RB/OL footwork on OZ/IZ

Coach,

I checked some old notes from a clinic on the zone and I tried to see how they would be symetric. Basically, the 1st step is a drop set (bucket step)--this is also taught to the OL'man (by most coaches anyways). The 2nd step by the TB is a crossover step, the shoulders will be perpendicular to the LOS. I wrote that the TB should always have the same crossover step to the I/S and O/S so that the LB's can't read em (makes sense). Now if you look at the second step of the OL'man, he is definitely not crossing his feet, but his shoulders will be more perpendicular than square as he moves from his bucket step to his 2nd step...so this could be relevant. The 3rd step his shoulders must be near squared (75%), he is at 75% speed, taking the handoff and going towards his aiming point. This could also true of the OL'man at his third step. He better start getting his shoulders squared and to his target point. The 4th step by the TB is his plant and explode step and his shoulders are fully squared and he is at 100% speed. I guess this could be related to the OL'man as he is now fully engaged, and exploding into his man with his shoulders fully squared. I guess you can take it for what its worth. You may be able to pull some similarities out of it. Hope this helps some and please put me in check if I am wrong. I am a defensive guy currently trying to be more familiar with the offensive side...the dark side, ha ha. Keep up the great work fellas!

Coach Castariz,

We are a zone blocking team and I never advocate a bucket step as some do. I'm old school and figure it is not wise to give ground up unnecessairly to gain some. Just my way I guess, but I know lots of coaches who have the same philosophy. Also, IMO, anytime you have a lineman use a cross over step you are looking for trouble as they are not known to be the most graceful athletes, especially at the lower levels of play. Again, just my philosophy.

Coach Easton