Zone Syuff

Saturday May 14, 2005 11:38 PM
kw
Member
Posts: 76
Joined: May 2005
Inside and Outside Zone Blocking

By Ken Wilmesherr
Zone is different than other offenses because unlike other offenses there
is no specific point of attack. Therefore, the whole defensive front is
stressed. Inside and outside zone is not a man blocking scheme, but
rather an area or zone blocking scheme. The zone play can break
anywhere. Therefore, it is imperative that all linemen know that all
blocking assignments are crucial. Stress to your players on inside zone
effective backside blocking provides cutback lanes for the ball carrier. On
inside zone there will be double teams where as outside zone there will
be no double teams.
Coaching points:
1) It is important that your linemen know how to line up.
2) Know the deference between being an uncovered and a covered
lineman.
3) Understand their blocking area or zone.
4) Know the landmarks and aiming points.
5) Understand the proper footwork between uncovered and covered
lineman.
Vertical and horizontal splits: the vertical splits on zone are what I call
loose, the down hand is on the insteps of the center. This will allow for at
least three steps in the ground before contact. Horizontal splits may vary
on the playside or call side and the backside of the play. The playside or
call side horizontal splits are two feet. Backside splits will very depending
on the down defenders alignment.
In the zone concept there are uncovered linemen and covered linemen,
in which the footwork varies. An uncovered lineman is defined as having
no defender aligned either head up or to the playside or call side gap on
the L.O.S.. A covered lineman is defined as having a defender aligned
head up or in the playside or call side gap on the L.O.S.
Each lineman is responsible for a certain zone or area, for example; the
backside tackles zone is from his nose to the backside guards playside or
call side shoulder. The backside guards zone is from his nose the centers
playside or call side shoulder and the centerâ€™s zone is from his nose
to the right guards playside or call side shoulder and so on. However, the
playside or call side tight endâ€™s zone is from his nose to the sideline.
When teaching the zone concept I use playside and backside co-op
blocks. Co-op blocks are defined as two or more adjacent linemen
working together on a down defender on level 1 and a LB on level 2. A
term I use is piggyback, which an uncovered lineman uses to handle
slants, stunts, and blitzes. The uncovered lineman will try to piggyback
the covered lineman on inside zone.
On inside zone uncovered lineman are reading the near hip and chasing
the far hip of the down defender. If the down defenders hip disappears
work to the second level defender. The landmark for an uncovered and
covered lineman is outside the bodyline of the 1st level or 2nd level
defender. The landmark for outside zone is the playside or call side
armpit. On the backside of zone I will also teach a cut and scramble
block. It is important not to have your lineman chase scrapping LBâ€™s
because the LB is usually replaced by a slanting lineman.
I keep the footwork simple (3types): 1st type (covered steps for a covered
lineman) the first step is a 6-inch lateral jab step. 2nd step is a vertical
step through the down defenders crotch. It is important the shoulders
stay square. The covered lineman can do one of two things with his
punch either one-arm bench or rip to rise. A great teaching tool for the
ripe to rise is the crowther progression (the flipper). Force the defensive
movement off the L.O.S. and keep eyes on the LB. 2nd type (uncovered
steps for uncovered lineman) 1st step is a bucket or drop step; the angle
of departure is 45 degrees. The angle of departure will not change, but
the depth of the bucket step will depend on the alignment of the down
defender. I explain to my players their hip should open at a 45-degree
angle to the sideline. I also talk in terms of losing to ground to gain
ground. The 2nd step is a vertical step through the defenders crotch. 3rd
type of footwork is for outside zone. On outside zone all linemen will take
uncovered steps. The 1st step is a bucket or drop step. Angle of
departure is at a 45-degree angle. The offensive lineman is trying to rip
the funnel on the bucket step. The funnel is the elbow, ribs, and armpit of
the defender. The entry level of the funnel is between the elbow and ribs,
the end of the funnel is the armpit. When ripping the funnel the lineman
needs to stay square. Ripping the funnel will disallow the defender to
hold. 2nd step is an outside reach step trying to step on the outside toes
of the defender.
I have my linemen make thin or thick calls on inside zone at the L.O.S.
These calls are determined by the LBâ€™s alignment. For example, if
the defensive structure is a 4-3, the center will make a defensive
recognition call to alert the entire line. The backside guard then makes a
co-op block call to alert the backside tackle. Thick call: the backside
tackle and guard are blocking the 2 or 3 to the Will LB, the Will is thick on
the 2 or 3 (the Will is stacked over the end or in c gap on the backside)
the guard will hang on the 1st level defender creating a double team until
the Will LB commits. Thin call: the Will LB is splitting the crotch or
stacked over the 2 or 3, the guard will make a thin call to alert the tackle
that he will not get much help on the 1st level defender. The footwork will
also change on a thin call; the guard will take uncovered steps.
Drills I use every day to work uncovered and covered steps for inside and
outside zone. 1st drill is the pipe drill. In this drill our offensive linemen
work on all their steps: inside and outside zone, down block, base block,
and pulling (5 minutes). 2nd drill (covered step) I have 6, 2-by-4â€™s 14
inches long. I place 6 linemen on a line. I place the boards next to their
right foot (inside zone to the right). Their foot should be in the middle of
the board. I will give them a snap count. From a three-point stance they
will take one-step a 6-inch lateral jab step over the board. Have them
hold their step to make sure they are not losing ground, look for balance,
and that they have their weight on their instep. Next you can have them
take two steps (through the crotch of the defender) and then three steps.
Next (uncovered step) I will place the boards at a 45-degree angle and
back this works on the bucket or drop step. Linemen will work on their
angle of departure with hips open at a 45-degree angle. Give a snap
count and from a three-point stance have your linemen take one step and
hold. Then two steps (through the crotch of the defender) and then three
steps. Look for balance distribution and weight on their insteps and not
the balls of their feet. The boards are used as a visual reference and
landmarks for footwork. This is a great off-season drill. You can also work
against air or shields depending on the day. If you have any questions
please e-mail me at kwilmesh@cox.net
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Sunday May 15, 2005 4:52 PM

Oneback
Senior Member
Posts: 1641
Joined: May 2004
KW, JC, etc - good discussion.
KW - your style of INSIDE zone blocking is interesting. It is quite a bit different

(but I am sure every bit as good) as the style I was taught by O-Line coaches
such as Joe Bugel, Jim Hanifan, Russ Grimm, Alex Gibbs, etc.
To begin with - we teach what has been referred to as "POWER ZONE" - much
more concerned with getting movement on the first level, than getting off on the
second level. Their IS a specific point of attack, and the RB has certain "reads"
that may make him hit elsewhere, but he MUST press the "P.O.A." BEFORE
determining that he will cut elswewhere!
I would like to give the definition of COVERED/UNCOVERED as used by the

coaches above:
"COVERED" = the alignment of a DLM head-up or on either shoulder of an OLM

on the LOS. Defender is usually in a 3 or 4 point stance.
"UNCOVERED" = Indicates the same as "covered" except the defender is off the
LOS by one or more yards. Defender is standing up.
THIS form of Inside Zone blocking doesn't assign areas as such. For example - if
you were to say that a man's "zone" (or area) is from his nose to the nose of his
playside teammate, the ON T could NEVER get the VITAL movement on a 4I
when zoning with an uncovered ON G.
The way these men teach it is to assign a MAN for each O-Lineman to block, & if
the O-Lineman is uncovered, he ZONES with his playside teammate. It is a
concept more of 2 men zoning 2 men RATHER than 2 men zoning an area (or 3
men zoning together). Of COURSE if the ON G & ON T were zone blocking - the
ON G ends up taking the B gap threat, while the ON T ends up taking the C gap
threat, but they are more concerned with what their MEN do. They step to specific
"LANDMARKS" on the DLM - it is not a step to a specific "zone" PER SE!
Take the example (once again) of the ON G & ON T zoning a 30 technique LB on

the ON G, & a 4I DT on the ON T: AIMING POINTS ARE THESE (if you want
"power zone" MOVEMENT on the DLM):
ON G = hip (some say helmet) of the 4I
ON T = outside # of 4I (which is NOT a step to an area, but rather to a MAN).
Assigning MEN is important, because on some defenses, 5 of your 7 men may be

MAN blocking (on the INSIDE ZONE). In the NFL playbooks of the MANY NFL
teams, it is written up this way.
BASE MEN:
Center = #0
G's = #1
T's = #2
TE's = #3
Now, if you are "UNCOVERED" - zone with playside teammate. Check the
following example (Tom Landry's "Pro 4-3):
----------0
3--2-1----1--2--3
O-O-O-C-O-O-O
Everyone here MAN blocks (accorfding to "COVERED/UNCOVERED" RULES)

EXCEPT Center (who is uncovered) & ON G (who is covered).
POSSIBLE ZONE BLOCKS WHICH OCCUR WHEN ONE OF THE PARTNERS

IS UNCOVERED & ZONES WITH HIS PLAYSIDE TEAMMATE ARE:
RUN BLOCKING CALLS (COVERED MAN MAKES ONLY IF NEEDED - CAN BE

BY RECOGNITION):
ZONE BLOCKING PLAYS:
1. ZONE BLOCK BETWEEN OFFSIDE H/Y AND T (T WOULD BE COVERED)

2. ZONE BLOCK BETWEEN OFFSIDE T AND G (T/UNCOVERED &
G/COVERED)
3. ZONE BLOCK BETWEEN OFFSIDE G & CTR (G/UNCOVERED &
C/COVERED)
4. ZONE BLOCK BETWEEN CTR & ONSIDE G (CTR/UNCOVERED &
G/COVERED).
5 ZONE BLOCK BETWEEN ON G & T (G/UNCOVERED & T/COVERED)
6. ZONE BLOCK BETWEEN ON T & H/Y (T/UNCOVERED & H/Y/COVERED)
7. 3 MAN ZONE BLOCK BETWEEN CTR-ON G - ON T. (USED ON INSIDE OR
OUTSIDE ZONE)
8. 3 MAN ZONE BLOCK BETWEEN ON G-ON T- ON H/Y. USED PRIMARILY
ON OUTSIDE ZONE
I'm sure one way is as good as the other. Football would be dull indeed if
everybody did the same thing. IF there were such a thing as "MAGICAL X's & O's"
- EVERYBODY would be using them.
-------------------------
Bill Mountjoy
Edited: Sunday May 15, 2005 at 7:20 PM by Oneback


kw
Member
Posts: 76
Joined: May 2005
Coach,
On inside zone I want to create double teams the only time we come off to the
second level is when the LB commits himself, no different. And we tell the RB to
press the hole, no different. The backs key is the first down linemen to the call
side. Backs aming point is the call hip of the call side guard. In fact the first two
days of spring camp and fall camp I have no second level defender. Because I
also want to get push on the down defender. Covered and uncovered linemen
refer to the steps of the linemen. I want my linemen to hang on the 1st level
defender as long as they can, no different. I also assign linemen defenders, but
the question is it the down defender or the second level defender. It would be nice
if the front 7 did't spike or spark and LB's did not scrape. For example, if there is a
swap call between the backside tackle and guard the are both working the down
defender to the 2nd level defender. Landmarks are outside the bodyline (the hip is
outside the bodyline).
kw

Oneback
Senior Member
Posts: 1641
Joined: May 2004
That is good.
We PREFER to see defenses that slant & angle, & scrape LBers (for TWO
reasons: first - it slows down their pass rush, & second - you create big seams
with zone blocking picking off scrape LBers). That is what BROUGHT zone
blocking into the game of football (an evolution that was going on when I entered
coaching in the 60's (HS, College, & Semi-Pro with a team that FED the
Redskins).
PS: The way you describe your zone plays - you must use a lot of GUN. What
level are you currently coaching?
-------------------------
Bill Mountjoy


Coach Campbell
Senior Member
Posts: 3114
Joined: Feb 2002
When hanging with the first level defender you are using a vertical push, a slow
rotating and fast zone concept. Coach Campbell

TIGER ONE
Senior Member
Posts: 3355
Joined: May 2004
KW,
Not wanting to be argumentative now, but you are the first coach that I ever heard
describe covered and uncovered as being the steps of the linemen, rather than
being attributed to the alignment of the DLM and LB's. Coach Campbell prefers
his first step to be a bucket step, where Bill and I prefer a short angle step. What
would you allude to that being, a covered or uncovered? I'm sorry, but I never
heard of what your saying. Is it meant to be translated (your statement) that
certain steps would indicate what your OLM would have to take and that in turn
tells you if he is covered or uncovered? Other than that, I have never heard of that
method used to discern if an OLM is covered or uncovered. Is this method of your
own creation or is is it something you have picked up over the years? Just curious
and no ill will intended.
Coach Easton
-------------------------
J.C. EASTON
HEAD COACH
GA TIGERS FOOTBALL
PROFESSIONAL MINOR LEAGUE

kw
Member
Posts: 76
Joined: May 2005
No gun, under center. I coach at the college level.
kw

kw
Member
Posts: 76
Joined: May 2005
Steps vary due to covered and uncovered linemen. Yes, the steps of uncovered
and covered linemen are determined by the alignment of the down defender. I am
sorry if you misuderstood me. Do you have both uncovered and covered linemen
lateral jab step? Some coaches teach it that way. For example, Gordon Shaw of
the University of Minnestota does not teach the bucket. Jim Hanifan does not
teach a bucket step because of backward momentum. However, I like the bucket
step because of spiking and sparking defensive linemen. The covered linemen will
take a lateral jab step 6 inches, second step is a vertical step through the crotch of
the down defender, The uncovered linemen will take a bucket step angle of
departure at a 45 degrees. What are the steps you teach a covered and
uncovered linemen? If the call side guard has a 2 tech and he spikes A gap
towards the center who blocks him? The MIKE goes B gap who blocks him? If the
WILL steps to B gap and the 2 tech on the backside goes A gap who blocks them
please describe? There is no "GUY" in the zone scheme. Offensive linemen will
block an area which is usually diagonal. It seems we have two different
approaches to the zone concept. ON INSIDE ZONE WE WANT TO CREATE
DOUBLE TEAMS.
kw

kw
Member
Posts: 76
Joined: May 2005
Steps vary due to covered and uncovered linemen. Yes, the steps of uncovered
and covered linemen are determined by the alignment of the down defender. I am
sorry if you misuderstood me. Do you have both uncovered and covered linemen
lateral jab step? Some coaches teach it that way. For example, Gordon Shaw of
the University of Minnestota does not teach the bucket. Jim Hanifan does not
teach a bucket step because of backward momentum. However, I like the bucket
step because of spiking and sparking defensive linemen. The covered linemen will
take a lateral jab step 6 inches, second step is a vertical step through the crotch of
the down defender, The uncovered linemen will take a bucket step angle of
departure at a 45 degrees. What are the steps you teach a covered and
uncovered linemen? If the call side guard has a 2 tech and he spikes A gap
towards the center who blocks him? The MIKE goes B gap who blocks him? If the
WILL steps to B gap and the 2 tech on the backside goes A gap who blocks them
please describe? There is no "GUY" in the zone scheme. Offensive linemen will
block an area which is usually diagonal. It seems we have two different
approaches to the zone concept. ON INSIDE ZONE WE WANT TO CREATE
DOUBLE TEAMS.
kw

TIGER ONE
Senior Member
Posts: 3355
Joined: May 2004
KW,
Yes, we do have different approaches but that is nothing new between coaches,
agreed? I think one of the most useful tips you can have when first teaching a
ZONE scheme is to have your OLM's locate the MAN they would block in MAN
scheme. I teach a short 6" step to a combo with his landmark being the outside
knee of the DLM. If it disappears, go to the second level. If it comes at you you
combo with PS teammate with intent of taking over block as teammate goes to
2nd level. (Uncovered )
(Covered will attack with short lateral step with aiming point outside number with
intent of stopping DLM from widening.) THIS IS A STEP TO A defender, not an
area.
As mentioned above, as many as 5 of of your OLM's may be called on to MAN

BLOCK depending upon the defense presented. In view of that, your scheme that
only incorporates blocking an area doesn't seem to pass the test. But, like you say
you have your way and I have mine. You didn't mention the college you coach at,
my son played at Clemson. Where are you at,coach?
Coach Easton
-------------------------
J.C. EASTON
HEAD COACH
GA TIGERS FOOTBALL

Oneback
Senior Member
Posts: 1641
Joined: May 2004
i have always taught it like Joe Bugel (since he gave it to me in 1981).
Below is information from (IMO) the two BEST teachers of ZONE BLOCKING. Joe
Bugel taught the best INSIDE ZONE play I ever saw, & Alex Gibbs taught the best
OUTSIDE ZONE I ever saw.
Here are THEIR methods (we have both these writeups in our coaches'
notebook):
I. JOE BUGEL â€“ INSIDE ZONE BLOCKING (â€œ40/50 GUTâ€ﾝ)
NOTE: Uncovered man responsible for inside half of down lineman and covered
lineman responsible for outside half of down lineman.
UNCOVERED MAN: Take a lead step and catch up with your covered teammate
as you READ the near knee of the down lineman on him. As you work through
your playside gap â€“ if the near knee comes towards you block his inside number
& fit him up sliding in the direction he is going (eyeball Lber in case he comes
inside); if near knee doesnâ€™t come towards you work up on Lber. 3 situations
can occur (see COVERED MAN).
COVERED MAN: Take a lead step with your outside foot eyeballing outside
number of down lineman on you â€“ second step with inside foot thru crotch of
opponent. You must think man block and only go to Lber when wiped off by
uncovered teammate. 3 situations usually occur: 1) Down lineman is in an outside
shade & stretches â€“ you stay on him and uncovered teammate works up on
Lber. 2) Down lineman is head up & anchors on you â€“ use double team
technique driving him into Lber & stay on him until wiped off by uncovered
teammate then work straight up on Lber. 3) Down lineman head up or inside
shade & slants inside â€“ 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 â€œDRIVEâ€ﾝ (MAN) BLOCKS. Donâ€™t worry

about getting position on defender â€“ worry about blow delivery. When coming
off the ball you guide with your eyes (aim with your face), and your eyes take you
to the aiming point or landmark which is the playside #. Your first step is a short
directional step and you throw your arms out of the socket (â€œdonâ€™t shoot
from the holsterâ€ﾝ). On the second step, your power foot must be on the ground
and you arm thrust (100% blow delivery) with your fists into his short ribs (below
the pads), tucking your tail and â€œlifting him out of his socksâ€ﾝ. Donâ€™t put
your face or shoulder in, because you will be overextended and your head will be
down.
NOTE: OUTSIDE ZONE BLOCKING (â€œ60/70 OUTSIDEâ€ﾝ): Only difference

is that it is a wider reach (almost a pull) â€“ uncovered blocker
â€œpiggybacksâ€ﾝ covered blocker & covered blocker reaches almost to hip of
outside teammate. Uncovered blocker will stay on a down lineman head up on
covered teammate, and covered teammate comes off on Lber â€“ â€œforcing the
switchâ€ﾝ. RB aims for butt of TE and cuts off his block.
RUNNING BACK (â€œ40/50 GUTâ€ﾝ â€“ INSIDE ZONE): 1st. step with playside
foot, roll, crossover, and aim nose for Tackleâ€™s inside hip (if bubble over Grd)
or Guardâ€™s outside hip (if bubble over Ctr or Tkl). Key the block on the first
down lineman outside the Center, and make your cut on THEIR side of the L.O.S.
If there is daylight in the B gap â€“ cram the B gap â€“ otherwise, if DLM goes out
you cut inside (& vice versa). NOTE: On the OUTSIDE ZONE (â€œ60/70
OUTSIDEâ€ﾝ) â€“ RB drop steps & runs a straight line for butt of TE â€“ cut
inside or outside of his block.
QB: On Inside Zone the QB opens to 5 oâ€™clock on 40 GUT and to 7

oâ€™clock on 50 GUT. On the Outside Zone the QB opens to 4 oâ€™clock on 60
Outside and to 8 oâ€™clock on 70 Outside.
NOTE: When we (Semi-Pro team) sent SEVERAL players to the SKINS during
the 1987 strike - they had this down pat! Skins went 4-0 during the strike!
II. ALEX GIBBS â€“ WIDE ZONE & TIGHT ZONE:
OFFENSIVE LINE SPLITS = 18â€ﾝ. OFF THE BALL WITH THEIR FINGERS ON
THE CENTERâ€™S SHOE LACES.
WIDE ZONE (18/19):
1. RB: LINE UP 7 Â½-8 YARDS DEEP. DROP STEP & RUN ON TRACK FOR
YOUR LANDMARK - THE BUTT OF THE TE (OR WHERE THE TE WOULD BE)
â€“ PRESS THE HOLE. READ HATS OF THE FIRST TWO MEN ON THE LOS
COUNTING FROM OUTSIDE-IN (EXCLUDING Lbers). IF THE OUTSIDE MAN
COMES IN â€“ YOU GO OUT. IF THE OUTSIDE MAN GOES OUT â€“ YOU GO
IN & READ THE INSIDE MAN (RUN OFF HIM). RB IS PERMITTED ONLY ONE
CUT, AND LIVE WITH IT! DETERMINE WHERE YOU WILL CUT BY THE TIME
YOU GET TO ORIGINAL ALIGNMENT OF TEâ€™S BUTT.
2. QB: COME OUT AT 4 (8) Oâ€™CLOCK & MAKE HANDOFF. FAKE BOOT
AWAY.
3. O-LINE/UNCOVERED: UNCOVERED MAN ZONING TAKES AN OPEN

(LEAD) DIAGONAL STEP WITH HIS PLAYSIDE FOOT FOR SHOULDER PAD
OF HIS COVERED TEAMMATE. STAY ON TRACK & OVERTAKE DLM â€“
DONâ€™T BLOCK Lber UNLESS HE IS EVEN WITH YOUR INSIDE
SHOULDER & THREATENING THE GAP.
4. O-LINE/COVERED: THE COVERED MAN STEPS WITH HIS PLAYSIDE

FOOT & AIMS HIS FACE FOR THE OUTSIDE SHOULDER OF THE DLM (STAY
ON HIS OUTSIDE Â½, AND IF YOUR HALF GOES IN â€“ TIGHTEN ON DOWN;
IF YOUR HALF GOES OUT â€“ WIDEN; STAY ON LEVERAGE POINT SO AS
NOT TO ALLOW PENETRATION). NOTE: BLOCKING C.P. FOR ALL LINEMEN
(ON BOTH ZONE PLAYS = ELBOWS TIGHT â€“ CONTACT WITH TRIANGLE
OF FOREHEAD & HANDS â€“ GET HANDS INTO BREASTPLATE & GRAB
CLOTH â€“ LEVERAGE/DIP HIPS (DROP DOWN LOW).
5. BACKSIDE CUT BOCKS.
6. WRâ€™S BLOCK THE SAFETIES (FORGET THE CORNERS).
TIGHT ZONE (14/15):
1. RB: FIRST STEP LIKE OUTSIDE ZONE & PLANT, CROSS OVER, & ROLL
ON TRACK TO YOUR LANDMARK - THE OUTSIDE LEG OF THE ON G â€“
PRESS THE LOS. READ THE HAT OF THE FIRST DLM OUTSIDE THE
CENTER (NOT COUNTING A SHADE). IF HE GOES OUT OR DOESNâ€™T
MOVE â€“ ROLLBACK READING THE HAT OF THE NEXT DLM INSIDE. IF HE
GOES DOWN â€“ READ THE HAT OF THE NEXT MAN ON LOS OUTSIDE OF
HIM FOR YOUR CUT. BASICALLY â€“ IF THE DLM YOU ARE READING
DOESNâ€™T PINCH INSIDE, ROLL BACK. DETERMINE WHERE CUT WILL
BE WHEN YOU REACH HEELS OF ORIGINAL ALIGN OF ON G.
2. QB: COME OUT AT 5 (7) Oâ€™CLOCK & MAKE HANDOFF. FAKE BOOT
AWAY.
3. O-LINE/UNCOVERED: (TECHNIQUES ARE TIGHTER ON TIGHT ZONE).

UNCOVERED MAN ZONING TAKES 1 LEAD STEP WITH HIS PLAYSIDE FOOT
AT HELMET OF DLM & IF HE WIDENS â€“ GO UP ON Lber (DO NOT
CROSSOVER WITH BACKSIDE FOOT IN TIGHT ZONE â€“ BUT YOU DO IN
WIDE ZONE). IF DLM COMES INSIDE FRONT HIM UP.
4. O-LINE/COVERED: THE COVERED MAN STEPS WITH HIS PLAYSIDE

FOOT & AIMS FOR THE OUTSIDE # OF THE DLM.
5. BACKSIDE: ZONE BLOCK LIKE FRONTSIDE.
6. WRâ€™S: SAME AS WIDE ZONE.
BLOCKING CALLS: SAME CALLS FOR â€œWIDEâ€ﾝ & â€œTIGHTâ€ﾝ BUT

THE TECHNIQUES DIFFER AS ABOVE:
A) â€œCOMBOâ€ﾝ = ON TE & ON T (ON T UNCOVERED & ON TE COVERED).

B) â€œSLIPâ€ﾝ = ON T & ON G (ON G UNCOVERED & ON T COVERED)
C) â€œGAPâ€ﾝ = ON G & CENTER (NOSE OVER TO A POINT CENTER
CANâ€™T HANDLE)
D) â€œSLUGâ€ﾝ = CENTER & OFF G (VS WEAK SHADE)
E) â€œSCOOPâ€ﾝ = OFF G & OFF T (3 TECHNIQUE ON OFF G)
F) â€œELEPHANTâ€ﾝ = OFF T & OFF TE
G) â€œTRIPLEâ€ﾝ = 3 MAN COMBO INTO REDUCTION BECAUSE HE
DOESNâ€™T FEEL ON G CAN HANDLE A 3 TECH. BY HIMSELF).
NOTE: MUST KNOW IF YOU ARE ZONING (HAVE Â½ OF THE MAN) OR DO I

HAVE HIM BASE (COVERED/UNCOVERED RULES).
IMPORTANT:
1. RUN AS MANY RUNS TO OPEN SIDE AS TIGHT END SIDE!!!!!

2. MAIN OBJECTIVE = â€œNO NEGATIVESâ€ﾝ (MUST NOT GET LESS THAN
2 YARDS).
-------------------------
Bill Mountjoy

Oneback
Senior Member
Posts: 1641
Joined: May 2004
Here is something else MOST NFL line coaches stress. I allude to "NFL" because
I have had several players in the NFL, & spend a LOT of time at NFL Camps
(worked 5 summers at NFL Camp):
COMMUNICATION OF DEFENSIVE NUMBERED TECHNIQUES ON THE ZONE

AND COUNTER/POWER BLOCKING:
Many NFL teams have the first covered offensive lineman outside the â€œCenter
Boxâ€ﾝ call out the number technique the DLM is in. This is primarily because you
look for double teams from inside/out. The following thinking uses the Inside Zone
& the Counter as examples (since on the INSIDE ZONE you double outside, and
on the COUNTER you double inside â€“ in reverse order):
EXAMPLE: The Right Tackle is the first covered lineman outside the Center
(covered by a 4I, 4, or 5 technique). He calls out that technique as early as
possible for the following reasons:
1. RT calls â€œ4Iâ€ﾝ (inside shoulder).

A) On the INSIDE ZONE â€“ this alerts the uncovered RG that he will most likely
have to â€œtake overâ€ﾝ the 4I after the initial double team and push off the
LOS.
B) ON the COUNTER â€“ this alerts the TE that he will most likely have to come
off the hip of the 4I for the backside LB (probability of no double).
2. RT calls â€œ4â€ﾝ (head up).

A) On BOTH the INSIDE ZONE and the COUNTER - since a 4 technique might
slant or pinch down, play the RT tough, or loop out â€“ itâ€™s a 50/50 proposition
as to who will end up on him after the other comes off the double team
(depending on which of the 3 charges he employs).
3. RT calls â€œ5â€ﾝ (outside shoulder).

A) On the INSIDE ZONE â€“ this alerts the uncovered RG that he will most likely
end up on the LB (probability of no double).
B) On the COUNTER â€“ this alerts the TE than he will most likely end up on the
5 technique (with the RT coming off the double).
NOTE: If the first covered lineman outside the Center was the Right Guard â€“ he
would make a 2I (inside shoulder), 2 (head up), or 3 (outside shoulder) call, which
would alert the Center (on the INSIDE ZONE), and the Right Tackle (on the
COUNTER) as to the probabilities on those plays.
NOTE: THIS IS NOT A GIVEAWAY TO THE DEFENSE, SINCE THESE CALLS

ARE USED IN ZONE BLOCKING, COUNTER/POWER BLOCKING, & EVEN
SOME ZONE PASS PROTECTIONS (& THEY ARE MADE ON BOTH SIDES).
RUSS GRIMM QUOTE: â€œALWAYS KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE THE

SNAP â€“ AND ANTICIPATE THE WORST CASE SCENARIO (SO YOU
WONâ€™T COME TO THE SIDELINE & GIVE THE ALIBI THAT â€œHE
SURPRISED MEâ€ﾝ)!!!!! EXAMPLE: THE WORSE CASE SCENARIO FOR A TE
DOWNBLOCKING A 5 TECHNIQUE IS FOR THE 5 TECHNIQUE TO LOOP
INTO HIM (RATHER THAN STAYING IN A 5)!
PS: KW - which college are you at?????
-------------------------
Bill Mountjoy


tog
Senior Member
Posts: 927
Joined: May 2002
kw
good system
i like it
oneback is the guru of zone blocking here, and you can learn a lot from him,
it is interesting to hear other ways of doing things
we use a zone concept rotating up to the bslb, so we are a little different than bill's
and your system
i am always on the lookout for other ways to do things though, and your idea of
how you assign a zone to an ol to go to is sound imo, interesting
please email me, i would like to see how i can apply this idea to the gun stuff we
do
-------------------------
"We'll take what the other team gives us. We'll scratch where it itches." Hayden
Fry
you can email me at togadelic@gmail.com
also, check out
HUEY X AND O'S

Sunday May 15, 2005 10:19 PM

kw
Member
Posts: 76
Joined: May 2005
Bill,
I agree we do the same thing uncovered man responsible for the inside half and
covered man responsible for the outside half. You read knees. We read hips. I
teach it the same way. Inside zone QB aims and steps at either 7 or 5 o'clock.
Outside zone QB aims and steps at either 8 or 4 o'clock. IT IS ALL SEMANTICS?
Coach we call the def tech weak or strong. For example, 2 strong or 3 weak, etc.
From reading your post I incorperate a lot of Bugel's zone concept, never heard
him speak. I coach at a Jr. College In CA. Coach also have the center call the
front and locates the MIKE, makes line call. Guards echo the center, makes line
call. Strong tackle locates SAM and SS, makes line call. Weak tackle locates
WILL and FS, makes line call. How about yourself, where do you coach and at
what level?
Coach, if the if I am blocking the down defender with the adjacent linemen and
WE ARE GETTING VERTICAL PUSH AND THE LINEBAKER COMES INTO MY
ZONE I have to block him. The adjacent lineman is pushing me to the second
level. AND IT DOES STAND THE TEST OF TIME. I have been coaching that for
the past 16 years and have had no problems. Coach we are stepping to the down
defender. Maybe you do not understand what I am saying?
kw
Monday May 16, 2005 5:47 AM

Oneback
Senior Member
Posts: 1641
Joined: May 2004
KW - I coached from 1961 thru 2001. 35 years in High School (most of it as HFC),
4 years in College (2 as an "OC"), & 1 year in Semi-Pro (with a team that FED the
Redskins). Worked 5 Summers at NFL Summer Camps.
We have run Joe Bugel's blocking since 1981. We attend their practices (over the
years), coach right out of their manual, & use their cutups & instructional tapes to
put it in.
What I'm not sure of (on INSIDE ZONE) is HOW you handle a 4I. If you had a
zone call between the ON G & ON T - would you have the ON T step TO the 4I? If
so - then we are PROBABLY doing the same thing - stepping TO the DLM rather
than to a "zone".
PS: Which JC are you at? I recruited JC's for 2 years.
-------------------------
Bill Mountjoy
Edited: Monday May 16, 2005 at 5:48 AM by Oneback

Monday May 16, 2005 7:05 AM

TIGER ONE
Senior Member
Posts: 3355
Joined: May 2004
KW,
I'm very familiar with California JC's as well. Spent a lot of time around the
Program at the College of the Sequoias in Visalia, Ca. and Taft Jr. College in the
middle 70's. COS in Visalia had a really strong JUCO program at that time. Coach
Sweeny was at Fresno State and a lot of things that I coach today came from his
philosophy. Not so much the X and O's, but the other integral parts of his system.
Coach Easton
-------------------------
J.C. EASTON
HEAD COACH
GA TIGERS FOOTBALL
Monday May 16, 2005 5:27 PM

kw
Member
Posts: 76
Joined: May 2005
Bill or J.C.,
On inside zone to the right TE is right and the backside tackle has a 5 tech and
the backside guard has a 2 and the WILL LB is threatining the playside A gap how
would you block it? Also, if the WILL LB covers down out of the box I would have
the backside tackle and guard base block the 5 and the 3 because the WILL is no
longer a threat. How would you block and what footwork would you teach? Also, is
there anyway I can get a hold of some of your zone books and tapes? Coaches if
we were to discuss our zone concepts over a few beers I bet we have more
similarities then you think. If the ON T had a 4i I would consider the tackle
covered. Would the ON G covered or uncovered? I think you are
misunderstanding what I mean by the zone of each linemen? We are not going to
just step to a zone and hope someone shows up. However, my zone is from my
nose to the adjacent linemen's shoulder and zones do over lap each other.
Thank you,
kw

Oneback
Senior Member
Posts: 1641
Joined: May 2004
KW - I think you cleared up my question when you stated that if the ON G & ON T
were "zoning" a LB over the ON G & a 4I on the ON T - you would consider the
ON T "covered". What confused me was that earlier I thought you stated that a 4I
didn't constitute "covered" (in definition of "covered/uncovered").
The defense(s) you asked me about blocking - I need MORE info on the total look
than that there is a backside 5 & a backside 2, with WILL threatening playside A.
Give me the FULL alignments vs. these two formations that we use, & then I will
show you precisely HOW we block it (& why):
A) H is out 6+ yds (1 TE/3 WR)
X--------------------O-O-C-O-O-Y
-----------H---------------Q--------------------------Z
----------------------------R
B) H is out 2-3' (2 TE/2 WR)
X--------------------O-O-C-O-O-Y
------------------H-------Q---------------------------Z
----------------------------R
I would need to know where everyone aligns vs these TWO formations, & also -
WHERE IS THE S/S? We base WHAT SIDE WE ARE GOING TO ATTACK
("wide" side or reduced" side of the defense) on this. We will check opposite of 4
men to run to the 3 man side, etc. In order to say HOW we will block a defense -
we would need all the above info.
Here is an invite to a clinic that we be ALL about the Oneback Zone & Counter
game, along with PAP & DBP:
Coaches - consider this an invitation to the 5th Semi-Annual Football Clinic, to be

held at Mills Godwin HS (Richmond, Va) ALL DAY Saturday, July 16. For coaches
arriving early on Friday, there will be informal sessions Friday evening as well. For
those in no hurry to leave, most of us will be available until 5 PM Sunday
afternoon.
There is NO CHARGE. It is a "closed clinic" - by invitation only. We normally keep

it to around 20 coaches. Last time (2003) there were coaches from 7-8 states, &
all will attest to what a GREAT experience we had. Many playbooks & film were
made available, & many coaches spent all night at a local "Kinko's" copying!!!!!
Let me know ASAP if you plan to come. I will try to place all "out of towners" at the
same motel, so they can share the costs, & transportation to & from the school.
The speakers will be from among the coaches present. MOST of the lectures will
center around the Pro-Style Passing & Running game!
Bill Mountjoy (Call me at 804-740-4479 IF coming)

Will Kitchen (HFC - Mills Godwin HS)
PS: KW - email me at billmountjoy@yahoo.com re: your other request in your post

(I.E. materials)
-------------------------
Bill Mountjoy
Edited: Monday May 16, 2005 at 8:09 PM by Oneback


Coach Joe
Senior Member
Posts: 440
Joined: Nov 2002 COach,
what do you mean by position of SS? of he is to the TE side ou would run weak
and if he is to the X/H side you take it to the TE side?

TIGER ONE
Senior Member
Posts: 3355
Joined: May 2004
Yes.
Coach Easton
-------------------------
J.C. EASTON
HEAD COACH
GA TIGERS FOOTBALL
Tuesday May 17, 2005 6:07 AM

TIGER ONE
Senior Member
Posts: 3355
Joined: May 2004
-------------------------
J.C. EASTON
HEAD COACH
GA TIGERS FOOTBALL
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Saturday May 14, 2005 11:38 PM

Inside and Outside Zone Blocking

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Sunday May 15, 2005 4:52 PM

KW - your style of INSIDE zone blocking is interesting. It is quite a bit different

I would like to give the definition of COVERED/UNCOVERED as used by the

"COVERED" = the alignment of a DLM head-up or on either shoulder of an OLM

Take the example (once again) of the ON G & ON T zoning a 30 technique LB on

Assigning MEN is important, because on some defenses, 5 of your 7 men may be

Everyone here MAN blocks (accorfding to "COVERED/UNCOVERED" RULES)

POSSIBLE ZONE BLOCKS WHICH OCCUR WHEN ONE OF THE PARTNERS

RUN BLOCKING CALLS (COVERED MAN MAKES ONLY IF NEEDED - CAN BE

ZONE BLOCKING PLAYS:

1. ZONE BLOCK BETWEEN OFFSIDE H/Y AND T (T WOULD BE COVERED)

Edited: Sunday May 15, 2005 at 7:20 PM by Oneback

Sunday May 15, 2005 5:31 PM

Sunday May 15, 2005 5:43 PM

Edited: Sunday May 15, 2005 at 5:45 PM by Oneback

Sunday May 15, 2005 6:15 PM

Sunday May 15, 2005 7:17 PM

Sunday May 15, 2005 7:18 PM

Sunday May 15, 2005 7:49 PM

Sunday May 15, 2005 7:53 PM

Sunday May 15, 2005 8:38 PM

As mentioned above, as many as 5 of of your OLM's may be called on to MAN

Sunday May 15, 2005 8:45 PM

I. JOE BUGEL â€“ INSIDE ZONE BLOCKING (â€œ40/50 GUTâ€ﾝ)

LINEMEN NOT ZONING USE â€œDRIVEâ€ﾝ (MAN) BLOCKS. Donâ€™t worry

NOTE: OUTSIDE ZONE BLOCKING (â€œ60/70 OUTSIDEâ€ﾝ): Only difference

QB: On Inside Zone the QB opens to 5 oâ€™clock on 40 GUT and to 7

II. ALEX GIBBS â€“ WIDE ZONE & TIGHT ZONE:

WIDE ZONE (18/19):

3. O-LINE/UNCOVERED: UNCOVERED MAN ZONING TAKES AN OPEN

4. O-LINE/COVERED: THE COVERED MAN STEPS WITH HIS PLAYSIDE

5. BACKSIDE CUT BOCKS.

6. WRâ€™S BLOCK THE SAFETIES (FORGET THE CORNERS).

TIGHT ZONE (14/15):

3. O-LINE/UNCOVERED: (TECHNIQUES ARE TIGHTER ON TIGHT ZONE).

4. O-LINE/COVERED: THE COVERED MAN STEPS WITH HIS PLAYSIDE

5. BACKSIDE: ZONE BLOCK LIKE FRONTSIDE.

6. WRâ€™S: SAME AS WIDE ZONE.

BLOCKING CALLS: SAME CALLS FOR â€œWIDEâ€ﾝ & â€œTIGHTâ€ﾝ BUT

A) â€œCOMBOâ€ﾝ = ON TE & ON T (ON T UNCOVERED & ON TE COVERED).

NOTE: MUST KNOW IF YOU ARE ZONING (HAVE Â½ OF THE MAN) OR DO I

1. RUN AS MANY RUNS TO OPEN SIDE AS TIGHT END SIDE!!!!!

Sunday May 15, 2005 8:53 PM

COMMUNICATION OF DEFENSIVE NUMBERED TECHNIQUES ON THE ZONE

1. RT calls â€œ4Iâ€ﾝ (inside shoulder).

2. RT calls â€œ4â€ﾝ (head up).

3. RT calls â€œ5â€ﾝ (outside shoulder).

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A GIVEAWAY TO THE DEFENSE, SINCE THESE CALLS

RUSS GRIMM QUOTE: â€œALWAYS KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE THE

PS: KW - which college are you at?????

Edited: Sunday May 15, 2005 at 8:55 PM by Oneback

Sunday May 15, 2005 9:06 PM

it is interesting to hear other ways of doing things

you can email me at togadelic@gmail.com

also, check out

HUEY X AND O'S

Sunday May 15, 2005 10:19 PM

Monday May 16, 2005 5:47 AM

PS: Which JC are you at? I recruited JC's for 2 years.