Offensive Line Manual 2010

Dominick Zappia
Bethpage, NY
I. Offensive Line Play Introduction
 3 Elements of Offensive Line Play
Proper Stance Block Types Proper Blocking Technique
3 Point Stance Run Blocking Approach
•Balanced •More Aggressive blocking •Set position for delivering a block
•Feet shoulder width, •Attack the defender •Squatted with butt low
staggered
•Seal the defender away from the ball carrier – •Knees inside of ankles
•Back flat point your butt to the ball carrier
•Head up
•Head up •Keep your head up and your feet moving
•Work off of instep
•Proper playside step for the block
•2 Point Stance Pass Blocking
•Pull arms back
•Balanced •Let the defender come to you
Fit
•Feet shoulder width, •Set up with outside foot back
•Gather step splits the defenders legs
staggered
•HOT technique – Hands On Torso
•Set underneath defender
•Chest out
•Keep feet moving and deliver a blow to the
•Drive arms through the defender
•Head up numbers with the palms of your hands
•Hands jammed into chest plate
•Do not let defender beat you inside
•Thumbs up
•Lift up & drive hips through
GET YOUR HANDS INSIDE ON THE DEFENDER
SO HE CAN’T USE HIS ON YOU •Keep feet moving
Finish
•Rotate or drive away from POA
•Maintain a solid base
•Drive through to the whistle
 O-Line Play
The success of our football team will be directly proportionate to our ability to dominate the line of scrimmage in regards to both the run and pass. Proper development
and utilization of technique will allow you to dominate the defenders in all situations. Remember, there is no substitute for technique combined with effort.

I. EXECUTION OF ASSIGNMENTS - BASIC PROGRESSION

•Within the framework of an assignment, the following sequence must be understood:
• Theory of Play/Situation
• Alignment
• Stance
• Approach
• Contact
• Follow Through
•Know the Offense - Learn by, ''Concepts''.
• Have a thorough knowledge of every play in the offensive scheme and understand what the desired end result is.
• Know the total play scheme and adjustment ... not just your individual assignment.
• Understand the reaction of the defense in regards to the action if the play as it unfolds- Football is not a static game ... be able to adjust to defensive reaction.
• Be aware of particular plays that are set up to take advantage of an individual, a defense, or a game situation.
• Most importantly, know your assignment in regards to the play thoroughly ... the what, why, and how of your job.
•Know the basics of your opponent's defense.
• Understand basic defenses used by our opponents and responsibilities of each position in a particular defensive look.
• Contain or pressure defense?
• Multiple or basic look? Who is in what Gap?
• Down and distance/field position tendencies?
• Stunt/Blitz situations.
• Particular strengths and weaknesses of the defense
• How will the defense adjust to play our particular offense?
• Know your opponent through careful evaluation
• What are his strengths and weaknesses.
• Does he play on or off the LOS?
• Does he ''read'', reacting to your moves just or does he ''charge'' using pressure tactics?
• Does he change his pace, mixing up his play?
• Does his alignment predetermine his type of play?
• Does the particular situation pre-determine his style of play?
• Is he susceptible to certain offensive techniques?
• Does he read well and is thus easily influenced?
II. ASSIMILATION OF TECHNIQUES
• Explanation - introduction of technique and its important variables.
• Demonstration - observation of mechanics and their proper sequence of application.
• Visualization - mental assimilation of technique and its execution.
• Practice - physically performing the technique and mastering, through repetition.
• Game Execution - utilization of technique in competition.
• Animation - review and study of technique.
III. ALIGNMEMNT
• Your pre-snap placement on the line of scrimmage is very important. Correct alignment will allow you to carry out your assignment; incorrect alignment will hinder
the completion of your assignment.
• 2' splits as starting point. Hand aligned on Center's heel.
• Alignment will vary in regards to particular plays.
• Splits are both vertical and horizontal.
• Tackles must be up on LOS on both run and pass.

IV. STANCE-RUN BLOCKING

• One of the most important variables of a good offensive lineman is a fundamentally sound stance that will enable you to move in all directions easily and effectively
without tipping off your intentions. The stance must provide the essentials of explosion, plus the mechanics of lift and power; at the same time, must allow body
control and quick change of direction.
• Feet - shoulder width apart with toe to heel stagger. Toes straight ahead with weight on balls of feet.
• Knees - the up foot is placed in a position where you have power producing angles at the ankles and knee joints The heel of the back foot will be an inch off the
ground. This will form power producing angles in the knees, ankles and hip flexors.
• Hands - down hand should be on all 5 fingertips and placed under your eye and in front of mar shoulder with approximately 20% of your weight balanced on hand.
Non-grounded hand should be in ''Ready'' position on top of thigh.
• Head - shoulder - back - shoulders are parallel to ground with back flat. Head in natural position with no strain. Eyes up.
• Consistency - keep stance constant.
• Center's Stance - mechanics of stance remain consistent. Center may stagger either foot as needed.
• Your stance will vary based upon body type.

V FUNDAMENTALS OF CENTER SNAP

• Nothing is more important than the Quarterback receiving the football cleanly from the snap.
• You must be able to snap the football and step/set simultaneously.
• The ball must be lifted by pulling the elbow upwards and keeping the wrist firm. This will produce a high, consistent snap.
• Communicate with the Quarterback about any problem
• The bottom line is that you must be able to execute all techniques that are required, of the Guards and Tackles, after you snap the ball.

VI. RUN BLOCKING TECHNIQUES

• Techniques are the methods employed by a Blocker to successfully execute his Assignment. These methods fall into two broad classification: remove and contain.
• A "veer" technique is one that is employed to vertically and/or horizontally displace a Defender from an area and is usually used at the point of attack. A zone
technique is one that is employed to prevent a Defender from getting to his area of assignment and/or limit his pursuit. In both cases, the fundamentals of approach,
contact, and follow through remain consistent with an emphasis on the proper sequence of mechanics.
Approach - proper steps and anticipation of Defender's movement; aiming points.
Contact - proper contact points and body position provide leverage for movement.
Leverage is a function of your relation to the Defender and your own body alignments.
Follow Through - proper leg drive and pressure points to sustain movement and adjust to Defender's second reaction.
VII. PASS PROTECTION IN THEORY
In regards to the passing game, the most fundamental aspect is the protection. The most sophisticated pass cannot be executed unless the Quarterback is free from
harassment. Individual technique combined with a thorough knowledge of the scheme provides the basis for sound pass protection. Within an offense, pass protection
falls into two primary categories, drop back and play action, each of equal importance Every pass protection technique, regardless of which type of pass series is being
protected, is a function of four elements: set, footwork, contact/punch, and follow through. These elements do not exist in isolation, rather they all operate as an integrated
whole through a proper sequence of mechanics. And in the final analysis, all four of these elements, which are employed through the appropriate sequential order, strive
to maximize your leverage vs. the Defender. Leverage is the key concept.

VIII. DROPBACK TECHNIQUE

•Stance (2 Pt)
•Feet- toes out; weight on inside of feet from toe to heel.
•Knees — forward and pressed in; knees should be inside of feet.
•Shoulders/head — back; upper body should be almost perpendicular to ground
•Hands/arms — eye level with slight 6" bend in arms, relaxed but ready to strike, hands open.
•Set (Tackles only)
•Depth of set is a function of Defender’s alignment; you must set to the intersection point between the Quarterback and Defender (A, B, C, and D). Vs. a Wide
Defender set deep on vertical line (A and B). Vs. Head Up Defender—set hard on LOS (C). Vs. Inside Defender- power set inside (D).
•ENTIRE O—LINE (FOOTWORK)
•Set back. Over aggressiveness on set will get you in trouble; set firm.
•Stay square between Quarterback and Defenders. Your shoulders should always be square to the Quarterback.
•Set with your outside foot and hand splitting the Defender’s crotch. Always take the inside mesh away.
•When setting out of 3 Pt stance to 2 Pt stance, get your head back and eyes and hands up quickly. Tail should be low and knees bent.
•It is very important to give 1-2 feet depth on an “Inside" set vs. an inside aligned Defender so as to take him on square with contact.
•The set gets you into a good pass pro stance, square to the Defender and inside out.
•While sliding your feet, keep them close to the ground and maintain wide base.
•As you slide your feet, keep them square to Defender. Vs an inside veer rush, the initial set step will be a "power step" inside to provide strength to your set and
stop penetration.
•Your footwork should always keep you in an inside—out relationship with the Defender.
•Contact/Punch - An effective pass pro punch incorporates three factors: timing, technique, strength.
•Timing - strike opponent when he is within arms reach of you; if you strike too early, you will over extend and loose balance. If you strike too late, you will get
collapsed and loose leverage Being patient and timing your punch is very important; be "locked-out" on contact.
•Technique - always strike a "rising blow" you hands should be above your eyes.
•Your aiming point is hands inside the Rusher’s and in his numbers; this gives you leverage keep your elbows inside the frame of your body as you
punch, your head and weight must come back. your goal of the punch is to stop the Rusher’s charge and lockout on him.
•you must have both feet on the ground on your punch — set your feet out of your slide before you punch yourself "off" the Defender.
 •Strength - you must have the ability to stop a "bull rush". Your strength to stop the Rusher is a combination of your technique (including filming) and your
lower body strength; the strength to stop a charge comes from the legs, hips, and torso. The arms are merely an extension of the torso and legs.
•A good base is necessary to provide an effective punch; feet slightly wider than shoulder width, toes out; weight on inside of feet; knees bent and
inside of toes; head back and torso perpendicular to ground as you strike with your arms and hands, ‘strain" your body as you tense your lower body. *
you should feel like you are "punching yourself off the defender", rather than punching him off of you. Use your "skeletal strength".
•After Initial punch and lockout maintain upward leverage; if you are over powered, recoil both feet as you "hip yourself off" the Defender, get your
head back and sink your tall. Regroup and ready yourself for another punch
•Follow Through
•Stay square between Defender and Quarterback; inside out!
•Keep your leverage by keeping locked-out with your hands at eye level and your hands in the Defender’s numbers and your eyes below his eyes.
•Keep your weight back, which prevents over-extension and loss of balance
•As you slide, keep inside - out relationship with the Defender, give as much depth as necessary, but keep the width and depth of the pocket.
•As you mirror Defender, think with your hip!

IX. PLAY ACTION INDIVIDUAL TECHNIQUE – BASIC

•Set
•Aggressive Base Block.
•Drive eyes to inside number of Defender.
•Drive hands through numbers.
•Strike a rising blow.
•Should took like run block. HATS DOWN
•Footwork
•Step with your foot NEAR-4est to Defender’s inside number to prevent penetration.
•Drive Defender off the LOS
•Keep feet square to LOS
•Mirror Defender’s second reaction with regular drop back progression.
•Contact
•Lock out and leverage Defender as in regular pro.

•Pass Protection Tips

•Get set up quickly into good fundamental position with knees bent, body under control. If your opponent contacts you while you are still leaning back to set up
he has the advantage
•Know where the Launch point is on each pass play. Know which side to favor, as well as how deep you can be without interfering with the Passer.
•Make contact with your opponent on or NEAR-4 the LOS as you set back.
II. Drills For Proper Techniques
 Practice Breakdown0
A good practice plan must be in place in order to develop top lineman. It must follow a certain progression that starts
with the fundamentals of proper stance and alignment and then proceeds to proper footwork, contact and block finish,
and ultimately to blocking schemes and strategies. Although each skill set is built upon the previous one, we must
constantly work on the core elements that all lineman must have, Agility and conditioning, blocking skills and
techniques, and knowledge of the rules and strategies used in the game. No linemen can be effective without all 3
components in place. Therefore, I divide the practice into these 3 core segments, each of which can have a number of
different drills and/or teaching components and each of which will be covered in every practice.

1. Segment One – Agility and Conditioning

1. The Circuit
2. Sprints out of Stance
3. Bag Drills (Over Step, Side Step, and Shuffle)
2. Segment Two – Blocking Skills
1. Within the blocking skills component, we have 2 types of drills. Progression Drills provide the
exercises that teach the entire progression of the block. Unit Drills provided exercises that focus on a
specific aspect of the progression.
2. Progression Drills (Start as 1st step – 2nd Step – Finish then work to full speed)
1. Block Progression Drill with Pipes or with Boards
2. Sled Drill and SLAM Block
3. Unit Drills
1. Chute
2. Mirror
3. Contact and Rotate
4. Hand Punch
3. Segment Three – Blocking Rules and Strategy
1. Indy - Base, Reach, Down, And Pull Blocks
2. Combo – Slam, Stretch, Fold
3. Other block schemes listed in Section 4 as needed that week
 Footwork

Know where POA is, ID man to block, determine block

type and aiming point.

•Approach
–Proper Block Steps (Always PS foot)
• Drive Block (Base)
• Down Blocks
• Gap Seal/Reach (Used in Inside and Outside Zone)
A A
• Pull and Trap (Used in Trapping and Folding)
A. Drive Step B B
-6 inch directional step toward Aiming Point. Usually used for Base
block and in combo blocks for slip man.
B. Lead Step
-6 inch directional step toward Aiming Point. Used for Base, Zone
Blocking schemes, or Down blocks. C C
C. Slide Step
-6 inch directional step toward Aiming Point. Used for Gap
Seal/Reach and in Zone Blocking schemes.
D. Drop Step
-6 inch directional step toward Aiming Point. Used for Outside
Zone Blocking when covered and facing an OUTSIDE SHADE
L
defender, on combo blocks, or when folding.
E. Bucket Step
-6 inch directional step toward Aiming Point but puts hips more
perpendicular to LOS. Used for Outside Zone Blocking when
uncovered, inside trap and pulling. D D
•Contact
–Deliver “punch”. Extension of knees and hips and the contact of
the hands/arms. Keep knees over and in front of toes.
–Head locked into Aim Pt.
E E
–Fit Up
–Moving feet and staying engaged, establish position between
defender and POA
•Follow-Through
–Maintain Position – achieve “lockout”
–Finish the block. Wide base, proper head position locks man in
place, maintain head and hand position at all times, keep feet
moving.
 Block Progression w/ Pipes
1st Step: From 3 point stance lineman picks up foot and executes the proper step that the block type calls for. Drive both hands back tight
to hip pockets, drive other knee to the ground and keep back flat with your head up.

2nd Step: Square Up/Contact Step. With opposite foot take proper contact step that the block type calls for. While keeping a good wide
base simultaneously throw arms tightly through sides of body with thumbs pointed up and deliver sharp blow into the landmark.

Finish: Drive and rotate away from POA with choppy steps, maintaining a wide base
BASE 1 1st Step – Lead step toward Aiming
DOWN
Point (sharper angle)
2nd Step – Inside Numbers of defender
(head in front)
2
2

1st Step – Lead step toward Aiming Point

1
2nd Step – Power Step, Split defender TRAP/PULL

REACH/STRETCH 2

1 1 1st Step – Drop or Bucket Step

PS Foot. Rip playside
arm around and get
shoulders perpendicular
to LOS
2 3 2nd and 3rd steps gain ground
down LOS
Either round the cone or block
target crossing your path

1st Step – Slide, or Drop step toward Aiming Point

2nd Step - Rollover and drive off of lead step
 Block Progression w/ Boards
1st Step: From 3 point stance lineman picks up foot and executes the proper step that the block type calls for. Drive both hands back tight
to hip pockets, drive other knee to the ground and keep back flat with your head up.

2nd Step: Square Up/Contact Step. With opposite foot take proper contact step that the block type calls for. While keeping a good wide
base simultaneously throw arms tightly through sides of body with thumbs pointed up and deliver sharp blow into the landmark.

3rd Step: Drive down board with short, choppy steps, maintain wide base
1st Step – Lead step toward Aiming Point (sharper angle)
BASE 1 DOWN 2nd Step – Inside Numbers of defender (head in front)

2
2

1st Step – Lead step toward Aiming Point

2nd Step – Power Step, Split defender 1

TRAP/PULL

REACH/STRETCH
2
1
1st Step – Drop or Bucket Step
1 PS Foot
2nd and 3rd steps gain ground
2 down LOS
Either round the cone or block
3 target crossing your path

1st Step – Slide, or Drop step toward Aiming Point

2nd Step - Rollover and drive off of lead step
 Sled Blocking
– Purpose: Combines several of the blocking drills into one unit that allows for more group participation and
conditioning. Setup in groups of two for certain blocks and single file for others.
– Setup in stance across from sled. On callout OL will execute the block assigned.
– This drill will promote explosion off the ball and will ensure that the initial step is with a flat back, hands
back, progressing to 2nd power/position step and blow delivery (low to up), and then to finish with chopping
feet and rotating away from POA or driving down LOS.

Base Down/Reach Cutoff LB Reach

Fold Slam (on 6 Man) Slip/Scoop

 SLAM Block
– Purpose: To teach the proper technique for blocking as the uncovered OL in a SLAM.
– OL will line up on outside edge of sled.
– On count will half bench sled pad, drive sled a few steps and then release toward heavy tackling bag (shield
is OK if heavy bag is not available).
– OL will fit up to target and deliver proper blocking blow lifting bag off ground with both hands.
– Switch to other side.
 Chute Drill
– Purpose: Teach lineman to take small choppy steps and keep base on
run blocking

– Technique: From 3 point stance line up lineman just out side chute. On
cadence lineman take short quick choppy steps. Lineman try to take as
many steps as possible before getting through the chute while pumping
their arms and keeping their back flat.
• Fire out low with head up, (remember proper steps), eyes on target
• Wide base, chop feet, keep moving.
• Idea is to take several small choppy steps through chute
• On contact with bag, continue to drive out of chute, STAY ON
BLOCK
 Mirror - Stay on Block Drill

– Purpose: Teaches fit position, punch, and proper block progression, Teaches good lateral movement, Teaches OL to stay on blocks
and DL to neutralize blocks while following the play and not take a shortcut away from play.

– Technique:

– The 1st version involves both men are side shuffling, getting low, fitting up and delivering blow, Go to FAR-4 cone and back.

– The 2nd version involves one man as defender while the other is a blocker. Offensive man can either fire out of a stance at the line
or a few yards back to simulate blocking a LB. Defender can line up head up or shaded toward the PS gap. On call, offensive man
takes a strong playside step to establish position, defender takes a hard charge into PS gap. Blocker will fit up and maintain
position on defender all the way to FAR-4 cone, while defender will attempt to beat blocker around edge into PS gap. The
defender wants to stay ahead of the blocker, neutralizing his block while offensive man must maintain position on him at all times,
driving him off LOS. End at FAR-4 cone, reset and come back.
 Contact and Rotate
Purpose: Teaches OL to finish his block by moving feet and rotating DL away from POA
– Start in 2 pt. stance
– On call, explode hands into target (proper fit position) keep feet moving in short choppy steps.
Head should be below numbers of DL at the aim point. Maintain head position to prevent DL
from slipping off block
– With feet chopping, begin rotating and driving target away from POA. In live mode, do not
allow yourself to hit the cone that represents the POA. This means the DL pushed you into the
play or you did establish proper position.
 Hand Punch

Purpose: Exercise that teaches OL to deliver punch by exploding with hips

– Start in kneeling position in front of target with top of feet flat on ground arms length away
– On call, explode hands into target by throwing arms tightly through sides of body with thumbs
pointed up and using hips and thighs to drive forward.
– Reset and repeat.
 The Circuit
Purpose: Combines several of the drills into one unit that allows for more group participation and conditioning
– Start with firing through the chute
– After clearing the chute, reset into stance, fire out and deliver block into sled, side step to next pad and deliver a
fit up blow with hands and chest.
– Turn opposite way and side shuffle to cone.
– Power hop to end. Repeat.
 Agility Drills

LINE DRILL
Technique: Have lineman all line up on one line facing the same sideline and standing on one side of the line. On coaches command
linemen will jump with both feet together on either side of the line for 30 seconds. Repeat after a short rest and then do same drill but
facing end zone and jumping forward and backwards

REACTION DRILL(PASS PRO)

Technique: Have lineman line up in groups of 5 and face coach in 3 point stance. On cadence linemen will pop up in pass protection
stance and chop feet. Coach then points a direction and linemen shuffle that direction. Coach switches direction and then signals them to
sprint through 5 yards

T-TEST
Technique: Pair up lineman and have them face each other but facing the sidelines on the five yard line. On cadence lineman sprints to
the ten yard line and touches hand then sprints to the goal line and touches hand and then finally finishes through the five yard line. Repeat
2-4 times

BAG DRILLS(OVER STEPS)

Technique: From two point stance facing bags linemen steps over first bag, then steps with other foot before progressing to the next bag.

BAG DRILLS(OVER SIDE STEPS)

Technique: From pass protection position lineman shuffles over first bag shuffles both feet in between bag and then progresses over the
next bag. Do both sides and make sure linemen do not cross over feet.

BAG DRILLS(SHUFFLE DRILL)

Technique: From 3 point stance, lineman shuffles parallel to first bag then shuffles forward and then parallel to second bag and so on.

BAG DRILL (SPRINT/BACKPEDAL)

Technique: From 3 point stance lineman sprints down one bag then back pedals back down the other bag and so on. Lineman should
pump their arms and keep base.
 Pass Blocking Drills
SHUFFLE TOUCH DRILL
Purpose: Develop knee bending and hip flexibility
Technique: From two point stance, lineman will shuffle down line touching the ground with hands during each shuffle. Make sure lineman touch the ground with
their hands each time and bend with their legs not their back. Lineman should keep a vertical back. This is a slow drill not intended for speed or quickness.

NO HAND SLIDE DRILL

Purpose: Teach lineman to shuffle feet while keeping back straight and knees bent. Teach lineman not to lean on defender.
Technique: Put offensive lineman in two point stance with arms behind back holding wrists. Put defensive lineman opposite about 1 yard away. Defensive lineman
walks at angle towards shoulder. Lineman staggers stance while keeping shoulders square to LOS and eyes on defensive lineman’s chest, offensive lineman should be
in the middle of the defensive lineman’s chest. Defensive lineman then redirects to other shoulder and offensive lineman adjusts stagger and shuffles keeping
shoulders square. This drill is just faster than walking speed.

PASS PROTECTION REDIRECT DRILL

Purpose: Teach lineman to widen defensive lineman and redirect on counter moves
Technique: Offensive lineman will be engaged with bag holder with bag holder slightly to one side at the start. Bag holder will rush one way and then on coaches
signal redirect. Lineman must shuffle trying to cut off bag holder with hip and keep low pad level and straight back. Start off slow and pick up tempo to 3/4 speed.

TWIST STUNT EXCHANGE DRILL

Purpose: Teach lineman to exchange assignments on twist stunts
Technique: Align two offensive lineman next to each other in three point stance. Opposite them line two defensive lineman in 3 point stance. On Cadence, have 1 of
the defensive lineman slant between the offensive lineman and the other defensive lineman loop around. Have defensive lineman repeat with same player as the
slanter and the same player as the looper each time. Repeat 3 times for each pair of offensive lineman. Offensive lineman must shuffle to hip to hip and exchange
responsibilities each time. Coach lineman to stay square to the LOS and stay on the same level and yell out switch. Looper lineman is responsible for calling switch
and bumping lineman off. Start at half speed and progress to finally full speed.

1 ON 1 PASS RUSH DRILL

Purpose: Teach lineman full speed man pass protection
Technique: Line up 2 cones 5 yards apart and 5 yards away from the LOS. 1 offensive lineman and 1 defensive lineman line up on LOS. On cadence, offensive
lineman must keep Dlineman at LOS and push him outside of the two cones. Focus on teaching lineman to keep body square to LOS and shuffle with defensive
lineman.

5 ON 4 PASS RUSH DRILL

Purpose: Teach full speed pass protection against defensive lineman.
Technique: Line up offensive line and 1 defensive lineman across from each in their technique. On Cadence every lineman is full speed until contact. Prior to snap,
one defensive lineman is chosen to be live full speed). The live defensive lineman tries to pass rush while the offensive lineman pass protects.
Half line Technique: Same as above except half of the line is full speed. Usually we will work on twist games during this drill.
 D-Line Drills

Read Drill
Goal: Teach the DL to react quickly to the movement of the Offensive Lineman (OL)… Description: Set up 3 cones
in a triangle about 10 yards apart. Two linemen face each other in the middle between two cones with a designated ball
carrier at the third cone. The player facing the ball carrier is the defender, the other player the OL. The coach stands
behind the DL signaling the direction and the snap count. On the command, the ball carrier runs in a straight line to the
designated cone, while the OL blocks accordingly. The DL reacts to the movement of the OL, controls and escapes the
OL making the tackle before the ball carrier reaches the cone. The defender's shoulders and hips stay square to the
Line of Scrimmage (LOS), the feet stay moving and the hands/arms control and escape the OL. After the DL gets
comfortable with the Drill, bring in 'real' OL and Running backs to increase intensity and speed… Equipment: 3 cones,
1 ball when run with offensive personnel.

Pursuit Drill
Goal: Teach Defensive Line (DL) pursuit angles... Description: A ball carrier makes lateral movement from the
backfield to the sidelines, then cuts up the field. The DL moves laterally with the ball carrier until the ball carrier make
the cut up field. At the cut, the DL comes in to make the tackle. In wide pursuit situations, the DL closest to the ball
makes the tackle while the other DL makes their pursuit angle towards the numbers on the field. For each offensive
player the DL pass, the DL pursuit angle becomes 5 yards deeper... Equipment: Ball

Vs. Double Team

Goal: Teach DL to split double team and avoid trying to go around it. We always want our DL’s to fight against
pressure and not try to run around the blockers. Position 2 OL’s and have the DL line up in between both. On snap
OL’s will execute a slam or slip/scoop on DL. Dl must react to playside pressure and either split the double or fight
through seal off block and control his gap then flow toward POA.
III. Offensive Line Play (Blocking Schemes)
 BLOCKING RULES
BS SEAL ZONE COV ZONE U
C

Z
O
C N
E

THE FIRST STEP FOR EACH OL IS TO IDENTIFY IF THEY ARE COVERED OR UNCOVERED BASED ON THE PRE-SNAP ALIGNMENT OF THE DL’S.
THE COVERED ZONE STARTS FROM HEAD UP TO YOUR INSIDE GAP. IF YOU ARE COVERED, THEN YOU WILL BLOCK THAT MAN AWAY FROM
THE POA. DEPENDING ON THE ALIGNMENT OF THE OTHER DL’S, YOU MAY OR MAY NOT GET HELP FROM PS TEAMATE. YOUR FIRST READ IS
IN YOUR COVERED ZONE. ANY DL LINED UP IN THAT AREA IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. IF THE ZONE IS EMPTY AT THE 1ST LEVEL WITH A LB
AT THE 2ND, THEN LOOK TO YOUR UNCOVERED ZONE AND DETERMINE HOW YOU AND YOUR COVERED TEAMATE WILL BLOCK THE DL IN
YOUR UC ZONE AND THE LB IN YOUR COVERED ZONE.

POSITION ASSIGNMENT RULE POS BLOCK HELP

PS OFFENSIVE LINEMAN IF COVERED, THEN BLOCK MAN IN THAT G COV BASE COV DL SLAM FROM C
ZONE AWAY FROM POA. IF UNCOVERED, G UC COMBO W/ T OR BLOCK NONE
THEN LOOK TO COMBO W/ PS TEAMATE THROUGH UC ZONE TO COV LB
AND ALWAYS BLOCK THROUGH UC ZONE.
CAN SLAM OR STRETCH DBL, MAKE A C MUST GET INTO INSIDE ½ OF PS USUALLY FROM
FOLD BLOCK CALL, OR STEP/TOE IT TO A GAP. POSSIBLE SLAM W/ G BSG
NEXT GAP OVER.
T COV BASE COV DL POSSIBLE SLAM,
LEAD BACK LOOKING TO BLOCK EMOL BY DEFAULT STRCH, FOLD, OR
OR CAN GET NEAR LB ON LEADS OR BS LB STEP IT BY G
ON FAKES AND COUNTERS. CAN EITHER
T UC COMBO W/ E OR BLOCK NONE
SPY OR HEAD TO POA, AND SHADOW
THROUGH UC ZONE TO COV LB
BLOCK ASSIGNED LB. IMPORTANT THAT
HIS FOCUS STAYS ON THIS MAN. E COV BASE COV DL POSSIBLE SLAM,
STRCH, FOLD, OR
ROVER BACK (2 BACK) 1ST
OUTSIDE LB OR EMOL. SAME
TOE IT BY T
IN WING AND POWER TECHNIQUE AS ABOVE.
E UC BLOCK THROUGH COV ZONE NONE
BS OFFENSIVE LINEMAN ZONE BLOCKING TO PS GAP TO NEAR LB
 RUNNING ZONES

7 5 MIDDLE 6 8

SPLIT

2 SLOT

4
 OFFENSIVE LINE BLOCKS AND TECHNIQUES

REACH BLOCK
A. Step with playside foot taking 6" to 8" directional step or lateral step to aiming point
B. Aiming point is defender's outside armpit.
C. Shoot the hands, get to a lock-out as soon as possible bringing the hips
D. Do not cross over, keep shoulders square with LOS

BASE, TIGHT REACH

A. If man on is inside, step with inside foot taking a 6" to 8" step. If man outside, directional or lateral
step with outside foot to aiming point.
B. Aiming point is the outside number of defender.
C. Strike with hands to outside number.
D. Maintain base, bring the hips while getting to lock-out, no crossover.
PIN (DOWN) BLOCK
A. Step with inside foot 6" to 8" at approximately a 45 degree angle or lateral towards aiming point
B. Aiming point is below outside number of defender.
C. Drive through aiming point with strike bringing hips, working outside hand to kidney area and off
foot upfield.

TURN OUT (May be covered or uncovered)

A. Block out to defender to outside on LOS
B. Bucket step and attack. Aim at upfield side of defender's hip
C. Drive through hip of defender widening the hole, keeping base
D. Do not get beat across face
FOLD BLOCK
Turnout Blocker B B
A. Execute pin (down) block

Fold Blocker
A. Take good drop step gaining depth and distance with inside foot
B. Clear turnout block by adjacent lineman
C. Work upfield squaring through inside number
D. Maintain base.
 OFFENSIVE LINE BLOCKS AND TECHNIQUES

TRAP BLOCK
A. Take pull step gaining depth and distance
B. Take 2nd step back up into LOS
C. Aiming point is upfield side of defender's hip
D. Trap inside out, bring hips to dig man out of hole, and get feet out of hole
X-BLOCK
A. TE executes reach block on DE B
B.Wing cuts inside of TE block and reaches to 2nd level to block LB

FAN BLOCK
Pass block technique
A. Take good PS step (Zone Step) with inside foot without gaining depth and distance
B. Begin to hinge step with outside foot, turn outside shoulder away from LOS, staying low, arms
extended, and watching for inside rush
C. Shuffle for depth and protect the backside gap

CUTOFF BLOCK
A. This is a position block. Idea is to get to the next gap over in anticipation of the DL’s read of the
play flow
B. Step with inside foot 6" to 8" at approximately a 45 degree angle or towards next gap over at the
LOS
B. Plant and hinge step toward defender
C. Do not look to chase 2nd level defenders unless they are blitzing or moving hard across the LOS
INSIDE ZONE SCHEME
A. Overall look of an inside zone blocking scheme for two OL
B. Idea is to determine whether you are covered or not and execute a scheme that will allow for the
blocking of a DL and a 2nd level defender in your zone
C. In this example we have a 3 tech DL covering both G and T. To correctly block this zone, the G
and T must either Fold or, in this case, execute a Power Scoop (described later) to block this zone
 OFFENSIVE LINE BLOCKS AND TECHNIQUES
SIFT BLOCK
A. Step with inside foot taking a 6' to 8" directional step to aiming point. B B
B. Aiming point is through inside gap.
C. Rip hard through inside gap. Do not get beat across face.
D. Try to work to next level. Responsible for LB run through to second level.

CUT LOG
B
A. Pull, gaining depth and distance with drop step
B. Hug LOS, throw head, shoulders, and hip across FAR-4 hip.
C. Drive through hip, do not cut too low. Aiming point is between hip and upper thigh area trying to get
backside hip across defender's outside hip
 COMBO BLOCKS
SLAM (Inside Zone) – Used when outside blocker is covered and the inside blocker has a man in his
uncovered zone and a LB in his covered zone. Each blocker is responsible for ½ of DL. The idea is that
both OL will double team DL, with emphasis on sealing him off from POA. Each blocker will stay on
B B
block until they see how the DL and LB are reacting. The individual mechanics are no different from a
down or a base block. Both will take a lead PS step aiming for the near number of the DL, engage and drive
away from POA. Important thing is for the uncovered OL to watch the LB in his covered blocking zone.
Observe the “rotation” of the SLAM block that will seal off the POA. Notice the importance of the inside
OL blocking through his uncovered zone. In the 2nd dia. The 4 tech DT stunts into the gap. By advancing
to the 2nd level through his UC zone, the inside blocker creates an incidental SLAM and helps the outside
blocker neutralize the stunt.

B B

STRETCH (Backside Technique, Outside Zone and Stretch Plays)

The idea is to get the inside (scoop) blocker to overtake the block while the OL nearest to the POA, releases
to the 2nd level. Unlike the SLAM, both OL try to hit the same aim point, the PS number. The scoop man
must hit the aim point in such a way that the DL cannot release inside and get across his face. So initially,
the scoop blocker must maintain an outside shade position and then work across to the PS number. The B B
outside blocker is there to halt penetration so the scoop man can overtake. His primary role is to get to the
2nd level.

Observe the different paths the scoop blocker can take. In the first dia. the scoop blocker will end up taking
over the block as the outside blocker gets to 2nd level, while in the 2nd dia. the outside blocker is engaged
because the DL stunted outside while the scoop blocker can either hook around to B or cut straight upfield.
Again, if the DL were to anchor in the gap, it becomes an easy block for the scoop man to overtake.
 PASS PROTECTION NOTES

1. Unless it's an aggressive pass let the Rusher make the first commitment. Be patient.
2. In preparation to meet the opponents charge, keep the center of your body square, directly between the Rusher and Passer if the Rusher is
head up.
3. You must follow any commitment you make by immediately fighting to regain fundamental position.
4. Keep the opponent from getting into your body and forcing you into an upright position. Upright you lose the ability to control your man.
If unable to get away from Rusher, give ground grudgingly and you work your body down low again into good fundamental position.
5. It is better to give up ground (keeping position) than to over-commit and loose your man too quickly.
6. According to present rules you must keep your hands within the framework of the opponent's body, arms extended and palms up. Force
yourself to practice this way.
7. Keep your lames bent and head back - this prevents Ws you from overextending.
8. Always slide your feet quickly, use replacement steps to regain position. The more your feet at in contact with the ground, the faster you
are able to push off the ground when reacting to your man.
9. If your opponent tries to pull or jerk you, maintain leverage with your hands hitting up through his breast pads before he grabs hold of
you, then sink and get your head back.
10. If no rusher comes and you are a "free, get depth to pick up a delayed Rusher or help pick up an escaping Rusher.
11. When picking up an escaping Rusher - stick him' Let him know he's been hit.
12. Play hard until you hear the whistle. Stay after your man. Always finish up.
13. Carry out your assignment alone. Never be dependent on a free man to pick up your man. Block your assignment.
14. When blocking a linebacker or deep back blitzing, remember they are usually smaller and more active than a big Lineman. They will
almost invariably by to juke or out-maneuver you rather than allow you to lake them on. Keep this fundamental difference in mind as you
block them.
15. Never lose your poise if you break down once. Analyze your technique and that of your opponent and correct your error. (Example: did
I keep my eyes open? Was my head up? Did I bend at the knees? What did he do to cause the breakdown?)
PASS PROTECTION SCHEMES
IV. O-Line Strategy
 Formation Scheme
R-L BASE FORMATION, 2 BACKS 2 RECVRS
RAG - LACE BASE TWINS FORMATION (TWINS TO WEAK SIDE)
RIO – LEO TRIPS FORMATION (2 FLANKER’S ALIGNED TO STRONG SIDE (SAME TAGS AS OTHERS))
RAM – LION 3 WR SET (2 SPLIT ENDS 1 FLANKER ALIGNED BETWEEN PRO AND WING)
ROPE – LOT 4 WR SET (TRIPS TO STRENGTH, SE TO WEAK SIDE)
RIGHT-LEFT SPREAD FORMATION, 4 WR (2 SE, 1 TWINS ALIGN, 1 PRO ALIGN)
BUNCH 3 WR SET ALIGNED IN TRIANGLE TO WEAK WITH Y ALIGNED TO STRENGTH
BIG 2 TE FORMATION WITH FLANKER ALIGNED TO STRENGTH
WING 2 TE FORMATION WITH WING ALIGNED TO STRENGTH
All tags involve either moving the 4 back to the assigned spot, or substituting in a receiver for the 4. Calls with two Tags in the call, except
if one is FAR-4 or NEAR-4, will create a single back set with a re-align of the 3 or a substitution. Any of these formations can be run in
GUN formation by shifting QB to 3 spot and align the backs in NEAR-4 and/or FAR-4 The formation call would be BASE FORMATION,
“GUN”, ALIGN TAG

X T G C G T Y
TWINS SLOT
QB
WING PRO Z

FAR-4 3 NEAR-4

2
 Play Series Numbering
10 Series QB Runs and Draws 500 / 600 5 Step Passes

20 Series 2 Back Running Plays (TB) 700 / 800 Rollout / Dash Passes

30 Series 3 Back Running Plays (FB) 900 / 000 Boot Passes

40 Series 4 Back Running Plays (Near/Far)

100 / 200 Play Action Passes Receivers are numbered 1 through x starting
from the sideline in. We have call side receivers
300 / 400 3 Step Passes and backside receivers.

R 26 Power

100 series through 000 are all passing plays. The 2nd number tells the #1 WR his route, the 3rd the route #2

RAG `654 is the 5 step drop back pass with #1 running a hitch and #2 running an out

R 224 CROSS PIVOT is play-action fake the 24 and #1 running a cross and #2 running a pivot
We can also combine certain routes into packages to make play calling easier
 R
X T G C G T Y

QB
TWINS SLOT WING PRO Z

FAR-4 3 NEAR-4

L
Y T G C G T X

QB
Z PRO WING SLOT TWINS

NEAR-4 3 FAR-4

2
 RAG
X T G C G T Y

Z SLOT QB WING PRO

In RAG TWINS the Z

moves to the 3
SLOT alignment and the FAR-4 NEAR-4
A receiver lines up in the
Z position (the TWINS
alignment)

LACE
Y T G C G T X

PRO WING QB SLOT Z

NEAR-4 3 FAR-4

2
 RIO
A T G C G T Y

TWINS SLOT QB WING X Z

FAR-4 NEAR-4

LEO

Y T G C G T A

Z X WING QB SLOT TWINS

NEAR-4 FAR-4

2
 RAM
Z T G C G T X

TWINS SLOT QB WING Y PRO

NEAR-4 3 FAR-4

LION
X T G C G T Z

PRO Y WING QB SLOT TWINS

FAR-4 3 NEAR-4

2
 ROPE
X T G C G T Z

QB Y A
PRO WING

FAR-4 NEAR-4

LOT
Z T G C G T X

A Y QB
WING PRO

NEAR-4 FAR-4

2
 RIGHT
X T G C G T Z

A QB SLOT Y
WING

FAR-4 NEAR-4

LEFT
Z T G C G T X

Y SLOT QB A
WING

NEAR-4 FAR-4

2
 BUNCH RIGHT
Y Y T G C G T Z

QB A X

BUNCH LEFT

Z T G C G T Y Y

X A QB

2
 BIG R
Y T G C G T Y

TWINS SLOT QB WING PRO

3 2

BIGL
Y T G C G T Y

PRO WING QB SLOT TWINS

2 3

2
 WING R
Y T G C G T Y

PRO SLOT QB X TWINS

FAR-4 3 NEAR-4

WING L
Y T G C G T Y

TWINS X QB SLOT PRO

NEAR-4 3 FAR-4

2
Defensive Fronts
Defensive Fronts
 Blocking Calls – Combo.
2 or more adjacent offensive lineman working together on a defensive lineman, on level one to a linebacker inside of POA on level two.
Usually between an uncovered OL and a covered OL working to a LB within their blocking zone. The aiming point and the
direction to scoop will rotate depends on the POA.

Slug Swap Scoop Single Double Triple

Y T G C G T Y

Solid Heavy
Trip
Trio

SLAM DOUBLE STRETCH DOUBLE STRETCH DOUBLE

(INSIDE ZONE. T is Covered) (OUTSIDE ZONE. RB has ILB) (T is Covered but G takes over block) Heavy
B B B B B B B

SLAM DOUBLE Trio w/ SLAM TRIPLE

(G is Covered here)
Trip w/ SLAM SINGLE Playside (E is Covered, T helps and gets to LB)
B B B B B B
 Blocking Calls - Fold

Eat Tag Gas Lt. Gas Rt. Tag Eat

Y T G C G T Y

Tae Gat Sag Lt. Sag Rt. Gat Tae

The naming scheme indicates who the two OL’s involved in the Fold and who is Pin Blocking and who is the Folder.
The first and last letters are the indicators. The first letter indicates who the Fold blocker is and the last indicates the Pin
blocker. In the case of gas and Sag, we tag the call with a left or a right to tell which guard the center will be working
with.
1.S is the Center
2.G is the Guard
3.T is the tackle
4.E is the End

B B B B B

C G T E
G T G T

Gas Rt (BSG and C) Tae TAG OUT Call

Gat Tag
 Blocking Calls – Additional
Trap 3 Call Trap 5 Call
G Scheme

B B B

Trap - Rack
Toe It TAE w/ Step It (RB must block ILB)

B B B
B B

Power Seal
GB Sweep B
B
 Block Strategy Notes
5 or 6 Zone Run •UC man always makes block calls for scheme to be used with covered teammate. C will make block calls that involve the entire OL
•Scoop on a particular play.
•Double •If you are covered and do not hear a call relating to you, then you are 1 on 1 with your assignment (no help or switch).
•TAG •Covered OL is responsible DL in covered zone, and will most likely be his assignment. Only assignment switch calls like FOLD
•Single blocks, or group schemes like TRAP-RACK might relieve you from blocking the covering DL.
7 or 8 Zone Run •While executing any pulling, folding or trapping, make sure vacated zone is covered by another blocker. Can be another OL or a
•Stretch Double back.
•Stretch Scoop
•TAE (only vs. 4 tech)
•EAT
W S Solid to BS
PSG AND PSE Covered
•Heavy
C - SINGLE to PSG on 1 Tech
We block SOLID to BS E T T E M T - TRIPLE to PSE on 5 Tech
Potential Block Calls
•UC Center
•Single w/ PS G
•Scoop w BS G
•GAS Rt. w/ BS G
•GAS Lt. w/ PS G
•Makes all scheme calls
that involve entire OL
blocking in a predefined
manner.
•UC Guard
•Double w/ T W M C C makes TRAP – RACK call
•Step It This tells both G to trap the next man gap
•TRAP-RACK w/ BS G over and also alerts BS G he will be taking
(mostly a C call) E T T E S DL covering him in his zone (A gap). Also
•Single w/ C alerts PST that he must influence block DE
•Pull in POWER SEAL then release to the outside to get strong CB.
•TAG w/ T BST is covering area vacated by trapping
•UC Tackle BSG.
•SLAM w/ PS E covered in
C gap
•EAT call same as above
•UC End
•TAE call w/ T (only if T is
covered by a 4 tech)
 Block Scheme Examples 6 Zone Run vs. 4-3.
VS. OVER VS. BEAR
W S M S/S

E M T T E W E T T S E

G WILL CLARIFY WITH RB AS TO WHICH LB’S THEY WILL

THE Y IS COVERED INSIDE SO HE MUST BLOCK THE S ON THE
BLOCK. NORMALLY THE G OS RESPONSIBLE FOR 1ST ILB
LOS. THE RB MUST KNOW THAT THE E IS HIS RESPONSIBILITY
PLAYSIDE. IN MOST CASES A FAKE TO THE LEAD BACK WILL
CARRY HIM TO POA AND LOOK FOR 1ST ILB BACKSIDE.

IN MOST CASES, WE WOULD LIKE THE RB TO BLOCK THE EMOL

PLAYSIDE. THIS WILL FREE UP THE INTERIOR LINEMEN TO
VS. EAGLE ATTACK WITH COMBO BLOCKS AND GET TO 2ND LEVEL.

W M HOWEVER, IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROVIDE DIFFERENT LOOKS,

SO MAKE SURE THAT WE CHANGE OUR CALLS TO ALLOW THE
Y TO BLOCK EMOL AND THE RB TO ATTACK A C GAP
DEFENDER OR A LB.

E T T E S

THE Y IS COVERED INSIDE SO HE WOULD NORMALLY BLOCK E.

HOWEVER THE UC T MADE AN EAT CALL TO SWITCH ASSIGNMENTS
AND ALLOW THE TE TO FOLD UP TO 2ND LEVEL. UC T COULD HAVE
ALSO CALLED FOR A SLAM TRIPLE. S WILL BE HANDLED BY THE
LEAD RB. G IS COV INSIDE AND WILL STAY ON A GAP DL
 Zone Blocking Notes
I. ZONE BLOCKING PRINCIPLES

Power Zone blocking is between two offensive linemen responsible for blocking two defenders in a certain area towards the
point of attack The purpose of using the Power Zone Blocking Scheme is to stop penetration, create movement on the first
level and also seal off the onside LB’er. All power 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 the 1st level, 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 the
1st level before coming off for the linebacker. Both Stretch Double and Slam techniques can be used.

A. INSIDE BLOCKER: (Offensive linemen covered by a linebacker or uncovered.) Take a short lateral step with playside
foot aiming for a point between his sternum and playside number. We refer to this as a half bucket step. As the inside blocker
takes his half bucket step it is important to read the movement of the defensive man on outside blocker. lf the defenders
NEAR hip is coming toward you, explode up under the defenders chin making sure to stop penetration. Upon making
contact, whip your hands and move your feet like pistons working to get movement up the field. lf the defender has locked on
or is widening with the outside blocker, punch and push off the defender and explode to the 2nd level to block the playside
breast of the LB’er. NOTE: As you take the HALF BUCKET STEP to read the hip aligned on the outside blocker, use a split
eye on the linebacker over you as he may be playing under your block. If this is the situation, immediately explode back on
the LB’er blocking him in the numbers.

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 the 1st level. lf the defender is aligned on the outside eye or shoulder, half bucket step with playside
foot aiming for point between his sternum and playside number. lf the defender is aligned head-up step with playside foot-
this is a short 6 inch lateral step aiming for a point between the sternum and playside number. If he is aligned inside eye, he
will replacement step with playside foot aiming the nose of the headgear to block the playside number of the defender. If the
defender loops out or locks on, we want the outside blocker to maintain contact — once you feel contact from the inside
blocker now you can look for the scrapping linebacker on level 2. lf the defender aligned on you slants inside — punch
and push off the defender and explode to 2nd level to block the onside LB’er. Block the LB'er by exploding up through his
numbers using. a good drive block technique. Do not allow linebacker to cross your face.
 INSIDE ZONE: OFFENSIVE LINE BLOCKING RULES

C responsibility # 0 0
OG’s responsibility # 1
OT’s responsibility # 2 3 2 1 1 2 3
Y & H responsibility # 3
C
WT WG SG ST Y

2. DETERMINE WHETHER YOU ARE COVERED OR UNCOVERED: (covered means a defender is on the LOS on any part
of your body! If there is a question, clarify with blocking call)_.
•If you are UNCOVERED – ZONE WITH YOUR TEAMMATE TO PLAYSIDE.
•If you are COVERED, look at your backside teammate
•If backside teammate is UNCOVERED, zone with him (he will combo with you to LB)
•If backside teammate is COVERED, man block (no help from him)

In the example above, since Center is uncovered he ZONES with RG. Since RG is covered & inside teammate (Center) is
uncovered by a DLM - he knows he will zone with Center.

IMPORTANCE OF PRESNAP LOOK AND UNDERSTANDING TECHNIQUE OF DEFENDER:

A CRUCIAL phase of teaching zone blocking is for the uncovered man to know the TECHNIQUE of the DLM on his covered
playside teammate (covered man can use CALLS to indicate this).
EXAMPLE (I'm the RG & uncovered): If my P/S teammate has a man on his INSIDE SHOULDER - it is 90% certain that I will
END up on him. If there is a man HEAD UP on him - it is 50% (or better) that I will END up on him. If there is a man on his
OUTSIDE SHOULDER - odds are only about 10% that I might END up on him. (NOTE: "END UP" meaning that the other man
comes off on LB).

Back To Index
 INSIDE ZONE: OFFENSIVE LINE TECHNIQUE COACHING POINTS

UNCOVERED O-LINEMAN: (Responsibility is for inside half of down lineman over playside team mate). Take a lead step playside
(roughly 45 degree angle) and catch up with your covered teammate. As you work through your playside gap, READ THE NEAR
KNEE of the down lineman on him
•if the NEAR-4 knee comes towards you block his inside number & fit him up sliding in the direction he is going (keep eyes on
Lb'er in case he comes inside)
•if NEAR-4 knee doesn’t come towards you work up onto LB'er. 3 situations can occur (see COVERED MAN).

COVERED MAN: (Responsibility is for outside half of down lineman IF inside team mate is uncovered). 1st step is a lead step with
your outside foot eyeballing outside number of down lineman on you – 2nd step with inside foot thru crotch of opponent. You must
think man block and only go to LBer when wiped off by uncovered teammate. Three situations usually occur:
1. Down lineman is in an outside shade & stretches outside– you stay on him and uncovered teammate works through to LB'er.
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 onto the LBber.
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.

LINEMEN NOT ZONING USE “DRIVE” (MAN) BLOCKS. Don’t worry as much about getting position on defender as you do
about blow delivery and finishing your block. When coming off the ball, guide with your eyes (aim with your face), which will take you
to the aiming point or landmark, the defender's playside #.
1. Your first step is a short directional step and you throw your arms out of the socket (wind up MUCH farther than “shooting
from the holster”).
2. On the second step, your power foot must be on the ground and you arm thrust (100% blow delivery) with your fists into the
defender's short ribs (below the pads), tucking your tail and “lifting him out of his socks”. DON'T put your face or shoulder in,
because you will be overextended and your head will be down.

Back To Index
 FS
INSIDE ZONE Strong

CB
LB CB
LB LB

RB Read 2
RB Read 1

DE DT NG DT DE

H C
WT WG SG ST Y

QB Z

Formation Notes:
Motion Z strong for same presnap look as Inside- 4
Outside Zone Weak. Can also align 3 to strong
side and motion Z weak for the backside seal
block.
Can align 3 as weak side TE to get a better Back To Index
blocking angle on the backside seal block
 FS
OUTSIDE ZONE Strong

CB
LB CB
LB LB

RB Read 2 RB Read 1

DE DT NG DT DE

H C
WT WG SG ST Y

Z QB Z

3
Coaching Notes:
Can use WR motion from either side to overload
and get two playside double teams on LOS. 4
Can align 3 as weak side TE to give him a better
blocking angle on back side DE (allows less
penetration before engaging block), though this
block is probably less essential than on inside
Back To Index
zone.
 INSIDE/OUTSIDE ZONE: MISCELLANEOUS NOTES: GAMEPLANNING
INSIDE ZONE = not as good vs. a gapping & penetrating defense
OUTSIDE ZONE = not as good vs a quick team that reads & flows well.
THEREFORE - feature Outside Zone in situation A), & INSIDE ZONE in situation B)!

INSIDE ZONE TO "WIDE" SIDE VS "REDUCED" SIDE OF DEFENSE

•WIDE side of defense = “B” gap defended by a LB
•REDUCED side of defense = “B” gap defended by DLM (down lineman)

Through scouting reports, identify which will be the "wide" side of the defense and which will be the "reduced" side ( most teams are "wide"
on the split end side & "reduced" on the tight end side). Most coaches i believe in (joe bugel; alex gibbs; just to name a few) do not prefer to
run the inside zone to the "reduction” side (B gap defended by DLM, for example a 3 technique) because you will likely end up cutting it
back inside the 3 technique to a tilted or shaded nose side WITH a LB filling between the shaded nose & the 3 (very tight quarters)! In the
Riggin’s years, Joe Bugle addressed this by “TAG” blocking (T & G FOLD) when he ran to the reduction side.

Assuming we are in 2 TE/2 WR personnel & they have "7 in the box" - Prefer to run it to the side where we have a numerical advantage (3
man side rather than 4 man side). If they have 4 men in the box to both sides of the ball (low S/S PROBABLY on reduction side) - it is better
to shade side than reduction side BECAUSE we should get three initial double teams, which results in a LOT of movement off the ball! This is
particularly true vs. the Va Tech style 4-4 defense. If you use a 2 te/2 wr/1 rb set (like the Indy Colts) quite often you can get in behind three
double team blocks (TE & OT from the 7 to Will; OG & C from the 2i to Mike; & off OG & OT from 3 to Sam) and the RB can really cram
the B gap for positive yardage rather than worrying about cutting it back.…Remember -the best cut is no cut!!!!!

OUTSIDE ZONE TO "WIDE" SIDE VS "REDUCED" SIDE OF DEFENSE

On the outside zone, you can run it to the "red" (3 technique side) or "white" (b gap defended by lb). You may have to get into some pulling
schemes like folding the on t & on g on the "red" side or pulling both the on t & on g around on the "white" side (like the Indy Colts). If you
do this (pull; fold), the outside zone to the "red" side becomes a hell of an off tackle play & will cram the C gap; the outside zone to the
"white" side should "circle the defense"!!!.

COUNTER COMPLIMENTS INSIDE ZONE:

The BEAUTY of the Redskins' famous "Counter" was that it was originally a complimentary play to the Inside Zone. If the Inside Zone was
best AWAY from the shade of the Nose (4 man side) - the Counter was equally good to EITHER side. The Counter is taught to LOOK LIKE
THE INSIDE ZONE: QB's steps on Counter Left are IDENTICAL to Inside Zone Right. RB's first step on Counter Left is IDENTICAL to
Inside Zone Right. These were important C.P.'s in the Riggins years! One of the 1st things to package with the Inside Zone was the Counter
away. We would look to run the Inside Zone to the 1 tech and the Counter to the 3 tech. When we ran the inside zone at the 1, we would have
the backside combo on the 3 look like the Counter. If we had a hard time cutting off the 3 with the BST then we would know to use more
counter because the DT is chasing the play and will help create a huge hole when we run the counter to him.
 INSIDE/OUTSIDE ZONE: MISCELLANEOUS NOTES:

RUNNING INSIDE ZONE FROM 2 TE FORMATION: Remember this when running the Inside Zone with 2 TE personnel in the game.
The THEORY of the play was to run it away from the shade or control of the Nose, since it was almost impossible to control the offset nose
with the Center (4 of the front 7 defenders will be on the side of the shaded Nose - FORCING a cutback). Thus, it is best run as a
DIRECTIONAL - seeking to run to the side of the defense which has 3 men. If you are in 2 TE's & 2 WR's, and the defense is in a 2 safety
deep shell - SOMEONE may has 2 gap responsibility. Use that to your advantage.

PLAYSIDE 0/SHADE (1 TECHNIQUE): I would have the guard tighten down his splits to 6-12" and coach him to stop the 0/shade's
penetration with a quick, firm shot before he goes on to zone with PS OT (if DE is in a 5 tech OG will usually end up on LB anyway, so this is
just a slight hesitation). If OG uses shoulder or forearm, he MIGHT get tied up with him.

NOTE: RB can deepen because with a shaded Nose - he will CUTBACK!!!!! We like to "fold" (2 men) a lot on the zone. Against. the look
you mentioned (run to weak side, 5, 1, 3 & 7 techs) we like to fold the Center & On Guard. That threw the ON OT into MAN on the 5
technique (On OG block down on Nose; Center fold on LB; On OT man 5 tech).

PLAYSIDE 3 TECHNIQUE: If we absolutely have to run the inside zone to the 3 technique side, we ”TAG" (play side OT & OG fold)
quite a bit: (PS OT down block DT, OS OG fold around PS OT onto LB, TE base reach technique on DE, Center cut off Mike LB). Vs. a 3
tech & Center uncovered - Center can still zone towards the 3 technique, but will usually end up working up on "Mike". Same as RG & RT vs
"3-4" with DE in 5 technique (ON G & ON T still zone - but it usually ends up man with ON G on ILB & ON T on DE). The zone steps
widen the defense regardless if you get the double team or not.

DISADVANTAGES OF ZONE RUNNING GAME:

in answer to the question about "disadvantages of the system" - i would say that two men working together in zone blocking (or for that matter
in counter/power blocking) must get to know each other's every move very well, & it will take time.