Inside Zone Questions

Sorry about that, I'm hunt and peck on the keyboard. Go back up and it's correct (bsg).

Will TRY to answer some of your questions:

Coach Tenopir is a fine coach, and teaches it very much like Joe Bugel & Alex Gibbs (the two coaches we have patterned OUR zone blocking after).

INSIDE ZONE: First of all, we do not use the terms stretch base & stretch double BECAUSE that implies that the DLM STAY in the location he aligns. Vs slants, loops, etc. - a stretch/base might BECOME a stretch double, & vice-versa.

We have found it best to step to the LANDMARKS on the DLM & double him UNLESS he stretches playside with the covered man so that the uncovered man has to work up on the LBer after his first step.

One KEY thought on the Inside Zone is that EVERYBODY must consider themselves PLAYSIDE & use the identical techniques because the play breaks back so often. You must get the same vertical movement off the ball on the backside as you do playside (vertical double team if it is there).

A backside Tackle zoning with a backside Guard that has a 3 on him must use the SAME technique as a playside Guard zoning with a playside tackle thart has a 4i on him. DRAW THIS OUT & you will get the correlation.

VS the defense you mentioned (that is the defense WE run): NOTE: You didn't give a formation, BUT since it is an 8 MAN FRONT - I'm going to use 2 TE's to block the play (one is OFF the ball - "H" - but he is a TE NONETHELESS): If you want to try to block 8 in the box from a 3 WR set, I can't help you:


----------------W-------M-------S---------R
--------------------5-------1----3-----7
X--------------------O--O--C--O--O--Y
------------------H----------Q------------------------------Z

------------------------------R

I would most DEFINITELY want to run it LEFT (where there is a BUBBLE in the B GAP)! Biggest gains occur when you can cram the BUBBLE. If you run it RIGHT - you are going to have to cutback into a shade & probably have to cutback BEHIND the shade.

If you run it left - you have THREE vertical double teams to get movement off LOS (H & LT; LG & CTR; RG & RT).

It CAN be run right with the rules, but we would try NEVER to do so. The ONLY way I would even CONSIDER running it right would be from our 3 TE set - overloading the defense strong:

-----------------------------M-------S----------R
--------------------W--5------1----3------6
---------------------H--O--O--C--O--O--Y
--------------------------------Q-------------Y2-----------------Z

--------------------------------R

EVERYBODY BLOCKS RULES EXCEPT for RG & RT who make a "TAG" call:

RT block down on 3;
RG fold on Sam
Y base stretch 6 (who will be wider because of the presence on another TE on wing)
Y2 block R
C & LG zone 1 & M
LT & H cutoff 5 & W
RB cram B gap off butt of down block of RT.

Very effective play with only 2 men (RG & RT) varying (by a blocking CALL) from base Inside Zone rules.

If this isn't clear - call me at 804-740-4479. It's very tough to give a complete answer via email.

REGARDLESS of alignment - everybody takes a short LEAD step AT his landmark:

A) INSIDE ZONE

1. Uncovered - step at hip of DLM on you covered teammate
2. Covered - step at playside # of DLM

B) OUTSIDE ZONE

1. Uncovered - step at shoulder pad of your covered teammate (almost a pull)
2. Covered - step at outside arm pit of DLM

Read thru all of this carefully. It will probably answer ALL your quesations. This is from a previous post:


NUMBER 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.

JC - the # techniques don't change from backside to playside.

What I was saying is that a BS/OT & BS/OG zone a 3 tech on the Guard just like the PS/OG & PS/OT zone a 4i on the Tackle. The blocking footwork is the same.

On the INSIDE ZONE - backside footwork = same as frontside in zoning.

On the OUTSIDE ZONE - it is more of an over-reach if cutting on the backside - AS FAR AS "2 men over"!

JC - you are right. If the 3 technique is on any part of the Guard - to me the Guard is COVERED.

Coach - it is explained in my last post. ALL COVERED BLOCKERS STEP TO THE PLAYSIDE # of THE DLM, & ALL UNCOVERED BLOCKERS STEP AT THE HIP OF THE DLM & IF HE DOESN'T COME INSIDE AFTER HIS FIRST STEP HE WORKS UP ON THE BACKER (IF HE DOES COME INSIDE YOU GET THE VERTICAL DOUBLE TEAM).

That takes care of EVERYBODY'S STEPS on every look (backside OR playside)! Keeps teaching simple & consistent. Study the voluminous notes in my last post. I have collected that over a 24 year period, & it comes from the MASTERS of ZONE BLOCKING!

If you wish to discuss this via phone (which may be simpler) call me at 804-740-4479 (before 11 PM/EDT) or attend our annual clinic which has college & NFL line coaches who teach this type of football. Info below:

NOTICE #1: Coaches - consider this an invitation to the 5th Semi-Annual Football Clinic, to be held at Mills Godwin HS (Richmond, Va) ALL DAY Saturday, July 16. For coaches arriving early on Friday, there will be informal sessions Friday evening as well. For those in no hurry to leave, most of us will be available until 5 PM Sunday afternoon.

There is NO CHARGE. It is a "closed clinic" - by invitation only. We normally keep it to around 20 coaches. Last time (2003) there were coaches from 7-8 states, & all will attest to what a GREAT experience we had. Many playbooks & film were made available, & many coaches spent all night at a local "Kinko's" copying!!!!!

Let me know ASAP if you plan to come. I will try to place all "out of towners" at the same motel, so they can share the costs, & transportation to & from the school.

The speakers will be from among the coaches present. MOST of the lectures will center around the Pro-Style Passing & Running game!

Bill Mountjoy
Will Kitchen (HFC - Mills Godwin HS)


NOTICE #2: Coaches - many of you have indicated you will be at out clinic, & some aren't sure they can make it.

Please notify me only if you PLAN to come (some we can set up a large enough meeting room).

Here is the hotel everyone stayed at last time. It is only about 2 miles from the school in a great neighborhood. Please try to stay here. Not sure of costs, but many of you can split room costs. I believe that they give Government employees a discount so the cost is $74 per night (teachers qualify for this). If you split costs - it will be under $40 per night.


Here is the info:

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS -804-934-9300 (9933 Mayland Drive Richmond, Va 23233)

Check in on Friday July 15, & check out on Sunday July 17.

Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible.

Bill Mountjoy 804-740-4479 (call me or email me in advance to let me know when you plan to check in, so we can have a get together Friday evening).