RB TECHNIQUE & READS IN THE ZONE RUNNING GAME:

ALEX GIBBS @ 2015 COOL CLINIC.  ("COACHING THE RB ON THE OUTSIDE ZONE"):

The Running Back's aiming point is the butt of the Tight End. If there is no Tight End to the weak side of the formation, he still aims at the imaginary butt of the Tight End. The steps of the Running Back match the steps of the uncovered playside line man (OG or OT). When he takes his third step, he should know what the read path is. He is going so fast to that seam that he must take two more steps before he can cut into the hole or bounce the ball to the outside. He takes five steps to reach his cut point, but at the end of three step, he MUST know where he is going.

**********************************************************************

ALEX @ 2008 COOL CLINIC:

The Running Back's landmark is the butt of the TE (or imaginary TE to the weakside).  His primary read is the first down lineman from outside-in (USUALLY the Defensive End). If the primary read tells him to bounce outside he will, but if the primary read tells him to cut downhill, then he has  a secondary read.  His secondary read is the second down lineman from outside-in (usually the Defensive Tackle) IF the primary read tells him to cut downhill (& NOT outside).

The QB opens out at a 45 degree angle to make the handoff, then bursts out to the other side on a naked action. He must be sure he does not bump into the RB.

The QB will hand the ball off between the RB's first and second step. The Running Back takes a drop step to be aligned to his path. He then takes one good step and he is about to hit the ground with his second step when the QB begins to hand the ball off. On the third step, the Running Back has to make a decision. If the Running Back cannot make the decision on the third step, you have the wrong running back for this offense (the Running Back cannot ”wait for things to happen”). On the third step, the Running Back is either going downhill, or taking the ball outside.

The reason the decision is made on the third step is it coordinates with the timing of the blocks within the offensive line. On the third step the uncovered offensive lineman to the playside will make their push on the defenders. The push of the offensive line and the cut of the Running Back must coincide.

The Running Back does not know where the cut will be until he gets his third step on the ground. He makes his decision on that step and commits to it. Whatever decision he makes he lives with it. He does not dodge defenders or double cut with the ball. He takes what the picture says and gets the ball upfield or outside right away. It is called “ONE-CUT” RUNNING!

PS:  Thjis has been one of out two best plays FOREVER.  Anyone wishing further detail shouldf PHONE me:

Coach Bill Mountjoy
804-716-7038 (in Virginia)