Running back play in zone offense

Our TB is taught to make a read on a specific defender on every zone play. Here's an every day drill we use to help with reads. We get a line of backs, put a bag 7 1/2 yards off on a 45 degree angle (our TB depth and probable angle). We use two bodies to simulate the read (in or out)- tb either cuts up or continues on his track based on the read. We set up Burma and the gantlet in combination with the read. So, he makes a read and runs the gantlet, or he makes the read and runs burma. We get a lot done with this and force the back to make a quick read. Just one of a thousand drills to enhance zone football.

Just put your BEST there, & rep the hell out of it.

"ONE-CUT RUNNING" is important. The RB is permitted ONE CUT then he must live with it. Stay away from the RB's that want to "dance in the hole"!

Here is what our RB's are told on the OUTSIDE ZONE:

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.

We also give our RB's these "expectations" in general:

RUNNING BACKS:
1. FINISH EVERY PLAY FULL SPEED WITH/WITHOUT THE BALL. (RUNS & RECEPTIONS , BLOCKING & FAKES).

2. OMIT FUMBLES – PROTECT THE BALL (SQUEEZE BALL/PRESSURE POINTS).

3. BLOCKING IS A MUST! (RUN & PASS) (ATTACK & STRIKE).

4. NO NEGATIVE YARDS – GET BALL UP FIELD IN A HURRY – (YOU GET ONE CUT).

5. STAY IN BOUNDS – OUR RB’S DON’T RUN OUT OF BOUNDS!!! (ATTACK & STRIKE DEFENDERS).

In TRUE zone blocking you do not need the FB as a lead blcker thru the POA. We use him on "edge" players.

When A. Gibbs uses the FB leading thru at the POA it is a "FORCE" call. He leads thru on any secondary "force player" "in the box"!

You will see all this explained in the film!