either foot is ok as long as he hits his aiming point (outside number). Most players have a preference (dominant foot), so we let them lead with their best when they are covered. You can mandate the inside foot if you like, but for us it is the second step that counts, for us - see my other post. I know this sounds odd, but it is the fit that matters. If the 4i loops inside, then the OG will end up on the outside number and the OT will likely go to LB. If the 4i loops outside, the OT will end up on his inside number and the OG will go up to LB. Did I explain that ok?

2. On IZ, vs 4 you still looking to get vertical push by PSG/PST correct? With a 5 tech the PSG is still working to get in double team alignment with PST?

Vs a 5 tech we usually have the OT base block the inside number - the one right in front of him while the guard goes through his steps in case the DT loops inside. The OG must eyeball the LB to look for a run through, and the OG should anticipate getting to the LB. IZ is a B gap play, so we don't mind if the DT goes outside - we just want to expand the hole.

However, many times, with a 5 or 7 tech, there is also a 2i playside. In that case we will combo the 2i with the center and guard to the MLB and let the TE and OT combo the 5/7 tech to Sam. If both the OT and TE are covered, they both have base blocks.

This is a game plan decision and our linemen are taught how to identify and communicate the defensive front at the LOS. Essentially the playside OT is given his rules and everyone adjusts to that. If the OT is covered he determines whether he will work with the OG or TE, if they are uncovered. If the OT is uncovered, he decides whether he is going to help the guard or the TE.

3. Is your lateral step with toe point upfield or toward sideline?

We use a drop step and a crossover step - it sounds kind of funky. It is basically the belly steps a FB takes in the wing-t. It is designed to move you quickly over 1/2 to 1 man over while keeping your shoulders square to the LOS. If I am helping the OT to my right, I take a short drop step - we call it a clear step to differentiate it from a bucket step. My shoulders are still square to the LOS. I then crossover with the far foot. It is just like carioca (however you spell it)! The width of the crossover step is determined by how far you must travel laterally to get on the aiming point. Sometimes you don't have to cross them at all (man loops toward you). Usually you are somewhere around indian style (one foot directly in front of the other).

Contact is made on the 3rd step. It seems awkward at first, but you can generate alot of power because you are running downhill and you have really torqued your hips. The biggest mistake is to rush and step at 45 degrees (or go too far upfield) on the second step and make contact with that step. You have little power at this point and your angle is poor. It is the job of the covered lineman to deliver the first blow and secure the man. It is ok to make some ground upfield as long as you hit on the 3rd step and your shoulders and hips are square to the LOS.

Others side step (toes upfield), but we feel this has less power and uses less powerful muscles in the legs.

4. Could you elaborate a little on you techniques (steps, aiming points, contact tech) for OZ?

The aiming point for the covered lineman on OZ is basically the outside armpit of the DL. We are trying to run our full body through theouter 1/8th of his body so we can turn his shoulders while keeping ours square to the LOS or at least staying on a good track to cutoff the LB. I try to get them to hook their backside thumb in the player's armpit. The covered lineman can take either a "clear cross" or "bucket step" depending upon how far he has to travel and the quickness of the DLM. We prefer a clear cross because there is less of a soft shoulder, but the key is to get on the aiming point. The lineman looking to takeover the block (giving help) bucket steps and looks to get his backside hand between the numbers at a minimum. He then continues to press his hands toward the playside shoulder. The initial blocker should feel this contact and release quickly - if he doesn't the other blocker should knock him off the block by swinging his hips upfield.

If the blocker looking to take over the block cannot get there (the defender maintains outside leverage), he pulls around the block while eyeballing the LB. If the LB comes underneath, he just stops and wheels back. If the LB scrapes over the top before he can cut him off, he follows the LB so he can block him when the back cuts back. The same goes for the covered lineman who releases for the LB, but can't cut him off.

5. What technique do you teach for making contact with the DL, hands, forearms, “forklift”, “flipper” etc? And is it different for Cov/Uncovered OL? Is it different for IZ and OZ?

We want to make simultaneous contact with facemas, hands, and shoulders/chest - as much surface as possible. Many players will make contact with their hands first, which is poor technique. When you hit with your hands first, your arms usually act like shock absorbers and lessen the blow to be made by your body. In other words, the arms provide resistance to your torso. Run into a wall with your hands out and then when they are at your side. I feel it is better to make contact with the hands last rather than first, though simultaneous is preferred.

After the first step (see previous post) the hands should be about where the player holds them when doing a bench press - in the upper chest area. The hands travel inwards so that contact is made with the hands as close together as possible and as close to the aiming point as possible. This is usually a lttle below the aiming point because hopefully the facemask is on the aiming point. Technically, the thumbs should be up, but I find this causes some players hands to slip off to the shoulders which leads to a weaker punch, lets the defensive player get his hands inside for more power, and encourages holding. So I don't force the thumbs up if the player struggles with it, as long as their hands are inside the defenders and they are on the aiming point. Because the hands are a bit lower, there is a natural uppercut motion which helps the lineman gain leverage.

The basic aiming point for IZ is the player's inside or outside number, depending upon which side the lineman is on. The technique is as above.

Outside zone is a bit different. The aiming point is the armpit area of the defender for the covered lineman. He wants to deliver his blow right there with both hands to violently turn the player's shoulders. If he succeeds in turning the player's shoulders, he has to be careful not to continue to press with the outside arm. This will cause his outside shoulder to turn in, which naturally leads the hips to turn in also. Now the lineman is not in a good position athletically to get off the block and cut-off a fast scraping LB. Rather, he should keep his outside shoulder square, even his he has to remove his hand from the defender. This keeps him on a better path to cut-off the LB. If he has turned the player's shoulder that much, the other OL should have no problem taking over the block, so one hand is ok.

The blocker taking over the double, looks to get his backside hand as far playside as possible - at least to the center of his body. As he climbs the man and drives his hips upfield, he should continue to press his hands to the aiming point - the armpit.

I hope this helps.

Calls that are NECESSARY should be made by COVERED men.

This is helpful in Zone, Counter, pass pro blocking, etc.:

COMMUNICATION OF DEFENSIVE NUMBERED TECHNIQUES ON THE ZONE AND COUNTER/POWER BLOCKING:

Many NFL teams have the first covered offensive lineman outside the "Center Box" call out the number technique the DLM is in. This is primarily because you look for double teams from inside/out. The following thinking uses the Inside Zone & the Counter as examples (since on the INSIDE ZONE you double outside, and on the COUNTER you double inside — in reverse order):

EXAMPLE: The Right Tackle is the first covered lineman outside the Center (covered by a 4I, 4, or 5 technique). He calls out that technique as early as possible for the following reasons:

1. RT calls "4I" (inside shoulder).
A) On the INSIDE ZONE — this alerts the uncovered RG that he will most likely have to "take over" the 4I after the initial double team and push off the LOS.
B) ON the COUNTER — this alerts the TE that he will most likely have to come off the hip of the 4I for the backside LB (probability of no double).

2. RT calls "4" (head up).
A) On BOTH the INSIDE ZONE and the COUNTER - since a 4 technique might slant or pinch down, play the RT tough, or loop out — it's a 50/50 proposition as to who will end up on him after the other comes off the double team (depending on which of the 3 charges he employs).

3. RT calls "5" (outside shoulder).
A) On the INSIDE ZONE — this alerts the uncovered RG that he will most likely end up on the LB (probability of no double).
B) On the COUNTER — this alerts the TE than he will most likely end up on the 5 technique (with the RT coming off the double).


NOTE: If the first covered lineman outside the Center was the Right Guard — he would make a 2I (inside shoulder), 2 (head up), or 3 (outside shoulder) call, which would alert the Center (on the INSIDE ZONE), and the Right Tackle (on the COUNTER) as to the probabilities on those plays.

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A GIVEAWAY TO THE DEFENSE, SINCE THESE CALLS ARE USED IN ZONE BLOCKING, COUNTER/POWER BLOCKING, & EVEN SOME ZONE PASS PROTECTIONS (& THEY ARE MADE ON BOTH SIDES).

RUSS GRIMM QUOTE: "ALWAYS KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE THE SNAP — AND ANTICIPATE THE WORST CASE SCENARIO (SO YOU WON'T COME TO THE SIDELINE & GIVE THE ALIBI THAT "HE SURPRISED ME")!!!!! EXAMPLE: THE WORSE CASE SCENARIO FOR A TE DOWNBLOCKING A 5 TECHNIQUE IS FOR THE 5 TECHNIQUE TO LOOP INTO HIM (RATHER THAN STAYING IN A 5)!

Hey Coach,

Interesting posts for certain, welcome your comments! A question or two, just curious as to why you teach the tecniques you do in an instance or two in your above posts. My first question= why do you teach an OT to attack the OUTSIDE NUMBER of the defender (5 tech) as to my thinking that would put your OT ACROSS THE FACE OF THE 5 AND HE CAN EASILY PENETRATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS AND COME BACK INSIDE. My second question is in regard to your "long second step" as you describe the "clear step", the lateral step and the 3rd explosive step to make contact. To me that would mean #1 that your theory is pretty revolutionary(nothing wrong with that at all) but it also indicates to me that you are going against ESTABLISHED PRINCIPLES OF ZONE BLOCKING by attaching more importance to the 3rd step than the 2nd. The stability issue certainly comes into play here, just as you mention, but my main concern is unless you have NFL caliber OLM's with the quickest feet in the east, how do you compensate for the ADDITIONAL TIME involved with this tecnique of clear step, lateral step, attack step (for lack of better term) as in my mind the DLM is not going to be just dormant and not moving on your man. Am enjoying this discussion very much and am looking to your reply.

Coach Easton

Coach,

Thanks for your explanation! I think another factor we have not discussed that I'm sure is crtical to your technique, is that of splits. In a vertical push ISZ we reduce our splits to as little as 6" in order to facilitate the DT (per Joe Bugel) while never going over 24" on any zone play. The short 6" step enables the uncovered OLM to step to his 1/2 man responsibility much more expediently as he immediately stomps down his 2nd step for stability.
We use aggressive pass blocking for the most part as I throw mainly from a 5 wide empty gun that makes us see a lot of their 6 on our 5. We come out of our 2 pt stance, firing our hands to the midsection (close hand atttack per Joe Bugel, much like his run blocking technique but a lower aiming point). We have a lower aiming point because we want the DLM's hands to be kept down when we throw. We put a hat on their 5 with our five and count on our QB 's to be their own best blocker by running out of trouble ( away from the free runner ). If they put more than 6 in the box someone is uncovered and we are going to do our best to make them pay for that. In our pro "I" and Ace formations we use slide and Bob. We slide TO the TE most often as I have a hybrid where we pull both guards to form cup and send the one back in our ace to become the point of the cup from which he can check release into the pattern easily. Rather difficult to explain in words, but very easy to install on the field.

Coach Easton

From Steve Loney (O-LINE COACH OF VIKINGS) - disciple of Joe Bugel.

2004 "COOL" CLINIC:

"INSIDE ZONE"

A) COVERED BLOCKER:

1. Reach block technique (balance step-punch-explode). Attack with punch but aim cage for target which is outside # (it doesn't change regardless of defender's alignment) pad under pad.

2. Force the defender to make a decision - stretch & displace the defender (by reaching the middle of the playside #).

3. Lead with fist, cage, and pads. Punch, lift, and strain the body (when he tries to seperate).

4. Arm pump - punch with meat of hands into middle of target with thumbs up & lift. NOTE: On arm pump - whip the hands & grab - get your hands INSIDE.

5. 2nd step slightly inside the defender - your inside knee in his crotch & your face in middle of playside# of DLM (your inside foot is slightly outside his inside foot & your outside foot is slightly outside his outside foot)
.

6. Explode feet on stalemate - finish him when he goes to ball.

7. ANTICIPATE a 4 or 5 technique slanting inside. If he slants inside - get your feet on the ground quick, & go from a 2 hand punch to a 1 hand punch (so you won't get your shoulders turned) & get eyes up for LB coming out. DO NOT AVOID A SLANT DLM because movement on the DLM is essential - stay on double team until LBer shows.!

8. If defender widens - twist him out with inside arm. Anticipate redirection & extend him for about 3 steps (don't twist him out immediately) before you torque him out with strong & extended inside arm.


B) UNCOVERED BLOCKER:

1. Evaluate depth of LB. Vs deep LB (over 3 -5 yds deep = probable "fast flow" outside) you have longer to read the combination (DLM on covered teammate). If less than 3 yds (probable "slow play") - balance step and get up on LB right now (there is an immediate threat of LB run thru between you & your outside teammate). Blocks happen at or near the LOS. You commit to LB when HE commits to LOS (if you go too soon your outside (covered) teammate loses your BODY PRESENCE.

2. Block LB on or near LOS

3. Vs. slow flow LB - key LB - get punch/grab on his playside #. When he commits up is when you commit to him.

4. Vs. fast flow LB - "read cloth" of DLM & if he comes to you attack him with 2 hand punch (your aiming point = middle of his playside #) - double team DLM - get movement OFF LOS.

5. Allow the LB to press the LOS - understand the play of the LB.

6. BEST HOLES AND CREASES OCCUR GENERALLY AT THE "BUBBLE"

NOTE: AS TO FOOTWORK, & WHAT ANGLE YOU COME OFF BALL - THAT IS DETERMINED BY WHERE DEFENDER ALIGNS. EVERYBODY STEPS TO THEIR "AIMING POINT" (AS DESCRIBED ABOVE) & YOU "TAKE THE MAN ON THE ANGLE YOU FIND HIM"!

Coach Cllew,

All zone coaches that I know of, teach you don't base a 5 unless he widens toward the C gap as the OT steps to his OUTSIDE NUMBER. You MUST anticipate a 4 or a 5 crossing your face inside (slant). Am I helping you to see the light or just wasting your time?

Coach Easton

Bill,

Thats my view as well.

JC

Coach cllew - when Minnesota runs the IZ - aimimg point for covered lineman = always playside number. I talked at length with their outstanding O-Line coach - Mitch Browning - last Summer (& we exchanged tape). This is a QUOTE from a write up he sent me:

COVERED BLOCKER VS DOWN DEFENDER:

-The covered blocker's rule is to stretch base the defender using a 4-6 inch quick lead step with the outside foot. The width or angle of the first step is determined by the alignment of the defender. The wider the defender, the wider the first step. As a general rule, we want the first step to be slightly wider than the defender's outside foot. This opens our hips to the target.

-The second step with the inside foot is in the crotch of the defender and is also a 4-6 inch step.

-The third step is a width step. It is important to press the defender and stay square. This widens or stretches him.

-Our LANDMARK and contact point is nose and eyes to the PLAYSIDE NUMBER with our inside hand contacting the opponent's sternum. We are going to get movement off the ball and/or widening and stretching by the defender to create wider running lanes. We must deliver a blow by cocking our elbow tips and punching the defender's breastplate as we come off the ball.

-If the defender widens, stay square and continue to widen and stretch him.

-If the defender veers inside, stay square and squeeze him off to adjacent offensive kinement.

NOTE: You should feel adjacent offensive lineman contact you and force you to the linebacker level. It is important to stay tight so you don't get beat underneath by the linebacker.

Coach, I have never heard of an ON T blocking the INSIDE # of a 5 tech. on the Inside Zone. If it works for you, for Lord's sake DON'T CHANGE IT. There are more than 1 way to skin a cat.

Following is zone blocking info from my files. Once again, ALL of the coaches keep the landmark at the outside # of the 5 technique!!!


UMBER I: JOE BUGEL — INSIDE ZONE BLOCKING ("40/50 GUT")

NOTE: Uncovered man responsible for inside half of down lineman and covered lineman responsible for outside half of down lineman.

UNCOVERED MAN: Take a lead step and catch up with your covered teammate as you READ the near knee of the down lineman on him. As you work through your playside gap — if the near knee comes towards you block his inside number & fit him up sliding in the direction he is going (eyeball Lber in case he comes inside); if near knee doesn't come towards you work up on Lber. 3 situations can occur (see COVERED MAN).

COVERED MAN: Take a lead step with your outside foot eyeballing outside number of down lineman on you — second step with inside foot thru crotch of opponent. You must think man block and only go to Lber when wiped off by uncovered teammate. 3 situations usually occur: 1) Down lineman is in an outside shade & stretches — you stay on him and uncovered teammate works up on Lber. 2) Down lineman is head up & anchors on you — use double team technique driving him into Lber & stay on him until wiped off by uncovered teammate then work straight up on Lber. 3) Down lineman head up or inside shade & slants inside — force him to flatten his slant & stay on him until wiped off
LINEMEN NOT ZONING USE "DRIVE" (MAN) BLOCKS. Don't worry about getting position on defender — worry about blow delivery. When coming off the ball you guide with your eyes (aim with your face), and your eyes take you to the aiming point or landmark which is the playside #. Your first step is a short directional step and you throw your arms out of the socket ("don't shoot from the holster"). On the second step, your power foot must be on the ground and you arm thrust (100% blow delivery) with your fists into his short ribs (below the pads), tucking your tail and "lifting him out of his socks". Don't put your face or shoulder in, because you will be overextended and your head will be down.

NOTE: OUTSIDE ZONE BLOCKING ("60/70 OUTSIDE"): Only difference is that it is a wider reach (almost a pull) — uncovered blocker "piggybacks" covered blocker & covered blocker reaches almost to hip of outside teammate. Uncovered blocker will stay on a down lineman head up on covered teammate, and covered teammate comes off on Lber — "forcing the switch". RB aims for butt of TE and cuts off his block.

RUNNING BACK ("40/50 GUT" — INSIDE ZONE): 1st. step with playside foot, roll, crossover, and aim nose for Tackle's inside hip (if bubble over Grd) or Guard's outside hip (if bubble over Ctr or Tkl). Key the block on the first down lineman outside the Center, and make your cut on THEIR side of the L.O.S. If there is daylight in the B gap — cram the B gap — otherwise, if DLM goes out you cut inside (& vice versa). NOTE: On the OUTSIDE ZONE ("60/70 OUTSIDE") — RB drop steps & runs a straight line for butt of TE — cut inside or outside of his block.

QB: On Inside Zone the QB opens to 5 o'clock on 40 GUT and to 7 o'clock on 50 GUT. On the Outside Zone the QB opens to 4 o'clock on 60 Outside and to 8 o'clock on 70 Outside.



NUMBER II: From Steve Loney (O-LINE COACH OF VIKINGS) - disciple of Joe Bugel.

2004 "COOL" CLINIC:

"INSIDE ZONE"

A) COVERED BLOCKER:

1. Reach block technique (balance step-punch-explode). Attack with punch but aim cage for target which is outside # (it doesn't change regardless of defender's alignment) pad under pad.

2. Force the defender to make a decision - stretch & displace the defender (by reaching the middle of the playside #).

3. Lead with fist, cage, and pads. Punch, lift, and strain the body (when he tries to seperate).

4. Arm pump - punch with meat of hands into middle of target with thumbs up & lift. NOTE: On arm pump - whip the hands & grab - get your hands INSIDE.

5. 2nd step slightly inside the defender - your inside knee in his crotch & your face in middle of playside# of DLM (your inside foot is slightly outside his inside foot & your outside foot is slightly outside his outside foot)
.

6. Explode feet on stalemate - finish him when he goes to ball.

7. ANTICIPATE a 4 or 5 technique slanting inside. If he slants inside - get your feet on the ground quick, & go from a 2 hand punch to a 1 hand punch (so you won't get your shoulders turned) & get eyes up for LB coming out. DO NOT AVOID A SLANT DLM because movement on the DLM is essential - stay on double team until LBer shows.!

8. If defender widens - twist him out with inside arm. Anticipate redirection & extend him for about 3 steps (don't twist him out immediately) before you torque him out with strong & extended inside arm.


B) UNCOVERED BLOCKER:

1. Evaluate depth of LB. Vs deep LB (over 3 -5 yds deep = probable "fast flow" outside) you have longer to read the combination (DLM on covered teammate). If less than 3 yds (probable "slow play") - balance step and get up on LB right now (there is an immediate threat of LB run thru between you & your outside teammate). Blocks happen at or near the LOS. You commit to LB when HE commits to LOS (if you go too soon your outside (covered) teammate loses your BODY PRESENCE.

2. Block LB on or near LOS

3. Vs. slow flow LB - key LB - get punch/grab on his playside #. When he commits up is when you commit to him.

4. Vs. fast flow LB - "read cloth" of DLM & if he comes to you attack him with 2 hand punch (your aiming point = middle of his playside #) - double team DLM - get movement OFF LOS.

5. Allow the LB to press the LOS - understand the play of the LB.

6. BEST HOLES AND CREASES OCCUR GENERALLY AT THE "BUBBLE"

NOTE: AS TO FOOTWORK, & WHAT ANGLE YOU COME OFF BALL - THAT IS DETERMINED BY WHERE DEFENDER ALIGNS. EVERYBODY STEPS TO THEIR "AIMING POINT" (AS DESCRIBED ABOVE) & YOU "TAKE THE MAN ON THE ANGLE YOU FIND HIM"!



NUMBER III: ALEX GIBBS — WIDE ZONE & TIGHT ZONE:

OFFENSIVE LINE SPLITS = 18". OFF THE BALL WITH THEIR FINGERS ON THE CENTER'S SHOE LACES.


WIDE ZONE (18/19):

1. RB: LINE UP 7 ½-8 YARDS DEEP. DROP STEP & RUN ON TRACK FOR YOUR LANDMARK - THE BUTT OF THE TE (OR WHERE THE TE WOULD BE) — PRESS THE HOLE. READ HATS OF THE FIRST TWO MEN ON THE LOS COUNTING FROM OUTSIDE-IN (EXCLUDING Lbers). IF THE OUTSIDE MAN COMES IN — YOU GO OUT. IF THE OUTSIDE MAN GOES OUT — YOU GO IN & READ THE INSIDE MAN (RUN OFF HIM). RB IS PERMITTED ONLY ONE CUT, AND LIVE WITH IT! DETERMINE WHERE YOU WILL CUT BY THE TIME YOU GET TO ORIGINAL ALIGNMENT OF TE'S BUTT.

2. QB: COME OUT AT 4 (8) O'CLOCK & MAKE HANDOFF. FAKE BOOT AWAY FULL SPEED FOR 5 STEPS.

3. O-LINE/UNCOVERED: UNCOVERED MAN ZONING TAKES AN OPEN (LEAD) DIAGONAL STEP WITH HIS PLAYSIDE FOOT FOR SHOULDER PAD OF HIS COVERED TEAMMATE. STAY ON TRACK & OVERTAKE DLM — DON'T BLOCK Lber UNLESS HE IS EVEN WITH YOUR INSIDE SHOULDER & THREATENING THE GAP.

4. O-LINE/COVERED: THE COVERED MAN STEPS WITH HIS PLAYSIDE FOOT & AIMS HIS FACE FOR THE OUTSIDE SHOULDER OF THE DLM (STAY ON HIS OUTSIDE ½, AND IF YOUR HALF GOES IN — TIGHTEN ON DOWN; IF YOUR HALF GOES OUT — WIDEN; STAY ON LEVERAGE POINT SO AS NOT TO ALLOW PENETRATION). NOTE: BLOCKING C.P. FOR ALL LINEMEN (ON BOTH ZONE PLAYS = ELBOWS TIGHT — CONTACT WITH TRIANGLE OF FOREHEAD & HANDS — GET HANDS INTO BREASTPLATE & GRAB CLOTH — LEVERAGE/DIP HIPS (DROP DOWN LOW).

5. BACKSIDE CUT BOCKS.

6. WR'S BLOCK THE SAFETIES (FORGET THE CORNERS).



TIGHT ZONE (14/15):

1. RB: FIRST STEP LIKE OUTSIDE ZONE & PLANT, CROSS OVER, & ROLL ON TRACK TO YOUR LANDMARK - THE OUTSIDE LEG OF THE ON G — PRESS THE LOS. READ THE HAT OF THE FIRST DLM OUTSIDE THE CENTER (NOT COUNTING A SHADE). IF HE GOES OUT OR DOESN'T MOVE — ROLLBACK READING THE HAT OF THE NEXT DLM INSIDE. IF HE GOES DOWN — READ THE HAT OF THE NEXT MAN ON LOS OUTSIDE OF HIM FOR YOUR CUT. BASICALLY — IF THE DLM YOU ARE READING DOESN'T PINCH INSIDE, ROLL BACK. DETERMINE WHERE CUT WILL BE WHEN YOU REACH HEELS OF ORIGINAL ALIGN OF ON G.

2. QB: COME OUT AT 5 (7) O'CLOCK & MAKE HANDOFF. FAKE BOOT AWAY.

3. O-LINE/UNCOVERED: (TECHNIQUES ARE TIGHTER ON TIGHT ZONE). UNCOVERED MAN ZONING TAKES 1 LEAD STEP WITH HIS PLAYSIDE FOOT AT HELMET OF DLM & IF HE WIDENS — GO UP ON Lber (DO NOT CROSSOVER WITH BACKSIDE FOOT IN TIGHT ZONE — BUT YOU DO IN WIDE ZONE). IF DLM COMES INSIDE FRONT HIM UP.

4. O-LINE/COVERED: THE COVERED MAN STEPS WITH HIS PLAYSIDE FOOT & AIMS FOR THE OUTSIDE # OF THE DLM.

5. BACKSIDE: ZONE BLOCK LIKE FRONTSIDE.

6. WR'S: SAME AS WIDE ZONE.


BLOCKING CALLS: SAME CALLS FOR "WIDE" & "TIGHT" BUT THE TECHNIQUES DIFFER AS ABOVE:

A) "COMBO" = ON TE & ON T (ON T UNCOVERED & ON TE COVERED).
B) "SLIP" = ON T & ON G (ON G UNCOVERED & ON T COVERED)
C) "GAP" = ON G & CENTER (NOSE OVER TO A POINT CENTER CAN'T HANDLE)
D) "SLUG" = CENTER & OFF G (VS WEAK SHADE)
E) "SCOOP" = OFF G & OFF T (3 TECHNIQUE ON OFF G)
F) "ELEPHANT" = OFF T & OFF TE
G) "TRIPLE" = 3 MAN COMBO INTO REDUCTION BECAUSE HE DOESN'T FEEL ON G CAN HANDLE A 3 TECH. BY HIMSELF).

NOTE: MUST KNOW IF YOU ARE ZONING (HAVE ½ OF THE MAN) OR DO I HAVE HIM BASE (COVERED/UNCOVERED RULES).

IMPORTANT:

1. RUN AS MANY RUNS TO OPEN SIDE AS TIGHT END SIDE!!!!!
2. MAIN OBJECTIVE = "NO NEGATIVES" (MUST NOT GET LESS THAN 2 YARDS)




NUMBER IV: HOWARD MUDD (COLTS) — INSIDE ZONE BLOCKING TECHNIQUE

I. ONSIDE:

A) COVERED WITH NO HELP

1. Outside middle target (aim nose 1"-2" outside middle)
2. Controlled strike — "hanging" lead step/drop step.
3. Accuracy more important than force — take time.
4. Step on outsides of his feet.
5. Hands on both sides of your nose.
6. Work hands and feet & press him away from you — no turn —
Even if you're not moving him — be ready to finish him when
RB moves him.

B) COVERED WITH HELP

1. Same as above until man leans or stunts to your help. Then
free outside hand & wait till you get to the depth of LB.
2. When it's time to come off — block the LB on angle you find
him on — middle of cylinder — nose outside.
3. 2 hands goes to 1 hand.

C) UNCOVERED HELPING

1. Drop step & crossover — lead hand up.
2. Landmark — "piss on inside foot of defender".
3. Target outside middle.
4. Stay on down lineman until you reach depth of LB —
until he comes to you.
5. See LB — feel the pile.
6. Don't abandon course — wait for LB to read — don't
be impulsive.
7. 1 hand goes to 2 hands.

II. OFFSIDE:

A) CUTOFF (WORKING ALONE)

1. Take HIM to the play — don't let him take YOU to the play.
"Cross the T" on him.
2. Drop step deeper when he's tighter.
3. Rip and arch your back.
4. Meet him in front of your buddy.

OHER COACHING POINTS ON INSIDE ZONE BLOCKING: (next page)
1. Block them on the angle you find them on — cover them up with the proper target — push and pester — stay on angle (don't turn) — let RB move them for you.
2. Leverage the P.O.A. — target! — intercept pursuit ("cross T").
3. Leverage the man — footwork — knee bend — hands & feet.
4. Finish — feet — hands — attitude.
5. Middle of cylinder — aim nose 1" — 2" outside — big toe of my outside foot on outside of little toe of his outside foot, and little toe of my inside foot on outside of big toe on his inside foot (i.e. step on outsides of his feet).




NUMBER V: (NEBRASKA/OSBORNE)

Inside Zone Blocking


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Inside zone blocking is designed to use the movement of the defenders against them as the running back finds the crease in the defense. Though inside zone plays are usually called to the guard or tackle holes (3,4,6,or 7), they can break open anywhere from tight end to tight end, depending on how the defense attacks.

Inside zone blocking rules allow linemen to use the movement and attack angles of the defenders against them. Whichever way the defender chooses to go, he is sealed off and the running back is prepared to cut off the block. Nebraska running backs are taught to attack the line-of-scrimmage (LOS) before cutting on inside zone plays. This gives the blocks the needed time to develop. The rule for the I-back is that his feet must replace the feet of the lineman before he can cut.

Inside zone blocking rules are keyed by whether a lineman is covered or uncovered. A covered lineman (one who has a defensive lineman aligned across from him) will execute a "stretch base" technique. This means he will take a short stretch step to the play side (step right on a 44, left on a 46) and attempt to control the playside shoulder of the d-lineman. The purpose of the stretch step is to invite movement by the d-lineman, then immediately engage him.

Uncovered linemen (no d-lineman across from them) execute a "stretch double" technique. Stretch double also calls for a stretch step to playside. The uncovered lineman then attacks the backside shoulder of the same d-lineman, creating double teams on most of the defensive linemen.

NOTE: the linemen operate on a system that moves to playside, NOT toward the hole called. On a 44 dive the play is called to the right guard, but the key is that it is a right side play. The right tackle's and right tight end's playside shoulders are their RIGHT shoulders even though the play was called to the left of them. The 4 hole is to the right side of the center, so right is playside for everyone on the line.

In executing the stretch double technique, the uncovered lineman assists the covered lineman to the playside; i.e., if a center and playside tackle are covered, the playside guard executes the stretch double with the tackle, NOT the center. If side-by-side linemen are both covered, the playside lineman is "on his own," and executes a stretch base block without double team help.

When executing the double team, both linemen follow what some coaches call a four hands-four eyes technique. This means they have four hands on the defensive lineman and four eyes on the linebacker in the area (their zone- which is where the name of the blocking comes from). When that linebacker commits to attacking the LOS one of the linemen chips off the double team and blocks him. The other lineman must be in position by then to take over the block on the lineman by himself. The linebacker is technically the responsibility of the uncovered lineman, but in practice either lineman can chip off and take the linebacker, depending on their position.

The goal of the stretch and stretch double is to create a cutback lane for the running back. When executed correctly, the "stretched" defender has moved in the direction of the call, and the stretch double prevents him from reaching a running back that has "cut back" against the flow of the play. If the double team can prevent the down lineman from making the tackle, and the "chip off" block prevents the playside linebacker from doing the same, the play can quickly get into the secondary.

The beauty of zone blocking is that the defense can pick its poison. Which ever way they choose to attack or stunt, the linemen (if they have perfected the zone blocking teamwork) can account for them. And the running back is trained to watch this block develop and cut off of it, no matter which direction the defenders are moved.

A very important block on an inside zone play is the backside seal block that allows the IB to cut back all the way to the backside TE spot if the whole defense fights to the playside. Depending on the formation used, the backside tackle, tight end, or fullback can be used to block the backside. A sure sign of an inside zone play is when the fullback heads away toward the TE without a fake while the IB goes straight ahead for a handoff. In one-back sets the backside seal cen be done by a wingback in motion. This is one area where big WB Troy Hasselbroek shone at the end of the 1999 season.


Outside Zone Blocking


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The offensive line blocks Outside Zone Rules. These are similar to Inside Zone Rules in that they use the covered/uncovered read and playside direction. 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.

The covered lineman executes a "rip-reach" technique. He takes an angle step at the playside shoulder of the defensive lineman and rips with his backside arm. His job is to turn the DLs shoulders and get him off-balance and prepared for his partner.

The uncovered lineman executes a "pull and overtake" technique. He takes a shallow pull step toward playside (sometimes called a bucket step) and works to take over the block of his partner.

The covered lineman wants to rip through his d-lineman to get to the linebacker, while his uncovered partner takes over his original block. If the covered lineman is unable to rip through because the DL fights to the outside, then the covered lineman stays with that block and the pull and overtake lineman pulls around that block and finds the linebacker.






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Coach - I by NO MEANS think that our way is the ONLY way. If your way is getting it done - "don't fix it if it ain't broke".

We have run the ZONES, & the COUNTER/POWER series since 1981, so naturally I visit as many name coaches (WHO DO THE SAME THING) as possible, & collect as much film & written material as possible (see my previous post where I "pasted" some of it).

The EXCELLENT article by Mitch Browning on "Minnesota's Bread & Butter: The Inside Zone" - can be found on the AFCA website under LIBRARY. It was in one of the manuals between the years 2000 & 2004 (not sure which) but you can pull it up.

PS: You have some INTERESTING concepts in the # system you described!

Best wishes;

We have a base "man" protection- which is "BOB" on the playside & "SOLID" on the backside (tho it is MAN, it gets FORCED into zoning off certain "twists", etc.), and a "zone" (turnback) protection.

In BOTH - we do what Howard Mudd of the Colts talks about - "jump the man at or near the LOS" - stay away from deep sets!

Email me at billmountjoy@yahoo.com & I can explain it better.

PS: LOOK DOWN (UNDER THIS SAME THREAD - "OFFENSIVE LINE PLAY") for my posts on "TWIST STUNTS & BOB PROTECTION". I remember putting quite a bit on that.

Have a great weekend!