Was watching some video of todays practice and it is clear that we will still be using the inside and outside zone play (which excites me!). So how do i know this you might ask. I know this from watching the running backs...yep the running backs. If you can watch vid from today of their individual work watch their first step....its a big ol side step...its call a zone step. I can't wait to see what we can do if we run the zone AGGRESIVELY like it is suppose to be run!!!!
Offensive Line Tech. - Observation
- Thread starter gvilleBAMA
- Start date
as I said earlier, I'll make a post on the last few days and my observations from the coaching clinic. The only times the RBs will be making a big ol side step is if the play is a misdirection.
I worked specifically with Coach Burns and the first step he is teaching is a small one (like 6 inches) to the side to simply open up the hips. The next step is a step towards the tackle.
Trust me, he said verbatim: "a big first step leads to an awkward second step and that's not what I want." He did say most of them were taking too big of a step, and were standing straight up when doing so....something else he doesn't want.
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I should of just said side step, because it is not huge, but with the way they came stright through after the hand off it was a zone step. The whole purpose of the zone step is two fold. (1) it caused miss direction...if the RB steps right then the play will most likely go left. (2) for timing. Seeing the vids of the RB's today reminds me of 2005 when we installed the zone at the highschool I coach at. We did the same drill and our line was aggresive and our running back ended up with 2,300 yds and 36TD and the only loss in our classification came in the State Championship game.
When you run stright down style (RB runs to such and such hole) blocking you don't side step..you go and hit the hole. The only exception to this is the counter play. Saban ran the zone at LSU and at Miami, and Major Applewhite ran the spread in college and as a OC last year which is build upon zone blocking.
If you have a rivals sub. watch todays video...first is the rbs and then oline...their first step is a diag. step to the right a zone step...this really excites me because they are coming off the line hard and low...really killing the blocking dummy. Its is so much more aggresive then what Connell was teaching last year.
Just looking to fill in gaps in my education here....
We've been talking about RBs, but there is some mention of the O-line's footwork as well.
How does the much-maligned bucket step in the Connelly scheme differ from the zone step / side step being discussed here?
We've been talking about RBs, but there is some mention of the O-line's footwork as well.
How does the much-maligned bucket step in the Connelly scheme differ from the zone step / side step being discussed here?
There is NOTHING wrong with the Inside or Outside Zone plays. Nearly every football team in the country, from HS on up, uses ZONE blocking on the backside of the play. Over half the teams use the O/S Zone, it is the easiest of the two to teach.
BTW, a flat step by a RB does NOT mean Zone blocking up front. Many teams flat step on the Power play to give the backside guard time to pull and get up on the LB. Backs also flat, or slide, step when a playside guard pulls like on the old FB Belly Cross Block.
Inside zone blocking is designed to use the movement of the defense against them as the running back finds the crease in the defense. Inside zone plays are usually called to the guard or tackle holes, they can break open anywhere from tight end to tight end, depending on the defense. They can bounce outside or wind ALL the way to the backside.
Inside zone blocking rules allow linemen to use the movement and attack angles of the defenders against them. Whichever way the defender chooses to go, he is sealed off and the running back is prepared to cut off the block. Running backs are taught to attack the line-of-scrimmage before cutting on inside zone plays (press the heals of the OL). This gives the blocks the needed time to develop. The rule for the back is that his feet must replace the feet of the lineman before he can cut. Many backs cut too soon and screw up the OL chances of getting a LB.
Inside zone blocking rules are keyed by whether a lineman is covered or uncovered. A covered lineman (one who has a defensive lineman aligned across from him) will execute a "stretch base" technique (sometimes called a "zone step"). This means he will take a short stretch step to the play side and attempt to control the playside shoulder of the d-lineman. The purpose of the stretch step is to invite movement by the d-lineman, then immediately engage him.
Uncovered linemen (no d-lineman across from them) execute a "stretch double" (some call it a "bucket step") technique (some coaches teach the uncovered OL to actually step back, I do NOT; I HATE THIS! Many teams have been successfull doing it this way, however). Stretch double also calls for a stretch step to playside. The uncovered lineman then attacks the backside shoulder of the same d-lineman, creating double teams on most of the defensive linemen.
In executing the stretch double technique, the uncovered lineman assists the covered lineman to the playside; i.e., if a center and playside tackle are covered, the playside guard executes the stretch double with the tackle, NOT the center. If side-by-side linemen are both covered, the playside lineman is "on his own," and executes a stretch base block without double team help.
When executing the double team, both linemen follow what some coaches call a four hands-four eyes technique. This means they have four hands on the defensive lineman and four eyes on the linebacker in the area (their zone- which is where the name of the blocking comes from). When that linebacker commits to attacking the LOS one of the linemen chips off the double team and blocks him. The other lineman must be in position by then to take over the block on the lineman by himself. The linebacker is technically the responsibility of the uncovered lineman, but in practice either lineman can chip off and take the linebacker, depending on their position. Many linemen try to get a LB to soon. The death of the play is when two OL chip off for a LB and leave a DL unblocked. Remember this, unblocked LBs make tackles; unblocked DLs make fumbles. Many good LBs will run themselves out of the play if the OL gets movement on the DL and the RB cuts properly.
The goal of the stretch and stretch double is to create a cutback lane for the running back. When executed correctly, the "stretched" defender has moved in the direction of the call, and the stretch double prevents him from reaching a running back that has "cut back" against the flow of the play. If the double team can prevent the down lineman from making the tackle, and the "chip off" block prevents the playside linebacker from doing the same, the play can quickly get into the secondary.
The beauty of zone blocking is that the defense can pick its poison. Which ever way they choose to attack or stunt, the linemen (if they have perfected the zone blocking teamwork) can account for them. And the running back is trained to watch this block develop and cut off of it, no matter which direction the defenders are moved.
:BigA: :BigA: :BigA: :BigA:
BTW, a flat step by a RB does NOT mean Zone blocking up front. Many teams flat step on the Power play to give the backside guard time to pull and get up on the LB. Backs also flat, or slide, step when a playside guard pulls like on the old FB Belly Cross Block.
Inside zone blocking is designed to use the movement of the defense against them as the running back finds the crease in the defense. Inside zone plays are usually called to the guard or tackle holes, they can break open anywhere from tight end to tight end, depending on the defense. They can bounce outside or wind ALL the way to the backside.
Inside zone blocking rules allow linemen to use the movement and attack angles of the defenders against them. Whichever way the defender chooses to go, he is sealed off and the running back is prepared to cut off the block. Running backs are taught to attack the line-of-scrimmage before cutting on inside zone plays (press the heals of the OL). This gives the blocks the needed time to develop. The rule for the back is that his feet must replace the feet of the lineman before he can cut. Many backs cut too soon and screw up the OL chances of getting a LB.
Inside zone blocking rules are keyed by whether a lineman is covered or uncovered. A covered lineman (one who has a defensive lineman aligned across from him) will execute a "stretch base" technique (sometimes called a "zone step"). This means he will take a short stretch step to the play side and attempt to control the playside shoulder of the d-lineman. The purpose of the stretch step is to invite movement by the d-lineman, then immediately engage him.
Uncovered linemen (no d-lineman across from them) execute a "stretch double" (some call it a "bucket step") technique (some coaches teach the uncovered OL to actually step back, I do NOT; I HATE THIS! Many teams have been successfull doing it this way, however). Stretch double also calls for a stretch step to playside. The uncovered lineman then attacks the backside shoulder of the same d-lineman, creating double teams on most of the defensive linemen.
In executing the stretch double technique, the uncovered lineman assists the covered lineman to the playside; i.e., if a center and playside tackle are covered, the playside guard executes the stretch double with the tackle, NOT the center. If side-by-side linemen are both covered, the playside lineman is "on his own," and executes a stretch base block without double team help.
When executing the double team, both linemen follow what some coaches call a four hands-four eyes technique. This means they have four hands on the defensive lineman and four eyes on the linebacker in the area (their zone- which is where the name of the blocking comes from). When that linebacker commits to attacking the LOS one of the linemen chips off the double team and blocks him. The other lineman must be in position by then to take over the block on the lineman by himself. The linebacker is technically the responsibility of the uncovered lineman, but in practice either lineman can chip off and take the linebacker, depending on their position. Many linemen try to get a LB to soon. The death of the play is when two OL chip off for a LB and leave a DL unblocked. Remember this, unblocked LBs make tackles; unblocked DLs make fumbles. Many good LBs will run themselves out of the play if the OL gets movement on the DL and the RB cuts properly.
The goal of the stretch and stretch double is to create a cutback lane for the running back. When executed correctly, the "stretched" defender has moved in the direction of the call, and the stretch double prevents him from reaching a running back that has "cut back" against the flow of the play. If the double team can prevent the down lineman from making the tackle, and the "chip off" block prevents the playside linebacker from doing the same, the play can quickly get into the secondary.
The beauty of zone blocking is that the defense can pick its poison. Which ever way they choose to attack or stunt, the linemen (if they have perfected the zone blocking teamwork) can account for them. And the running back is trained to watch this block develop and cut off of it, no matter which direction the defenders are moved.
:BigA: :BigA: :BigA: :BigA:
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Great post FreeBro...you explained everything much better than i could have. We installed the zone play in '05, but i coach WR, so while I know the basics of how the blocking works I don't have that indepth of an understanding.
Outstanding post FreeBro!
It is important for everyone to remember Coach Connely's technique was passive and unorthodox when it comes to power running. Most teams are trying to move the line of scrimmage down field with power run plays, especially out of a three point stance. Defenses learned to attack the line of scrimmage against us because they knew they had a good chance of penetrating and disrupting plays.
The fundamentals of blocking are the same, regardless of scheme- stay low and underneath the defender (keep hips low), engage your defender in the athletic position and push his butt down field.
It is important for everyone to remember Coach Connely's technique was passive and unorthodox when it comes to power running. Most teams are trying to move the line of scrimmage down field with power run plays, especially out of a three point stance. Defenses learned to attack the line of scrimmage against us because they knew they had a good chance of penetrating and disrupting plays.
The fundamentals of blocking are the same, regardless of scheme- stay low and underneath the defender (keep hips low), engage your defender in the athletic position and push his butt down field.
Thanks!
You bring up a very good point that I did NOT mention and that is penetration. When I was first learning the zone scheme I went ALL over the place and visited with some top-notch HS, college and pro coaches (Russ Grimm is a genius). They all agreed on one very important point; an attacking defense that gets penetration is nearly impossible to zone (especially the I/S Zone). There has to be a clutter free area where the OL's feet use to be or the RB does not have a clean area to cut. If the defense can make the RB cut early (too deep in the backfield) then the I/S Zone becomes tackling practice for the LBs.
Great observation! The paragraph that I highlighted is offensive line play at its basic best. If the Tide OL can do that consistently we will enjoy ourselves this Fall. I am going to put that on my office wall, do you mind?Thanks again,:BigA: :BigA: :BigA: :BigA:
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Awesome discussion here. This thread was a pleasure to read. Freebro, a couple of questions if you dont mind. If a defense gets too aggressive and creates the penetration you talked about, wouldnt that be a good time to start mixing in some trap plays to keep them honest? Is there a way to pull a guard or tackle and have everyone else stay with their zone blocking, or does it mess up the assignments? Also, how does the zone scheme account for a NT that is dominating the center? Is the scheme flexible enough to give the center help? I noticed you said the guard will go with the tackle in the stretch double (If I read that correctly), can that be altered to give the center some help?
You are absolutely correct, in my opinion, regarding the trapping of an aggressive DL. Remember when Nebraska trapped & suckered Sapp all the way to Osborne's first NC?
We do NOT or have we or I run any plays that are trap and zone mix, but that does not mean they do not or cannot exist. Remember what I said, nearly every team in the world uses zone schemes on the backside of many plays.
Your question about the center is best answered this way: unless you have two offensive linemen covered by defensive linemen side-by-side, then every DL will be potentially double teamed (an aggressive LB can caused a double team to be aborted. In the scenario that you are talking about the center will be helped by the backside guard.
Some of you guys my age might remember the old scoop technique used by triple option teams back in the 70s & 80s; well, that kind of what the Inside Zone scheme is all the way across the OL.
Some coaches say to their OL: "You two have these two," others say, "You five have these five."
The entire OL steps in unison and this stretches the defense. If the RG & RT have the DT they will block him until the LB scrapes or steps up into their zone. If the LB steps up outside the DT then the OT will take him; if the LB steps up inside the DT then the OG will get him.
The same rules and techniques apply to the center and the backside guard. Sometimes the center and the playside guard are working together, it depends on what the defense is lined up in up front. If there is a defensive lineman on the playside guard and the playside tackle then the tackle is on his own and the guard will work/combo with the center.
I am not a zone scheme guru, but I hope I explained it OK.:BigA: :BigA: :BigA: :BigA:
FreeBro - EXCELLENT posts. You explained so well I think now is the time for me to return to my "this is a guy thing; this is greek; my mind is such a muddle" stance and just enjoy listening to you guys talk! Besides, when I'm watching the game I never "see it" in schemes! I just do not know how! But I'm very glad ya'll do! 
:BigA:
:BigA:This is an excellent thread. Does the technique change any when the defense goes with three down linemen? Does one of the O-lineman pick up primary responsibility for a linebacker on the play side in that formation? Also, is it useful to lead with a fullback or does that just clog up the cut back running lanes for the ball carrier?
No, not really, the rules on the I/S Zone are pretty consistent which is the reason so many teams run the zone scheme.
Against a three man front (which probably means no TE) with a defender over each tackle and one over the center (NG) the rules would stay the same. The guard and tackle on the playside would double team the man over the tackle and one would/could chip off to the LB (Depending on what the LB does); the center and backside guard would double team the NG with one chipping off to a LB; the backside tackle would step through the gap between him and the backside guard looking for a penetrator, if one does not show he will pick up a LB and wall him off for the RB to wind the ball all the way back if the defense over reacts to the ball. The backside down lineman is left unblocked; if he starts running the play down then you would run some kind of bootleg pass. BTW, this is the reason teams started running the read play out of the gun. The QB will read the backside defenesive lineman, if he runs upfield he gives it to the RB and if he flys down the line to catch the RB, the QB pulls the ball replaces the backside defensive lineman.
It is good stuff, but in my opinion you need to be strong up front and you cannot have your lineman going both ways. They have to really practice stepping off together over and over again; they also have to practice getting a feel for one another so they do not leave defensive lineman unblocked and they pick up scrapping LBs. This is why mostly bigger HS teams run the play.:BigA: :BigA: :BigA: :BigA:
One last question, and thanks for taking the time to answer these by the way.
How does the zone blocking scheme change in goal line situations? Is it even used, or do you have to go to a more man approach due to the increased number of DL in a goal line defense?
How does the zone blocking scheme change in goal line situations? Is it even used, or do you have to go to a more man approach due to the increased number of DL in a goal line defense?
Important point to remember is that if the defensive front covers ALL the offensive lineman then it becomes man blocking.
For instance, if the right guard and right tackle are covered then the right tackle has his man by himself. Now, if the center is uncovered then the right guard would get help from the center.
Personally, I would NOT call a zone play on the goal line. The best thing to do if you are going to run the ball versus a GL defense is to line up and knock them out of the back of the endzone and use a lead blocker (or two). Now, that is good football (better than really cold draft beer).:BigA: :BigA: :BigA: :BigA:
great thread! thanks freebo et al. speaking of russ grimm, does anyone think we have the athletes (meaning, lg, and andre in shape) to run a mean counter trey like jacoby and grimm back in the day?
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