Problems for Zone blocking

With tight splits (18") & good technique - you SHOULD be able to handle penetration.

I have been running the IZ & OZ since 1981 (having used the techniques of IMO the two best teachers of zone blocking I know of - Joe Bugel & Alex Gibbs), & the TOUGHEST position to teach is NOT the line, but the RUNNING BACK. They have somewhat complex reads - that require a LOT of reps. That is why Alex Gibbs says that once you teach the zone plays - you have VERY LITTLE time for anything else (because pass pro ALSO takes so time also because of max blitzes, zone dogs, etc.).

We DO also teach COUNTER/POWER blocking - which are the same as each other except you switch the " trapper" & the "wrapper".

If they are getting penetration you should move to the OZ or try to Fold block at the point of attack. Vs. the 43 we will GUT to the 3 tech so we can run the IZ or run the Lead IZ to it and get a true DBL on the 3 tech. This is why I believe you must have a gap down scheme in your play book, you cannot rely only on the Zone. You could also back them off with screens and a nice 3 step game. We will block the gap down just like the zone just reverse the rules, so there is max reps for both!