AMHERST STEELE
Implementing the
Inside Zone Running Game
“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 Coach
The 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 the inside zone
for each position.
4. Review our teaching progression and installation plan.
5. Show video cuts illustrating our variations of the play.
The Zone Play
•
•
•
•
•
•
105 carries for 738 yards
20% of our offense attempts in 2004
7.0 yards per carry
63% efficient (+4) yards
Zero Lost Yardage Plays
6 TD’s
How we switched to the
Zone Running Game
• Discovered we had a problem against odd fronts
2003 Run Efficiency vs. Even Fronts
opponent(8-3) 71%
opponent(1-9) 67%
opponent(4-6) 62%
opponent(3-7) 62%
opponent(6-4) 58%
2003 Run Efficiency vs. Odd Fronts
opponent(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.
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
• Decided what our philosophy would be
2004 Offense
• 1. Attitude - We will attack with a punishing
running game that destroys the defensive line.
• 2. We will use spread formations to open up the
run & pass.
• 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
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
• Decided what our philosophy would be
• Decided to change to zone
• Researched the zone run game
Why we use zone run
• Can be run versus any defensive alignment.
• Minimizes effectiveness of a defense that moves by
slanting and angling.
• Allows emphasis on the aggressive and intense execution
of fundamentals and techniques.
• Allows us to block the line of scrimmage, deny
penetration, and secure movement by using doubleteam combination schemes. Distorts and displaces the
defensive front.
Why we use zone run
• Can be used in a variety of personnel groups:
•
Tight End/Split End
•
Two Back-Two Receiver/Two
Back-Three Receiver
•
One Back
•
Shotgun Spread
• Allows for personnel match-ups in game plan.
Why we use zone run
• Run game allows toughness to permeate
the team.
• High percentage passing game can be built
off the run.
• Provides split end and tight end attack. Do
not need separate schemes for tight side or
split side.
Why we use zone run
• Simple scheme-allows players to be aggressive.
• Many different looks by using the same scheme
allows for many repetitions for linemen and backs.
• Do not have to be overpowering to have success.
• Limits the blitz.
• Wears down the opponent.
Basic Philosophy of the play:
• Deny penetration and take care of level one.
• Ideally we will block the DL into the LB.
• Worst Case scenario is a stalemate.
The primary objectives of the play are:
• To secure movement along the line of scrimmage
while accounting for blitzes, stunts, slants, and
stems.
• To create running lanes for the running back by
distorting and displacing the defense.
• To block zone to call allowing for a double team
along the line of scrimmage.
• To force the defense to guess where the ball is
going to be run, while forcing them to be wrong.
INSIDE ZONE
FUNDAMENTALS &
TECHNIQUES
Our Teaching Progression
• Gap responsibility
Gap Responsibility
TE
T
G
C
Play Direction
G
T
TE
Our Teaching Progression
• Gap responsibility
• Defensive Technique Identification
Defensive Technique
Identification
2
3
2
2
1
3
1
3
1 = inside technique
2=head up technique
3 = outside technique
0
1
L
2
R1
2
2
3 1
3
1
3
Center has 0 head up,
Right & Left
Our Teaching Progression
• Gap responsibility
• Defensive Technique Identification
• Landmarks & Technique against different
alignments
DL Outside Technique (3)
12
Step at 45 degrees with
The outside foot at the
DL’s outside #.
Most likely he is outside
Gap responsible, so we
Want a hat on his outside #.
Play Direction
DL Head Up Technique(2)
12
Step is straight ahead with the
Outside foot at the outside #.
The DL has a 2-way go, but the
OL is outside gap responsible.
If he comes outside the OL will
Still have outside leverage.
If he goes inside, it is not the OL’s
Gap responsibility. He will punch
& go to level 2.
Play Direction
DL Inside Technique (1)
(Uncovered Pry Technique)
12
Play Direction
Come off the ball with the
Inside foot to the outside #
Landmark. Do not allow
Penetration.
One hand punch until help
From the inside gets there.
This DL technique rarely
Will come across to the
Outside gap, so OL will
Be working up to level 2.
Our Teaching Progression
• Gap responsibility
• Defensive Technique Identification
• Landmarks & Technique against different
alignments
• Combinations
Frontside Combo Calls
• Call by the Guard for the Center to
combo with him. Made if there is a 2 or
1.
• Call by the Tackle for the Guard to
combo with him. Only vs. 50 (2 or 3)
• Call by the Tight End for the Tackle to
combo with him. Vs. 2 or 3.
Backside Combo Calls
• Call between C & BSG to give BSG
help on the shade(1 technique)
• Call between BSG & BST
• Call between BST & BSTE (if there is a
TE backside only)
Combo Calls
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (LZW) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
“Tackle”
Play Direction
“Center”
“Tackle”
Combo Calls
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (LZW) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
“Tackle”
Play Direction
“Center”
“Tackle”
Combo Calls
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (LZW) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
“Guard”
Play Direction
“Guard”
“Tackle”
Combo Blocks
12
Landmark inside hip
Landmark outside #
Combo Blocks
12
Landmark inside hip
Landmark outside #
Backside Scoop Technique
Punch to buy time &
Get off to gap responsibility
12
Scoop & get head
In front to prevent
Penetration.
Play Direction
Uncovered Backside Tackle
(No Call from BSG) = Sift Tech.
Step with near foot to
Stop penetration, then
Block most dangerous
Man in your area
DE moves away from play.
LB becomes most dangerous.
Play Direction
Uncovered Backside Tackle
(No Call from BSG) = Sift Tech.
Step with near foot to
Stop penetration, then
Block most dangerous
Man in your area
DE slants to play.
DE becomes most dangerous.
Play Direction
TB Coaching Points
• No parameters except 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.
• Where the back goes after that is up to him.
If you need to be coached a lot,you are not a
TB! (YOU MUST HAVE VISION!)
• Goal is 3.5 yards minimum every play.
TB Reads
Read the outside hip of the first
Covered lineman playside.
React to what he does. In this example
Cut inside.
TB Reads
Jump Cut Drill
TB Footwork Drill
Purpose: Teach the back to
Make a quick lateral move
(simulate cut behind OL) and
Then burst.
Can vary direction after lateral
Move. Coach can stand at top
Of drill and point, or have a
Player simulate an LB. Other
Variations are to add yards after
Contact moves.
Inside Zone
Press the Line Drill
Qu i c k Ti m e ™ a n d a
TIF F (L Z W) d e c o m p re s s o r
a re n e e d e d t o s e e th i s p i c tu re .
Inside Zone
Press the Line Drill
Qu i c k Ti m e ™ a n d a
TIF F (L Z W) d e c o m p re s s o r
a re n e e d e d t o s e e th i s p i c tu re .
QB Coaching Points
• Open at 5 O’clock (7 O’clock to the left).
• QB’s job is to get the ball to the TB as
deep as possible.
• QB is always the adjuster
.
QB Footwork/technique:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Open at 5
Extend the ball
Give
Gather
Depth Step(5-1/2 to 6 yards deep)
Naked
Block the DE(get eyes around and be able to
tell what he is doing on every play.)
Gun QB Read Drill
QB reads shoulders of DE
Shoulders upfield, end across-give to TB
Gun QB Read Drill
QB reads shoulders of DE
Shoulders turn, end down line-pull and keep
Receiver Blocking
• Playside - Block Man On. Drive him out of
bounds. 2 safety look block near safety.
• 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 back.
Installation of Play
• 1. Introduce in meeting.
• 2. Drill techniques for play
• 3. 1st Group Run & Team periods we will
go against a head up technique that tries to
come straight across. OL will not come off
of double team yet. They will attempt to
drive DL into LB.
Installation of the Play
• 4. 1st group & team period it will be the TB’s job to beat
the LB’s. OL will not come off of combo. TB must press
the line, move the LB and make his read/cut. He should
rip through the hip socket of any LB attacking him. We
tell the pad holders to give the TB a shot.
• 5. Now we teach a head-up that moves. One OL will now
take the block over and the other step off to level 2 LB.
We still want them working the block up to level 2 and
stepping off when the LB is to them. We want 4 hands on
the DL and 4 eyes on the LB. We will put cones out to
indicate when they should step off to LB.
• 6. 2nd Day of Group and Team we will have the DL move
& we will step off to LB’s.
Inside Zone Plays in Our Offense
•
•
•
•
TB Zone to TE. FB blocks backside edge
TB Zone to TE. FB iso blocks FSLB
TB Zone to SE. FB blocks overhang
FB Zone to TE(can run to SE if OLB is
removed by alignment)
• QB Zone from gun with FB lead block
44/45 Zone
Assignment
Coaching Point
Coaching Point
Covered:
Make
PST
on abef
1 ore
technique
TE(Y)
Covered:
Makecall
callto
to PST
“Pry” on a“Pry”
1 technique
going
to before
Assignment
Coaching
Point
Uncovered: w ork your track to level 2level 2. PST call overrides your call.
TE Uncovered:
work your track to level 2
going
to level 2.Point
Assignment
Coaching
Covered:
Make Make
a call
to toPSG
and
to Point
level
2 if call.
Assignment
PST
call
overrides
your
PST
Covered:
a call
PSG
Pry and wPry
ork Coaching
to
levelwork
2 if uncovered
Make
call
to TE
Center
Call
from
PST-aim
for hip
of DL,
Uncovered:
Listen
for
TE
call
and no call
made.
Inside
call f rom
PSG
Assignment
Coaching
Point
Uncovered:
Listen
for
call
uncovered
and
no
call
made.
PST Covered:
overrides
your
call.
a call
to BSG
PSG
call-aim
fortech.
hip of
DL, Can
Uncovered:Make
Listen
for PST
call
onof
aDL1
Before
PSG Covered:
Inside
call
from
PSG
overrides
Call fromCan
TE-aimPry
for
hip
Make
a call
tocall
BST
C
call-aim
for
hip
of DL,
Can pry
Assignment
Coaching
Point
Uncovered:
Listen
from PSG
Pry
on
a shade
tech.
before
C Covered:
moving
PSG
Covered:
Makefor
call to
Center
Call fromyour
PST-aim
for
hip
of DL,
CanTE-aim
call.
Call
from
for hip
Uncovered:
for PST call
1on
tech.
ore
moving
ListenListen
for Center
call Pry on a Moving
a bef
3 tech.
before
moving to
BSG Uncovered:
to
level
2
of fDL
Covered:
Make Make
a call
to toTE
if you have
Sift:
track
C
Covered:
a call
BSG
PSG call-aim
or get
hip
ofon
DL,your
Can Pry
on and block
level
2.
Uncovered:
from PSG a shade tech. Coaching
before moving Point
Assignment
TE. NoListen
TE for
youcallare
on your
most
dangerous. BSG call-aim
BST a backside
BSG
Covered: Make a call to BST
C call-aim for hip of DL, Can pry on a 3
own. Uncovered:
Sift, listen for
for
hip of DL
Uncovered: Listen
ore moving.
Block backside
edge offforofCenter
BST.call tech. bef Listen
for BST callPoint
if in
Assignment
Coaching
BST callCovered: Make a “Tom” call if you
Sif t: get on your track and block most
BSG
slot position.
have a backside TE. No TE you are ondangerous.
FB
your
ow
n.
Uncovered:
Sif
t,
listen
f
or
BSG
call-aim
forpatient
hip of DL and let blocks develop.
Open-crossover-plant.
Get on track at
Be
Assignment
Coaching
Point
“George”
call
landmark(outside
hip
of
1st
If
the
LB’s
press,
push helmet to
TB your
FB
Block backside edge of f of BST.
Listen f or BST call if in slot position.
As s ignm e nt
X/Z
Stalk
on playside/Cross
on and
Double
safety
look-block
safety
covered
OL). ContinueField
on path
covered
lineman’s
outside
leg.
HB
Open-crossover-plant. Get on track atBe patient and let blocks develop. If
backside.
“feel” the
rest.
Chase
leg
if no color shows.
your
landmark(outside hip of 1st
the LB’s press,
puch the
helmet
to covered
covered OL). Continue on path and lineman’s outside leg. Chase the leg if
Assignment
Coaching
Point
Cut
if LB’s
get
“feel”
the rest.
no color show
s. back
Cut back
if LB’s
get over top.
over top.
QB
Open
to 5
o’clock.
Gather,Field
getondepthDouble saf
Eye
up the backside
DE.
Z
Stalk
on playside/Cross
ety look-block
safety
backside.
and naked
fake after hand-off.
He is your man.
X
QB
Stalk on playside/Cross Field on
Double saf ety look-block safety
backside.
Open to 5 o’clock. Gather, get depth Eye up the backside DE. He is your
and naked f ake af ter hand-of f.
man.
44 Zone vs. 5-2
Pro Ace vs. 5-2
FS
SS
B
C
E
T
B
N
T
E
C
X
F
"g uar d"
"g uar d"
H
Z
44 Zone vs. 4-4
FS
C
B
B
E
B
T
T
center
tackle
F
H
B
E
C
44 Zone vs. 4-3
Of f Pro vs. 4-3
FS
SS
B
C
B
B
C
E
T
T
tackle
g uard
F
H
E
45 Zone Lead vs. 5-2
Pro Ace vs. 5-2
FS
SS
B
C
E
T
B
N
T
E
C
X
F
g uard
g uard
H
TE
Z
45 Zone Lead vs. 4-3
Of f Pro vs. 4-3
FS
SS
B
C
B
B
C
E
T
T
Center
F
H
E
45 Zone Lead vs. 4-4
FS
Pro vs. 4-4
C
B
B
E
B
T
T
Center
F
H
B
E
Tackle
C
RESULTS - Run Efficiency Improved in Almost Every Game
2003
71%L
67%W
62%W
62%W
58%W
53%W
50%L
44%W
38%W
33%L
2004
67%W
86%W
68%W
56%W
60%W
78%W
58%W
55%W
73%W
47%L
Improvement
-4%
+19%
+6%
-6%
+2%
+25%
+8%
+11%
+35%
+14%
Avg. 10 Games +11.0% per game
Keith Grabowski
School (440)988-4433
keith_grabowski@amherst.k12.oh.us
Mini-camp:
June 2-4
Camp:
July 25-28