OLine Tech. and steps

we do what my line likes to call "nutt" block on our 3 step. we pop real quick and show pass then we aim at their nuts. its good b/c we get their hands down.

Coach Mountjoy,

I sent you an email. Thanks.

Coach Tinglof

I have seen this also. Coach Campbell teaches a run aggressive to a pass set. It accomplishes what you need for the fact defensive lineman will fight this pressure in return keeping their hands engaged.

Ruben DeLeon


I think both run blocking schemes can be used in my offensive philosophy. With certain schemes and plays run blocking schemes can change. For instance GT or counter blocking would be a zone scheme where you are closing your gaps and climbing to the next level. If someone crosses your face then you would engage and block them. With your two pullers you would have a kick out and lead up to LB. I am big on this play because it is successful for our program we call it one of our bread and butter plays. We also run "Iso" where that run scheme is a man on man blocking we run every lineman block their man in front of them and we have our A back lead up to play side LB. To be successful offensively you must have different types of plays and need to be able to utilize different types of blocking schemes as well.

Evan James 
Zone blocking versus man rule blocking schemes plays into your offensive philosophy. There are advantages to both schemes, and it is not uncommon nowadays where both schemes can be integrated into an offense. During my first four years of coaching, the offense was based around the pistol formation. The offense included a variety of formations and personnel groups. Within this offense, inside zone and outside zone were the base running plays which resulted in a zone blocking scheme. The play-side tackle, play-side guard, and tackle operated under inside zone covered and uncovered rules. When covered, the play-side tackle and/or guard would take “fire” steps, working to the outside number of the defender. He was instructed to get his inside eye on the defender’s outside eye. If uncovered, bucket steps were taken while watching the near hip of the next down defender. If the defender were to disappear, they were then taught to work to the linebacker while keeping their shoulders square. The backside guard would execute a “high” tag vs. a 3-technique and reach block if no 3-technique was present. The backside tackle would base block the end man on the line of scrimmage. On outside zone, the play-side tackle and play-side guard would block down if the B-gap (tackle) or A-gap (guard) was occupied. If their respective gap was open, they would pull looking to block a “force” player (1st man outside the TE’s block) which would oftentimes be a linebacker or safety. The center was instructed to always pull looking to block the most dangerous defender and/or 2nd linebacker. The back-side guard and back-side tackle would scoop their respective gap (guard = A and tackle = B). The outside X and Z wide receivers were responsible for reading 1-high or 2-high safety to determine whether they would block the safety or cornerback (depending on read plays, inside plays, or an outside play call). Inside wide receivers would always be responsible for blocking the #2 defender regardless of the run play call. Zone blocking schemes take a little bit longer to happen to compare to man blocking schemes. Defensive stunts and movements sort themselves out a bit more when using a zone blocking scheme.

In recent years, we have shifted from a spread offense to a pro-style offense oftentimes having a tight end and a fullback on the field at the same time. This has led to more bit more of a man rule blocking scheme. The terminology is extensive! Common terminology used is Ace – Double team between center and guard, Deuce- Double team between guard and tackle, and Trey – Double team between tackle and tight end. The terminology can be a challenge for players, of all different football backgrounds. Similar to the zone blocking scheme, Uncovered – Lineman that has a head up or back-side line of scrimmage defender on run play and covered – Lineman that has a front-side line of scrimmage defender on the run play. Pass protection is geared toward everything happen in front, so the offensive linemen can sort it all out. General rules include the quarterback calling a “Mike” call (away from the 3-technique) with gap protection. The backside tackle is always big on big. Man blocking schemes result in a run play hitting faster than in a zone blocking scheme. However, defensive front movements such as a Rat-Tag give man blocking schemes a problem.

I believe both blocking schemes require the utmost discipline. Blockers need to have discipline. Discipline allows the blockers, especially the offensive line, to execute his assignments in a sharp, machine-line manner. Both schemes also share the same elements of aggressiveness, patience, and preparation. Whether it is a man or zone blocking scheme, arms can be a bit more extended in pass protection. However, in run blocking, arms should be closer to the body so you do not get overextended and out of position. Both schemes come with intricacies that will require lots of repetition and communication between players and coaches.

Jacob Menard


Our offense incorporates both Zone, and Gap Schemes with our bread and butter plays being Inside Zone, Counter, and Truck Outside Zone. For over a decade these plays have been a staple our team and have seen tremendous success running the ball. With our Gap Scheme our principles are building a wall against the defense with our Counter and Power series. With our zone scheme we look to create a natural alley and cutback lanes for our running back. I feel that coaching on the offensive side, it is crucial to incorporate multiple running styles that compliment one another. Counter and Power are naturally paired together because they compliment each other in the run game. The Inside, Mid, and outside zone series compliment each other because of the different angles and cutback lanes it creates.

I am a fan of every style of blocking on run plays. With the Man Scheme, I really only participated in one in Middle School Football and we had different calls like BOB- Big on Big, MOMA-Man on Man Away. Iso is a play that as a defensive coach I hate to see, it is a great play for offense to run in a league where every other team runs a inside zone RPO offense. In my playing days, We ran a zone scheme. I was a fan because the running back had a better chance of making us right with his first and secondary reads. For our mid zone, the running back would read how the play side tackle is blocking the defensive end. If the defensive end is washed out, he would attack the B Gap, If the DE condensed space, he would look for his cut back lane on how the center blocked the Defensive Tackle. If the C washed out or drove down the DT,the RB would cut it into the open A Gap.