Defeating Zone Blocking

Thanks for the reply Oneback,

What about twists? Are they effective, or should the focus be more on just straight ahead shooting gaps?

Thanks,
M. Richtman

The best way to beat the inside zone is penetration. If you can't get penetration create a pile-up. Basically teach them to get to leg line. If you can't get to leg line don't let the o-line get to your linebackers.

I recently looked at EVERY cut up on the 2004 Falcons zone plays for the ENTIRE season (Alex Gibbs - #1 rushing team in NFL at 5.7 a carry) & twists did not bother them. In fact - it left them somewhat "soft" vs the play! They just tell their linemen to keep moving to the playside if your man disappears, & HIT SOMETHING!!! Of course - HS kids don't have as much time to prepare!

Coach Ricthma,

Not looking to be argumenative here now, but after your statement in your last post (paraphrased)
"because of time constraints and player personnel issues I don't have time to perfect our blocking schemes." I was wondering if you win very much with that philosophy? Any head Coach that I ever knew and I have been one myself for a large percentage of a 42 year on field career, fully understand that it all starts on both sides of the ball with the Line. It just doesn't look like sound coaching to me to not give your coaching expertise to your linemen, first and foremost. Could you extrapolate a bit more on your thinking on this subject as I'm sure I'm probably missing something in what you are saying. Once again, I'm looking for an intelligent discussion, not an argument.

Coach Easton

My post refers to teaching ZONE BLOCKING. We do NOT run the inside or outside zone. We MAN block and use a rule system. IF I ATTEMPTED TO COACH ZONE BLOCKING, I DO NOT FEEL THAT I WOULD HAVE THE TIME TO PERFECT IT - due to personnel issues and time restraints. We do strive for excellence at everything we do. We try to perfect what we are good at - and "can" what we arent good at.