Stretch/Outside Zone Rules

Email me at grabkj@gmail.com for my clinic powerpoint. We have run the stretch for the past two seasons. It has been our base play. Here are the stats on the play for us:

178 carries for 1,840 yards
21% of our offense attempts in 2004-2005
10.3 yards per carry
73% efficient (+4) yards
53 explosives(+12 yard runs)
17 TD’s

If you use TIGHT OL splits (18") & they are a real fast flow team - the play would end up BEHIND the 3 if he stretches to the original align of the TE (the RB's AIMING POINT). This occurs QUITE FREQUENTLY, since the 7 technique would most likely be stretched by the DT of the On T & TE (on his way to OLB) - If the 7 tech stretched with TE - the ON T would JUST shove him out! Then, the Center can get up on the 10 LB & use the following technique:

LINEBACKER FLOW BLOCK

PURPOSE: Used to prevent a Lber from escaping laterally to the playside.

1. Good route.
2. A.P. = playside number (Inside Zone), and outside armpit (Outside Zone).
3. Dip before contact.
4. Use running drive block (Inside Zone), or running reach block (Outside Zone).
5. Finish with hips square.

NOTE: The RB's READS:

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.

NOTE: On the Stretch play - if the RB's read (the first DLM on LOS from outside-in) stretches - the play cuts UP, not back (over the original align of the TE!) off the 2nd read of the second DLM on LOS from outside-in. This is where the time is needed for the RB's READS!

I think this is a GREAT write up on it (as good as ANY I have ever come across):

Northwestern State University's
ZONE BLOCKING PRINCIPLES

By Chris Truax
Offensive Line Coach & Running Game Coordinator
Northwestern State University

Zone blocking occurs when two offensive linemen are responsible for blocking two defenders in a certain area towards the point of attack. The purpose of using the zone blocking scheme is to stop penetration, create movement on Level I (build a wall) and also seal off the onside linebacker. All zone blocks initially start out as an inside-out double team. As movement begins, either the outside blocker or inside blocker will gain control over the defender on Level I, allowing the other blocker to come off the block to handle the linebacker. In this type of blocking scheme, it is critical to create movement on Level I before coming off for the linebacker.

A. Inside Blocker - (Offensive lineman covered by a linebacker or uncovered.) Take a short lead step with near foot aiming for a point inside the hip of the defender aligned on the next offensive blocker and play side. We refer to this step as a zone step. As the inside blocker takes this zone step, it is important to read the movement of the linebacker. If the linebacker “Fast Flows,” you explode up under the defensive lineman with both hands. Upon making contact, whip your arms and move your feet like pistons working to get movement up the field. If the linebacker “Slow Flows,” punch and push off the defender with one hand and explode to the LB as you approach his level. Sometimes LB’ers are “Fast Flow” by alignment. We must be alert to this situation. Inside blocker must use two hands.

B. Outside Blocker - (Offensive lineman covered by a down lineman.) The outside blocker must read the alignment of the defender aligned on him so he can hit the proper landmark and initially create the movement on level one. If the defender is aligned outside eye or shoulder, the outside blocker will step with his near foot, aiming his head gear for the outside number. If the defender is aligned head up he will step with his outside foot, aiming his headgear under the chin of the defender. If he is aligned inside eye or shoulder, he will read step with his outside foot to block the outside number of the defender. If the defender loops-out or locks-on, we want the outside blocker to maintain contact and work the defender off the LOS.




This movement off the LOS is important in zone blocking principles. If this defender remains inside of you, continue to drive and maintain contact – once you are forced off by the inside blocker now you can look for the scraping linebacker on Level 2. If the defender aligned on you slants inside – punch and push off the defender and explode to 2nd level when the linebacker crosses your face. Block the linebacker by exploding up through his play side armpit, using a good drive block technique. Remember – we want movement first. When we come off to the second level we will take the linebacker anywhere we can.
The following calls are the different zone-type blocks between offensive linemen at the point of attack:

1. “Single” zone blocking between the center and onside guard is necessary in order to handle the defensive tackle and middle linebacker. The onside guard will make the call when the defensive tackle is aligned head up or inside eye or shoulder on alignment. This call is to reaffirm the blocking assignment.
Diagrams 2A, 2B and 2C.


There are two types of “Single” blocks. The one in the diagram is a power single used on off tackle plays. The landmark is the play side number. The other one is used for wide plays and will be called a “Single.” The principles are the same except the landmark will be the outside armpit of the down lineman. If the defensive tackle is in a “1” or a “2” technique, the guard will read step with the play side foot. If the defensive tackle is in a “3” Technique he will step with the play side foot, aiming at the play side armpit on the “Single”.

2. “Double” zone blocking between the onside guard and onside tackle is necessary in order to handle the defensive end and inside (onside) linebacker. The onside tackle will make the call when the defensive end is aligned head up or inside eye or shoulder alignment. The onside tackle will alert the onside guard to possible “Double” by making either a 4 or 4-1 call or a double call. Double Blocking Scheme will entail two types of zone blocking – either a “Power Double” or “Double.” In order to determine which type of zone blocking we will use on a “double” will depend upon the hole we are attacking.



A. “Power Double” (4 or 4-1 Call) - used on inside zone plays. Onside tackle will read the alignment of the defensive end. If he is aligned in a 5-technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will block the defender with a play side step with his near foot to the outside number. No call will be made. If he is aligned in a 4-technique (head up) he will make a 4 Call and take a read step at the middle of the defender to block the defender under the chin. If the defender is aligned in a 4-1 Technique (inside eye or shoulder) he will make a 4-1 call and step with his play side foot to block his outside number. Stay tight to the defender. Remember, we want first level movement.

B.”Double” - used on outside zone plays. Onside tackle will read the alignment of the defensive end. If he is aligned in 5-Technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will drive on the outside armpit with his near foot – no call will be made. If he is aligned in a 4 or 4-1 alignment, make a 4 or 4-1 call. Take an outside release with the play side foot to the outside armpit – whip your inside arm and shoulder up into the defender – bump off by getting width on your next step and explode to second level to seal or drive block the scrape off linebacker.



3. “Triple” zone blocking between the onside tackle and tight end is necessary in order to handle the defensive end and onside linebacker. The tackle will make the call to the TE. The TE will alert the tackles to where the defensive end is aligned, head up or inside eye or shoulder on alignment. The tight end will alert the onside tackle of the defensive end by making either a 6 or 7 call. Triple Blocking Scheme will entail two types of zone blocking – either a Power Triple or a Triple. In order to determine which type of zone blocking we will use on “Triple” will depend upon the hole we are attacking.

A. “Power Triple” (6 or 7 call) - used Inside Zone plays. Tight end will read the alignment of the defensive end. If he is aligned in a 9-Technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will block a point up the defender's outside number – no call will be made. If he is aligned in a 6-Technique (head up), he will make a 6 call and step with his play side foot to lock the defender under the chin. If the defender is aligned in a 7-Technique (inside eye or shoulder) he will make a 7 call and step with his play side foot to block the outside number.




B. “Triple” - used on outside zone plays. Tight end will read the alignment of the defensive end. If he is aligned in a 9-Technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will drive on the outside armpit – no call will be made. If he is aligned in a 6 or 7 alignment he will make a call – take an outside release by using a short outside step – to the outside armpit, whip your arm and shoulder up to the defender – bump off by getting width on your next step. Then explode to second level to seal or drive block the scrape-off linebacker.

About the author

Chris Truax

Chris Truax is a three year staff member for the Northwestern State Demons serving as both running backs coordinator and offensive line coach. He previously coached at both Louisiana-Monroe and McNeese State, helping the Cowboys get to the Division I-AA National Championship in 1997. Truax was a four year letterman at LSU . He can be reached at truaxc@nsula.edu.


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On the INSIDE ZONE - it is important to stay on the vertical double team on the DLM as long as possible.

On the OUTSIDE ZONE - you must "force the switch" much quicker to get on the LBer.

This is from the info I posted above, & it explains the difference (just one example):

A. On inside zone plays. Onside tackle will read the alignment of the defensive end. If he is aligned in a 5-technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will block the defender with a play side step with his near foot to the outside number. No call will be made. If he is aligned in a 4-technique (head up) he will make a 4 Call and take a read step at the middle of the defender to block the defender under the chin. If the defender is aligned in a 4-1 Technique (inside eye or shoulder) he will make a 4-1 call and step with his play side foot to block his outside number. Stay tight to the defender. Remember, we want first level movement.

B. On outside zone plays. Onside tackle will read the alignment of the defensive end. If he is aligned in 5-Technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will drive on the outside armpit with his near foot – no call will be made. If he is aligned in a 4 or 4-1 alignment, make a 4 or 4-1 call. Take an outside release with the play side foot to the outside armpit – whip your inside arm and shoulder up into the defender – bump off by getting width on your next step and explode to second level to seal or drive block the scrape off linebacker.

#1 Wooden special currently AIRING on HBO on demand ("UCLA DYNASTY"). I did NOT copy it.

#2 NO - get off double team QUICKER on OZ than IZ!!!!!!! On the IZ we want first level movement. On the OZ – bump off by getting width and explode to second level to seal or drive block the scrape off linebacker. I will give you FOUR GREAT examples (You must PAINSTAKINGLY read these or the difference will never be evident)!!!:

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This is from Joe Bugel - GREAT teacher of zone blocking:

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 by uncovered teammate then work straight up on Lber.


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 to outside armpit of DLM. Uncovered blocker will stay on a down lineman head up on covered teammate, and covered teammate comes off on Lber – “forcing the switch”.


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MILT TENOPIR – NEBRASKA ZONE BLOCKING


I. INSIDE ZONE BLOCKING:

The concept operates on the principle of our linemen being covered by a defensive lineman or being uncovered.

We are primarily concerned with getting horizontal or vertical movement on the defensive down lineman. The neat thing about this scheme is that our linemen merely need to know if they are covered or uncovered at the snap. We do give them a rule of: “on, playside seam, linebacker”, but a rule isn’t really necessary.

If our linemen have a defensive lineman on them we execute what we call a “stretch base block”. The first two steps by our covered lineman are critical.

If the defender is head up or on the playside shoulder, the first step is a lateral step to the call. We are trying to invite movement with the first step. Some coaches refer to this as a “bucket” step. We don’t want to lose ground on it, so we merely refer to it as a “stretch step”.

The second step is directed toward the middle of the defender’s body cylinder. Caution must be taken so this step doesn’t cross over our first step.

If you cross over, you lose all your driving power. Once the first two steps are taken, you are ready to strike with fists and drive the defender in the direction of his movement. Take him where he wants to go.

The uncovered lineman will also execute a “stretch step”, however, rather than going laterally, we step at the down defender that is covering our playside teammate. By stepping at the defender, we can stop a slant by the defender, enabling our covered teammate to re-direct and help get push on the defender.

The second step by the uncovered offensive lineman is directed at an imaginary point that is directly behind the near foot of the defensive lineman prior to the snap. If the uncovered lineman executes the first two steps properly, his head should be on the up-field side of the defender. If the defender plays straight ahead, a double team should occur between the two offensive linemen.

The linebacker is technically the responsibility of the uncovered lineman, but he must stay with the double team as long as possible until he has to get off on the linebacker. This means until you get to the linebacker or the linebacker comes to you.

The inside-out double team will create creases for the back to run through.

It’s important to stress that both linemen stay on the down defender as long as possible. Because of the rolling action of the running back, the linebackers normally flow to the call, then the uncovered lineman can bounce off late and get the linebacker on the rebound, allowing a cutback by the ball carrier.

The covered and uncovered theory holds true for everyone on the line of scrimmage except for the backside tackle. The backside tackle will execute a stretch double with the backside guard if the guard is covered.

If side by side linemen on the playside are both covered, then the one to the side of the play is on his own, executing a “stretch base block”.

If the playside guard, tackle, or tight end has a down defender lined up on the inside shade, get after him immediately, stepping with the inside foot. We assume he is already in a slant positon so there is no need to stretch him.

RB: Align at a depth of 7 yards. Roll to the inside leg of the playside tackle. Receive the handoff about 4 yards deep. Do not make a decision on whether to stay onside or execute a cutback until you replace the feet of our linemen. Press the point of attack.


II. OUTSIDE ZONE BLOCKING:

Our main objective on the outside zone play is to initially try to get the ball outside. With that in mind, we are trying to force a hook block on all down defenders.

All of our linemen that are covered with a down defender executes what we refer to as a “rip-reach block”.

To execute such a block, we have the covered linemen take a hard lateral stretch step to the call side. We want to out-flank the down defender on that first step.

On the second step, we allow our covered linemen to use a crossover step to the callside.

The next thing we have him do is rip his inside arm through the callside armpit of the defender, similar to the rip that a defensive lineman will sometimes use on a pass rush.

We want our covered lineman to lean on the defender after he rips through the armpit and force his stomach upfield. If he does not do this, then his stomach will be facing the sideline and he loses sight of the linebacker. He will now try to escape for the linebacker.

If the playside guard and tackle are both covered, the tackle would have his defender by himself. He would go through the stretch, crossover step and rip technique, and then lean on his man, not thinking about escaping for the linebacker.

The backside tackle, upon getting to the line of scrimmage, checks if the backside guard is covered. If he is, the tackle will work with the guard even if he is also covered.

The uncovered linemen use a technique that we refer to as “pull and ovetake”. Before we can overtake the down defender to the call, we first must get our helmet past him, then get on him and roll him upfield.

The pull must be a lateral pull. We want to gain depth and distance on our first step on the pull. The one foot split is essential if you are going to get the overtake.

There will be occasions when the covered linemen can’t get un-hooked from the covering defender. If this does happen, the pull and overtaking offensive lineman should keep pulling and at times will have to come all the way around for the linebacker.

As mentioned earlier, the backside tackle works with the guard if the guard is covered. This means he would pull and overtake the man on the guard.

Some teams use in-line stunts to try to disrupt our zone schemes. The secret offensively is technique. If two adjacent offensive linemen are covered and the proper stretch is taken on the first step, it will become natural to pick up slants and loop-arounds.

RB: Take a path to the original alignment of our tight end. The RB must get to the point of attack before he makes a decision to stay outside the tight end or skip-cut under his block.

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Northwestern State University's
ZONE BLOCKING PRINCIPLES

By Chris Truax
Offensive Line Coach & Running Game Coordinator
Northwestern State University

Zone blocking occurs when two offensive linemen are responsible for blocking two defenders in a certain area towards the point of attack. The purpose of using the zone blocking scheme is to stop penetration, create movement on Level I (build a wall) and also seal off the onside linebacker. All zone blocks initially start out as an inside-out double team. As movement begins, either the outside blocker or inside blocker will gain control over the defender on Level I, allowing the other blocker to come off the block to handle the linebacker. In this type of blocking scheme, it is critical to create movement on Level I before coming off for the linebacker.

A. Inside Blocker - (Offensive lineman covered by a linebacker or uncovered.) Take a short lead step with near foot aiming for a point inside the hip of the defender aligned on the next offensive blocker and play side. We refer to this step as a zone step. As the inside blocker takes this zone step, it is important to read the movement of the linebacker. If the linebacker “Fast Flows,” you explode up under the defensive lineman with both hands. Upon making contact, whip your arms and move your feet like pistons working to get movement up the field. If the linebacker “Slow Flows,” punch and push off the defender with one hand and explode to the LB as you approach his level. Sometimes LB’ers are “Fast Flow” by alignment. We must be alert to this situation. Inside blocker must use two hands.

B. Outside Blocker - (Offensive lineman covered by a down lineman.) The outside blocker must read the alignment of the defender aligned on him so he can hit the proper landmark and initially create the movement on level one. If the defender is aligned outside eye or shoulder, the outside blocker will step with his near foot, aiming his head gear for the outside number. If the defender is aligned head up he will step with his outside foot, aiming his headgear under the chin of the defender. If he is aligned inside eye or shoulder, he will read step with his outside foot to block the outside number of the defender. If the defender loops-out or locks-on, we want the outside blocker to maintain contact and work the defender off the LOS.




This movement off the LOS is important in zone blocking principles. If this defender remains inside of you, continue to drive and maintain contact – once you are forced off by the inside blocker now you can look for the scraping linebacker on Level 2. If the defender aligned on you slants inside – punch and push off the defender and explode to 2nd level when the linebacker crosses your face. Block the linebacker by exploding up through his play side armpit, using a good drive block technique. Remember – we want movement first. When we come off to the second level we will take the linebacker anywhere we can.
The following calls are the different zone-type blocks between offensive linemen at the point of attack:

1. “Single” zone blocking between the center and onside guard is necessary in order to handle the defensive tackle and middle linebacker. The onside guard will make the call when the defensive tackle is aligned head up or inside eye or shoulder on alignment. This call is to reaffirm the blocking assignment.
Diagrams 2A, 2B and 2C.


There are two types of “Single” blocks. The one in the diagram is a power single used on off tackle plays. The landmark is the play side number. The other one is used for wide plays and will be called a “Single.” The principles are the same except the landmark will be the outside armpit of the down lineman. If the defensive tackle is in a “1” or a “2” technique, the guard will read step with the play side foot. If the defensive tackle is in a “3” Technique he will step with the play side foot, aiming at the play side armpit on the “Single”.

2. “Double” zone blocking between the onside guard and onside tackle is necessary in order to handle the defensive end and inside (onside) linebacker. The onside tackle will make the call when the defensive end is aligned head up or inside eye or shoulder alignment. The onside tackle will alert the onside guard to possible “Double” by making either a 4 or 4-1 call or a double call. Double Blocking Scheme will entail two types of zone blocking – either a “Power Double” or “Double.” In order to determine which type of zone blocking we will use on a “double” will depend upon the hole we are attacking.



A. “Power Double” (4 or 4-1 Call) - used on inside zone plays. Onside tackle will read the alignment of the defensive end. If he is aligned in a 5-technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will block the defender with a play side step with his near foot to the outside number. No call will be made. If he is aligned in a 4-technique (head up) he will make a 4 Call and take a read step at the middle of the defender to block the defender under the chin. If the defender is aligned in a 4-1 Technique (inside eye or shoulder) he will make a 4-1 call and step with his play side foot to block his outside number. Stay tight to the defender. Remember, we want first level movement.

B.”Double” - used on outside zone plays. Onside tackle will read the alignment of the defensive end. If he is aligned in 5-Technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will drive on the outside armpit with his near foot – no call will be made. If he is aligned in a 4 or 4-1 alignment, make a 4 or 4-1 call. Take an outside release with the play side foot to the outside armpit – whip your inside arm and shoulder up into the defender – bump off by getting width on your next step and explode to second level to seal or drive block the scrape off linebacker.



3. “Triple” zone blocking between the onside tackle and tight end is necessary in order to handle the defensive end and onside linebacker. The tackle will make the call to the TE. The TE will alert the tackles to where the defensive end is aligned, head up or inside eye or shoulder on alignment. The tight end will alert the onside tackle of the defensive end by making either a 6 or 7 call. Triple Blocking Scheme will entail two types of zone blocking – either a Power Triple or a Triple. In order to determine which type of zone blocking we will use on “Triple” will depend upon the hole we are attacking.

A. “Power Triple” (6 or 7 call) - used Inside Zone plays. Tight end will read the alignment of the defensive end. If he is aligned in a 9-Technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will block a point up the defender's outside number – no call will be made. If he is aligned in a 6-Technique (head up), he will make a 6 call and step with his play side foot to lock the defender under the chin. If the defender is aligned in a 7-Technique (inside eye or shoulder) he will make a 7 call and step with his play side foot to block the outside number.




B. “Triple” - used on outside zone plays. Tight end will read the alignment of the defensive end. If he is aligned in a 9-Technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will drive on the outside armpit – no call will be made. If he is aligned in a 6 or 7 alignment he will make a call – take an outside release by using a short outside step – to the outside armpit, whip your arm and shoulder up to the defender – bump off by getting width on your next step. Then explode to second level to seal or drive block the scrape-off linebacker.

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ALEX GIBBS ZONE TECHNIQUES (NOTICE WIDER AIMING POINTS ON OZ THAN IZ - THIS MEANS THEY WANT TO GET TO THE LBERS QUICKER ON OZ THAN IZ):

WIDE ZONE:

A) UNCOVERED: DIAGONAL LEAD STEP WITH NEAR FOOT TO THE HAT OF THE DLM & PUT YOUR HELMET WHERE HIS HELMET IS. BACK FOOT CROSSES OVER ON SECOND STEP. IF HIS HELMET MOVES – YOU ADJUST. IF HE GOES OUT – YOU CLIMB TO THE Lber. IF HE COMES IN – HE IS YOURS. IF HE HOLDS THE POINT (HANGS) PUSH HIM OUT & CLIMB TO THE LBer. (?A.P. SHOULDER PAD OF YOUR COVERED TEAMMATE?).

B) COVERED: LEAD STEP WITH PLAYSIDE FOOT & AIM YOUR FACE FOR THE OUTSIDE SHOULDER OF THE DLM (STAY ON HIS OUTSIDE ½ AND ADJUST - IF YOUR HALF GOES IN – TIGHTEN ON DOWN; IF YOUR HALF GOES OUT – WIDEN; STAY ON LEVERAGE POINT SO AS NOT TO ALLOW PENETRATION).

C) RB: 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.


TIGHT ZONE:

A) UNCOVERED: DIAGONAL LEAD STEP WITH NEAR FOOT TO THE HELMET OF THE DLM. IF HE HASN’T COME INSIDE OR YOU HAVEN’T MADE CONTACT BY THE FIRST STEP – GO UP ON Lber. (DO NOT CROSSOVER WITH BACKSIDE FOOT IN TIGHT ZONE).


B) COVERED: LEAD STEP WITH PLAYSIDE FOOT & AIMS FOR THE
OUTSIDE # OF THE DLM.



C) RB: FIRST STEP LIKE OUTSIDE ZONE & PLANT, CROSS OVER, & PLANT 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. IF HE GOES DOWN – READ THE NEXT ONE GOING OUT. DETERMINE WHERE CUT WILL BE WHEN YOU REACH HEELS OF ORIGINAL ALIGN OF ON G.

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READ THOSE CAREFULLY (THEY ALL ANSWER YOUR QUESTION) AND IF THERE ARE MORE QUESTIONS PHONE ME AT 804-740-4479.

quote:

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Originally posted by: tecmobowl

quote:

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Originally posted by: Oneback
On the INSIDE ZONE - it is important to stay on the vertical double team on the DLM as long as possible.

On the OUTSIDE ZONE - you must "force the switch" much quicker to get on the LBer.



Coach Mountjoy,
I'm probably totally missing the boat on your reply, but dont you want longer double teams on OUTSIDE ZONE as Alex Gibbs said to "give the TB time to read and make his cut?" And dont you want to climb quicker on INSIDE ZONE for the rollback?

As I said I know I'm probably misunderstanding here but thats how I've understood it to this point.

Coach Longoria

PS - Do you know if there is a way to get a copy of the UCLA/John Wooden special you were talking about in another post?

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This is an example of semantics. Sometimes our idea of inside zone is different than another's idea of inside zone. Gibb's tight zone is not of the same nature as traditional inside zone. His tight zone is a counter to his wide zone. Traditional inside zone is a vertical play, Gibb's tight zone forces lateral movement and bends behind it. He releases to second level defenders because the play is designed to roll all the way back - it is not supposed to go into the playside B gap whereas, traditional inside zone is designed to attack frontside with vertical movement and the capability to cut-back. It doesn't cut back by initial design. Therefore, they use two different methods of execution. Arguements welcome - but saying "zone" is like saying "option" - there are a wide variety of ways to run it and techniques to use.

Doesnt Gibbs say it is a "cut up not cut back"? What is traditional IZ? Didnt the redskins write the book on Inside zone? Didnt Alex Gibbs write the book on OZ? There are many ways in doing everything in football, but when I study something I study the best. In the history of football who has been better in inside zone than the Redskins and outside zone with the Broncos?

Coach Mountjoy,

Thank you for the 4 articles on zone! NOBODY did it like the Broncos & Redskins!! I have read them and I think I UNDERSTAND what you are saying and I agree. To make sure though....So a quick exchange is going to happen in both OZ/IZwhen the DLM goes in or out hard? The difference is when the DLM charges upfield. Correct? In OZ the uncovered will "force" the exchange so that it happens quicker and in IZ the uncovered will double as long as possible until LB appears. Am I understanding you correctly?

Coach L

quote:

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Originally posted by: mbkcoach
Doesnt Gibbs say it is a "cut up not cut back"? What is traditional IZ? Didnt the redskins write the book on Inside zone? Didnt Alex Gibbs write the book on OZ? There are many ways in doing everything in football, but when I study something I study the best. In the history of football who has been better in inside zone than the Redskins and outside zone with the Broncos?

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You partially answered your own question. Gibbs says cut up for his outside zone play. He does not run a traditional inside zone - like you state about Washington. It isn't vertical, playside guards don't combo a 1 technique playside (unless specifically called back to do so by the center for a specific reason - but this is not the design) and they are not told to hold a double team until the LB comes - those are techniques of inside zone. Gibbs runs a rollback zone - "tight zone". He tells his OL to release to the LB after the first step (without establishing a double team) because "the ball is not going into the B gap, it will roll all the way back". This is true 95% of the time because it is designed that way. His backs take a pre-snap read and are told that if the BSDE is inside the TE, they will roll it all the way back behind the TE. This is predicated on the read of the first down lineman past the center and - again different than traditional inside zone - the guards and center are told to force the read out so the ball will be forced to roll all the way back. They drive the backside laterally (not vertically like inside zone) so the cut is not usually drastic (but it can be), but having hours of film on it and having had discussions on it with the coaches that teach it, (I'm a Colorado coach) it is clear that to group "tight zone" and "inside zone" together is a flaw in language. They are distinctly different plays and use different techniques and concepts.

You want to study the best - study the best systems, not the best plays! One guys version of a play works because it fits his system, not because the play is a superior play. Plays by themselves are meaningless without the complements.

"Duke 1" - I have 3-4 of Gibbs' Denver playbooks, & lots of his game film (also FOUR clinic lecture tapes by him). He does nothing on his BASE 14/15 Inside ("tight") zone that everyone else does'nt do. Explain to me the difference between HIS "tight zone" & most others. I am curious to see what you perceive as different.

His Outside ("wide") zone differed from many because of more sophisticated RB reads, & the "cut" on the backside.

Please read p.89 of this Denver Broncos gameplan from 2002. What is the term used on the backside zone between the OG and OT?

Didnt Gibbs at the beginning of his tight zone lecture say that he called inside zone- tight zone. Coach Mountjoy has a friend who is an OL Coach in the NFL and he calls it inside veer. Does that make it a different play?

www.savefile.com/downlo...9258d7a77ab0945c3eae88


15 Tight Zone Weak

mbkcoach,
I realize that is the Gibb's tight zone film you posted. However, that is a widezone play you have on video. He didn't bring his tight zone cut-ups to that confrence. He uses the widezone cut-ups to make other points in the video. Just so you know. I think it helps clear things up when you realize that he shifted gears between his discussion and his film there.