“The Zone Running Game”

“The Zone Running Game”Keith Grabowski

[email protected]

(440)930-7461

DEFIANCE COLLEGE COACHES CLINIC

“The problem with many of us is simply this….we like this, we like that….

we go to clinics, we talk to coaches….Ultimately, though, we fail to recognize that

successful offenses are ‘packaged.’ I don’t care if you run wishbone, the wing-t, or the I.

YOU MUST HAVE A SYSTEM.Ask yourself this question:DO I HAVE A SYSTEM…

OR JUST A COLLECTION OF PLAYS?”

Jerry Hanlon, Former Offensive Line CoachThe University of Michigan

Presentation Goals:

1. Share how we went from a collection of plays to a system

and the results of our efforts.

2. Communicate what we believe to be the keys to a successful zone run game.

3. Identify and illustrate the fundamentals of our zone plays for each position.

4. Show video cuts illustrating our variations of the play.

Our Zone Running Game :

• 3 Distinct Zone Plays:

• Inside Zone - Read the 1st Covered Down Lineman.

• Outside Zone (OZ) - Read the End Man on the Line of Scrimmage

• Stretch - Read Force Player-Get it Outside!

Difference in Zone, OZ & Stretch Aim Points & Primary Reads: ZONE

Aim Point on Zone is hip of the 1st covered offensive lineman past the Center. A shade does not count.

Note: We adjusted this in 2006 – play numbering would tell TB where we wanted him to read.

Read is the block on the first Down Lineman(DLM).

Difference in Zone, OZ & Stretch Aim Points & Primary Reads: OZ

Aim Point is inside foot of the TE or ghost TE

Read is the block on the End Man on the Lin of Scrimmage(EMOL).

Difference in Zone, OZ & Stretch Aim Points & Primary Reads: STRETCH

Aim Point on Stretch is 1 yard deep by 3 yards outside a TE or “ghost” TE.

Read is the block on force defender:He can be outside and off the LOS, coming from the alley, coming from the corner, or up on the LOS. He can be blocked by FB or WR.

How we switched to theZone Running Game

• Discovered we had a problem against odd fronts

2003 Run Efficiency vs. Even Frontsopponent(8-3) 71%opponent(1-9) 67%opponent(4-6) 62%opponent(3-7) 62%opponent(6-4) 58%

2003 Run Efficiency vs. Odd Frontsopponent(0-10) 53%opponent(7-4) 50%opponent(7-3) 44%opponent(2-8) 38%opponent(15-0) 33%

How we switched to the Zone Running Game

• Discovered we had a problem against odd fronts• Went back and studied ourselves versus the top

tier of the conference 2000-2003

Opponent Study 2000-2003

• Record 1-7 versus opponents studied

• 40% run efficient

• 3.44 yards per carry

• Only 8 total +12 yard runs in 8 games

• 32 different run calls used

• Could not identify a “base offense” from what was called

How we switched to the Zone Running Game

• Discovered we had a problem against odd fronts• Went back and studied ourselves versus the top

tier of the conference 2000-2003• Started with some questions

Conclusions about our run game(‘03):

• We have become scheme heavy while sacrificing being fundamentally sound

• Our schemes do not provide us with a sequence of problems for a defense.

• There is not a logical progression for us. When one scheme does not work we just try something else.

• We cannot effectively practice all of the schemes we have.

Conclusions about our run game(‘03):

• Our man scheme blocking causes our lineman to become tentative if the defense presents a new look or movement.

• We must simplify our offense by cutting down our schemes, but make it appear more complicated to the defense by presenting more looks(formations, shifts, motion).

• What we have been using has not allowed us success against the top tier of our conference.

2004-2006 Offense• 1. Attitude - We will attack with a punishing

running game that destroys the defensive line.• 2. We will use spread formations &

compressed formations to open up the run & pass. (Expand & Contract)

• 3. We will use a base offense week after week.• 4. We will adjust with formations, not by adding

new plays.• 5. We will take advantage of our abilities with

personnel packages.

The Stretch Play 2004-2005

• 178 carries for 1,840 yards

• 21% of our offense attempts in 2004-2005


• 73% efficient (+4) yards

• 53 explosives(+12 yard runs)

• 17 TD’s

The Stretch Play 2006

• 68 carries for 409 yards• 11% of our offense attempts in 2006• 6.0 yards per carry• 62% efficient (+4) yards• 12 explosives(+12 yard runs)• 4 TD’s• Starting TE injured for 6 games/FB was converted TB-175 LBS• Needed to be creative with how we blocked the edge.• Still a good play for us. Became better as the game wore on.

Primary Objectives of the Stretch Play

• To get the entire backfield and line on a wide “railroad” track

• To force the defense to stretch quickly.

• To beat them to the corner with a show of force.

• to cut up in a lane they open by pursuing incorrectly.

• Linemen think overtake & flat course to LB

Worst Case Scenario:All linemen running parallel with the line of scrimmage

Cut-up lanes will open for the Back.

Our Teaching Progression

• Gap responsibility

Gap Responsibility

TETGCGTTE

Play Direction

Click Here to Return To DirectoryOL Menu

Our Teaching Progression

• Gap responsibility

• Technique versus different alignments

Outside Technique

12

Play Direction

Both Linemen step laterally

The outside OL is going at the outside bicep; inside OL is going at inside #/sternum.If the inside # disappears, the inside OL should stay flat and climb to level 2. He should NOT climb straight upfield


Outside Technique

12

Play Direction

Coaching Points:OL going to 2nd level should flatten and let the LB come to him. NEVER turn back on zone plays.

He should stay on his tracks and continue on past level 2 to the safety.

When blocking a LB he should try to run him over. At the very worst he will get in the way.


Head-up Technique

12

Play Direction

OL should know the % of him coming inside is now greater.

Outside OL will step with outside foot and punch with inside hand.

Inside OL aims for inside # landmark. He should attempt to overtake.

Lineman who comes off should come off flat and let LB come to him.


Inside Technique(uncovered)

12

Play Direction

This is not the outside OL’s gap responsibility.

Outside OL will step with outside foot and punch with inside hand to help stop penetration. He should get the 2nd step down quickly.

He should attempt to overtake the next adjacent DL or flatten and let the LB come to him.


12

movement by DL to inside


12

Drill outside technique; movement by DL to outside


FB Blocking TE Side

Stretch to the perimeter for 7 yards. Maintain outside leverage.When he attacks, block his outside half.

- Phase 1 Drill

FB Menu Click Here to Return To Directory

FB Blocking TE Side - Phase 2 Drill

Stretch to the perimeter for 7 yards. Fight for outside leverage.Continue stretching until you get to the numbers, then kick out.

Click Here to Return To Directory

FB Menu

FB Blocking TE Side - Force shows immediately. Phase 3 Drill

Arc to begin stretch to perimeter. Attempt to pin him in, but kick out if you must.


FB Menu

No force in alley-FB can chip the edgeUntil force shows.

Split End Stretch

FB TECHNIQUESE STRETCH


FB Menu

Phase 4: StretchSet-up perimeter block drill

Get on the FB’sInside hip

Keep inside hip relationshipTo set up hook block. When FB blocks outside half, make move.


TB Menu

Phase 4: StretchSet-up perimeter block drill

Get on the FB’sInside hip

Keep inside hip relationshipTo set up hook block. If defender comes across hardLet FB kick out, make move N/S and get back outside.


TB Menu

Stretch: Climb the Levels Drill

Open Crossover at land mark 3x1 off TE


TB Menu

As TB approaches 1st defender(cone or bag) he should dip his inside shoulder to simulate a cut up & accelerate. Continue dipping and climbing the levels at each cone or bag. Cut up after last cone.

Stretch TB Coaching Points• Distinct Read especially on down & distance situations(know

how much you need)• 1st step is open and 2nd is at landmark. Get Shoulders

pointed to sideline. Make the LB’s move.• You will have a primary read and adjustments to what

happens on your track• Track adjustment: you read the blockers numbers and

opposite color is showing outside-cut up.• Unblocked opposite color flashes on your track-cut up.• Goal is to get to the perimeter quickly(climb your track) and

take advantage of improper pursuit.• Dip your shoulder inside to set up your blocks.• If you cut up, get back outside after the cut.

Click Here to Return To DirectoryTB Tech. Menu

Primary TB Read: Force

Get on your path and read the block on the force player. Keep climbing on your track to the outside!


Tailback 6 Second Rule-Stretch

• Identify your Read: Force player.• Based on his alignment how quickly will he

force?• Check alignment of DE on TE. Potential

problem or adjustment?


Tailback Climbing Levels on StretchIn this example the TB has 3 blockers on the edge.

His progression should be to read each as he stays on his track toward sideline.

1st blocker gets the outside half of defender =Stay on track, eyes to next block outside. To make blockers commit, dip your inside shoulder.This will help your blocker get outside leverage.

Click Here to Return To Directory Slide 2 of 4TB Tech. Menu

Tailback Climbing Levels on Stretch

2nd blocker gets the outside half of defender =Stay on track, eyes to next block outside.

Click Here to Return To DirectoryTB Tech. Menu Slide 3 of 4

3rd blocker fights to get the outside half of defender =Stay on track and continue to run towards sideline.If you are gaining ground do not cut up because pursuit from the inside will get you. The result is +12 yards.

Tailback Climbing Levels on Stretch


88

Stretch Reads and Adjustments: Blockers on your path

On your path, you see the TE’s numbers facing you.

Opposite Color shows on his outside half.

Cut up North-South

Get back outside & read force


Tailback Stretch Reads: As you are on your track you read your blockers numbers.

If opposite color is showing on the blockers outside half, this means the defender has aggressively run out and upfield.


Tailback Stretch Reads: As you are on your track you read your blockers numbers.

If opposite color is showing on the blockers outside half, this means the defender has aggressively run out and upfield.

Your cut should be up and then back outside.


Stretch Reads and Adjustments: Unblocked defender on your path.

Unblocked Opposite Color flashes in your path.

Immediately cut North & South and get yards.

If you get into open space, look to get back outside


Tailback Stretch Reads:

As you are on your track opposite color jersey flashes in your path.



As you are on your track opposite color jersey flashes in your path.

You must plant and cut N-S to get yards.

Your cut may bring you back into open field.



As you are on your track opposite color jersey flashes in your path.You must plant and cut N-S to get yards.




As you are on your track opposite color jersey flashes in your path.You must plant and cut N-S to get yards.

Now get back outside away from pursuit.


Sprint to Mesh Point- Phase 1

QB will open at 4 o’clock(8 o’clock)Fully extend ball and reach to the cone.He will sprint through the mesh point.

Emphasis is opening correctly and sprinting the ball back.


QB Menu


QB will open at 4 o’clock(8 o’clock)Fully extend ball and reach to the cone.He will sprint to the mesh point(6 quick steps).

Gather his feet and ball himself up.Emphasis on getting his feet gathered and balling up.C.P. Balling up makes QB look the same whether he has ball or not.

Click Here to Return To DirectoryQB Menu


QB will open at 8 o’clock(4 o’clock)Fully extend ball and reach to the cone.He will sprint to the mesh point.Gather his feet and ball himself up.Fake Hand-off and get depth step, natural arc to bootleg.

C.P. Snap head and shoulders after depth stepArc should be deep enough to escape end, but not waste energy by getting too much depth.


QB Menu

Boot- Phase 4

QB will open at 8 o’clock(4 o’clock)

He will sprint with the ball extended for 4 steps.

There WILL NOT be a mesh with the TB. The ball extended and the action of the TB should move LBs.Depth should be to about 6-1/2 yards, just short of the original alignment of TB.


QB Menu

Receiver Blocking

• Playside - Block Man On. Drive him out of bounds.

• Backside - Block Near Safety.

• Maintain blocks until whistle.

• WR Blocks turn a big gain into a TD.

• Backside block is just as important; play may cut up.


Rec. Menu

Receiver Blocking

Not This!

Receiver needs to gain leverage and “dig him out”

Angle & # of steps depends on depth and distance(applies to both stalk & crack blocks)

Never allow this path by the defender!

Make him bubble around

WR

Rec. Menu


Phase 5: Stretch - One backSet-up perimeter block drill(with WR)

SS

Also Drill Two-back & Stalk CB Rec. MenuClick Here to Return To Directory

Slide 1 of 2

Phase 5: Stretch - One backSet-up perimeter block drill(with WR)

SS

Also Drill Two-back & Stalk CB Rec. MenuClick Here to Return To Directory

Slide 2 of 2

48 Stretch

Click Here to Return To DirectoryStretch Menu

Possible crack or other blocking adjustment playside by game planPossible crack or other blocking adjustment playside by game planBlock outside half of force defender with inside half of your body. Try to maintain outside leverage. If he flows outside, drive him out of bounds.Bongo technique to SE side.

Eye up the backside DE. He is your man. Gun-read DE, if he close down line pull & keep around end.

Open and get on track(outside of TE/ghost TE). Block force defender. To SE side block overhang player. (see HB assignment for 38 Stretch)

Sift: get on your track and block most dangerous.George-aim for hip of DL

Charlie-aim for hip of DL, Can punch on a 3 tech. before moving.Covered: Make a “George” callUncovered: Listen for “Charlie” callAce-aim for hip of DL, Can Punch on a shade tech. before moving Covered: Make a “Charlie” callUncovered: Listen for “Ace” callDuece-aim for hip of DL, Can Punch on a 1 tech. before moving Punch and work to level 2 if uncovered and no call made. “Ace” overrides “Duece”Trey-aim for hip of DL

Covered: Make a “Ace” callUncovered: Listen for “Double” callCovered: Make a “Tom” call if you have a backside TE. No TE you are on your own. Uncovered: Sift, listen for “George” call

“Punch” on a 1 technique before going to level 2. “Duece” call overrides your “Trey” call.

Open to 4 o’clock. Sprint ball to TB, gather get depth and naked fake after hand-off.

Stalk on playside/Cross Field on backside.Stalk on playside/Cross Field on backside.Open-2nd step get on track at your landmark(2 yards outside TE/ghost TE). Stay on path until 4 yard crease opens or a wrong colored jersey shows. Cut Nort & South.

Covered: Make a “Duece” callUncovered: Listen for “Triple” callCovered: Make “Trey” callUncovered: work your track to level 2QBXZHBFBLTLGCRGRTTE(Y)Coaching PointAssignment

49 Rules

X

E N TRW M

Y

S

C

F

C

H

FS

Z

SS

48 Stretch (TE Side) vs. 5-2


Diagrams Menu


E T T

B B B

E

C

F

C

H

B

FS

acegeorge

Pro vs. 4-4


Diagrams Menu


E T T

B B B

E

C

F

C

H

SSFS On Pro vs. 4-3

treyacegeorge


Diagrams Menu


E N

BB B B

E

C

F

C

H

B

FS

charlie duece

Float to On Pro vs. 3-3

49 Stretch (SE Side) vs. 5-2

XT N TE

B B

E

C

F

C

H

SS

Z

FS

Off Pro vs. 5-2

tomcharlie

bongo


E T T

B B B

E

C

F

C

H

B

FS

acegeorge

Pro vs. 4-4


Diagrams Menu


X

B

N

B

E

B B

EC

F

C

H

B

Z

FS

Off Pro vs. 3-3

tomcharlieduece


Diagrams Menu

The Zone Play 2004-2005


• 20% of our offense attempts in 2004-5



• Zero Lost Yardage Plays

• 12 TD’s

The Zone Play 2006


• 23% of our offense attempts in 2006



• 21 Explosives(+12)

• 13 TD’s

Gap Responsibility

TETGCGTTE

Play Direction


OL Tech. Menu

DL Outside Technique (3)

12

Play Direction

Step at 45 degrees withThe outside foot at theDL’s outside #.

Most likely he is outsideGap responsible, so weWant a hat on his outside #.


OL Tech. Menu

DL Head Up Technique(2)

12

Step is straight ahead with theOutside foot at the outside #.

The DL has a 2-way go, but theOL is outside gap responsible.

If he comes outside the OL will Still have outside leverage.

If he goes inside, it is not the OL’sGap responsibility. He will punch& go to level 2.

Play DirectionClick Here to Return To Directory

OL Tech. Menu

DL Inside Technique (1)(Uncovered Pry Technique)

12

Come off the ball with theInside foot to the outside #Landmark. Do not allowPenetration.

One hand punch until help From the inside gets there.

Play Direction

This DL technique rarelyWill come across to the Outside gap, so OL willBe working up to level 2.


OL Tech. Menu

Frontside Combo Calls• “Ace” Call by the Guard for the Center

to combo with him. Made if there is a 2 or 1.

• “Double” Call by the Tackle for the Guard to combo with him. Only vs. 50 (2 or 3)

• “Triple”Call by the Tight End for the Tackle to combo with him. Vs. 2 or 3.


OL Tech. Menu

Backside Combo Calls

• “Charlie” Call between C & BSG to give BSG help on the shade(1 technique)

• “George” Call between BSG & BST

• “Tom” Call between BST & BSTE (if there is a TE backside only)


OL Tech. Menu

Combo Calls

Play Direction

“Triple”“Ace”“George”


OL Tech. MenuSlide 1 of 3

Combo Calls

Play Direction

“Triple”“Ace”“George”



Combo Calls

Play Direction

“Triple”“Double”“Charlie”



Combo Blocks

Landmark outside #Landmark inside hip

12



Combo Blocks

Landmark outside #Landmark inside hip

12



Backside Scoop Technique

12

Play Direction

Punch to buy time &Get off to gap responsibility

Scoop & get headIn front to preventPenetration.

Dip& rip, grab grass get the shoulder underneath. The T is trying to scoop him or drive him down the line if he can not get him scooped. The guard takes a short step but does not get too occupied with 3 technique. Worst case scenario should be a stalemate.


OL Tech. Menu

Uncovered Backside Tackle(No George Call from BSG) = Sift Tech.

Step with near foot toStop penetration, thenBlock most dangerous Man in your area

DE moves away from play.

LB becomes most dangerous.



Uncovered Backside Tackle(No George Call from BSG) = Sift Tech.

Step with near foot toStop penetration, thenBlock most dangerous Man in your area

DE slants to play.

DE becomes most dangerous.



Zone TB Coaching Points

• Distinct Read especially on down & distance situations(know how much you need)

• 1st step is open and 2nd is at landmark. Get Shoulders pointed to sideline. Make the LB’s move.

• You will have a primary and secondary read.• Goal is 3.5 yards minimum every play. • Adjust aim point based on Front or Hole

called.


Tailback 6 Second Rule-Zone• Identify your Read: 1st DLM past C(shade

does not count).• Identify the LB you need to move.• Identify your secondary read-the next

inside DLM from your primary.• Identify alignment of End-inside of our last

lineman(OT or TE) realize that the play may come all the way out the backdoor.

TB Read Coaching Points

Unless your read pinches, your eyes should be going to your secondary read.


Primary TB Reads

Read the outside hip of the firstCovered lineman playside.

React to what he does. In this exampleCut inside.

Click Here to Return To Directory Slide 2 of 4TB IZ Tech. Menu

Secondary TB Reads


React to what he does. Once you see his movement outside, get eyes to next DLM inside.

In this example he is reached by the BSG, so cut up through playside A gap.

1 cut & get yards!


Secondary TB Reads


React to what he does. Once you see his movement outside, get eyes to next DLM inside.

In this example his movement takes him into the PS A gap, so cut up through backside A gap behind the BSG.

1 cut & get yards North & South!Click Here to Return To Directory Slide 4 of 4TB Tech. Menu

Jump Cut Drill


TB Footwork DrillPurpose: Teach the back to Make a quick lateral move(simulate cut behind OL) andThen burst.

Can vary direction after lateral Move. Coach can stand at top Of drill and point, or have aPlayer simulate an LB. Other Variations are to add yards after Contact moves.


Inside ZonePress the Line Drill


Slide 1 of 2TB Tech. Menu

Inside ZonePress the Line Drill


Slide 2 of 2TB Tech. Menu

TB Zone Reads:TB Aim Point & Primary Read is 1st Covered OL (#50).He sees #50 take drive his man out=eyes to secondary read, the next DLM inside.

LOS

Click Here to Return To DirectoryTB Tech. Menu 1 of 5

TB Zone Reads:TB Aim Point & Primary Read is 1st Covered OL (#50).He sees #50 take drive his man out=eyes to secondary read, the next DLM inside.C, BSG & BST wash their men past.TB Cut is behind the BST, inside the FB kickout.

LOS

TB Tech. MenuClick Here to Return To Directory 2 of 5

LOS

TB’s cut presses the LOS-his cut is on their side of the LOS.

TB Zone Reads:


LOS

TB makes one cut and gets North-South

TB Zone Reads:


LOS

Free Safety is the TB’s man to beat.

TB Zone Reads:


FB Zone Reads

The FB Zone is no different than the TB Zone as far as reads, but it will be quicker because of the FB distance from LOS.

Primary-1st Covered OL

Secondary Read-next inside DLM


Primary read-eyes to RT #65.


DT is flowing out and RT takes him that way.Eyes go to secondary read(Center #57)


Center cuts his man off, so running lane is straight through the A gap.


FB should get N-S and get yards!


Gain extra YAC by delivering a blow and falling forward when tackled.


OZ TB Coaching Points

• Distinct Read especially on down & distance situations(know how much you need)

• 1st step is open and 2nd is at landmark. Get Shoulders pointed to sideline. Make the LB’s move.

• You will have a primary and secondary read.• This play cuts up, not back!• This play is effective when the edge

defenders are flying out for stretch

Click Here to Return To DirectoryOZ Tech. Menu

Tailback 6 Second Rule-OZ• Identify your Read: EMOL• Identify the LB you need to move.• Identify your secondary read-the next

inside DLM from your primary.

OZ Tech. MenuClick Here to Return To Directory

Primary TB Reads

Read the outside hip of the end man on LOS playside.

React to what he does. In this exampleCut inside.

Click Here to Return To Directory Slide 1 of 6OZ Tech. Menu

Primary TB ReadsRead the outside hip of EMOLplayside.

React to what he does. In this example cut inside.


Primary TB ReadsAim at the inside foot of the TE and read his block.

React to what the defender over the TE does. In this example Cut it up the C Gap off of the TE’s kick out block.

Get North & South after your cut.


Primary TB Reads

Aim at the inside foot of the TE and read his block.

React to what the defender over the TE does. In this example get around the TE block and get upfield immediately. Force is being kicked out.

Force is the secondary read, but should not be a factor inside.



TB Secondary OZ ReadsAim at the inside foot of the TE and read his block.

React to what the defender over the TE does. In this case your eyes should take you to the next inside Down Lineman.

In this example Cut it up the C Gap off of the TE’s kick out block & inside Tackles reach block.



TB Secondary OZ ReadsAim at the inside foot of the TE and read his block.React to what the defender over the TE does. In this case your eyes should take you to the next inside Down Lineman.

In this example Cut it up the C Gap behind both kick-out blocks. Realize that the cut will be made N-S and not back. Movement of the defenders will go beyond the aimpoint. Backside is attempting to cut block so all pursuit is cut-off.


FB Blocking - OZ

Stretch to the perimeter for 7 yards. Kick Force Out!


FB Menu

TB Oz Reads:

*

Use the asterisk as a reference to where & how the cut is made.It is in the same spot on the field in every picture.

Get on track to aim point(inside foot of TE.)

LOS

OZ Tech. MenuClick Here to Return To Directory Slide 1 of 5

*

TB Oz Reads:Get on track to aim point(inside foot of TE.)

Press the line of scrimmage to get defensive movement and open a running lane.

LOS


*

LOS

TB Oz Reads:Get on track to aim point(inside foot of TE.)

Press the line of scrimmage to get defensive movement and open a running lane.

Using the asterisk as a reference point, while the cut takes the TB behind the BSG’s block, he actually is cutting over the original alignment of the TE.


*

LOS

THE TB’s cut is not back, it is North & South.TB Oz Reads:


The proper cut into the running lane leaves the TB one on one with the FS.

TB Oz Reads:


2003 2004 Improvement71%L 67%W -4%67%W 86%W +19%62%W 68%W +6%62%W 56%W -6%58%W 60%W +2%53%W 78%W +25%50%L 58%W +8%44%W 55%W +11%38%W 73%W +35%33%L 47%L +14%

Avg. 10 Games +11.0% per game

RESULTS 2004- Run Efficiency Improved in Almost Every Game

• Broke every school rushing category record in 2004. (records held since 1980’s)

• Then, broke them again in 2005.• County’s 1st back-to-back 2,000

yard rusher.• 2004-2006 Led the county in

rushing.• 2005 Ohio Div. I Rushing & Scoring

Leader• Soph. TB in 2006, 3rd best season

in school history - 1,300 yards

RESULTS 2004-2006

For a copy of this presentation:

[email protected]

Documents

“The Zone Running Game”