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ZONE BLOCKING PRINCIPLES

By Chris Truax
Offensive Line Coach & Running Game Coordinator
Northwestern State University

Zone blocking occurs when two offensive linemen are responsible for blocking two defenders in a certain area towards the point of attack. The purpose of using the zone blocking scheme is to stop penetration, create movement on Level I (build a wall) and also seal off the onside linebacker. All zone blocks initially start out as an inside-out double team. As movement begins, either the outside blocker or inside blocker will gain control over the defender on Level I, allowing the other blocker to come off the block to handle the linebacker. In this type of blocking scheme, it is critical to create movement on Level I before coming off for the linebacker.

A. Inside Blocker - (Offensive lineman covered by a linebacker or uncovered.) Take a short lead step with near foot aiming for a point inside the hip of the defender aligned on the next offensive blocker and play side. We refer to this step as a zone step. As the inside blocker takes this zone step, it is important to read the movement of the linebacker. If the linebacker “Fast Flows,” you explode up under the defensive lineman with both hands. Upon making contact, whip your arms and move your feet like pistons working to get movement up the field. If the linebacker “Slow Flows,” punch and push off the defender with one hand and explode to the LB as you approach his level. Sometimes LB’ers are “Fast Flow” by alignment. We must be alert to this situation. Inside blocker must use two hands.

B. Outside Blocker - (Offensive lineman covered by a down lineman.) The outside blocker must read the alignment of the defender aligned on him so he can hit the proper landmark and initially create the movement on level one. If the defender is aligned outside eye or shoulder, the outside blocker will step with his near foot, aiming his head gear for the outside number. If the defender is aligned head up he will step with his outside foot, aiming his headgear under the chin of the defender. If he is aligned inside eye or shoulder, he will read step with his outside foot to block the outside number of the defender. If the defender loops-out or locks-on, we want the outside blocker to maintain contact and work the defender off the LOS.

Diagram 1A, 1B and 1C.

This movement off the LOS is important in zone blocking principles. If this defender remains inside of you, continue to drive and maintain contact – once you are forced off by the inside blocker now you can look for the scraping linebacker on Level 2. If the defender aligned on you slants inside – punch and push off the defender and explode to 2nd level when the linebacker crosses your face. Block the linebacker by exploding up through his play side armpit, using a good drive block technique. Remember – we want movement first. When we come off to the second level we will take the linebacker anywhere we can.
The following calls are the different zone-type blocks between offensive linemen at the point of attack:

1. “Single” zone blocking between the center and onside guard is necessary in order to handle the defensive tackle and middle linebacker. The onside guard will make the call when the defensive tackle is aligned head up or inside eye or shoulder on alignment. This call is to reaffirm the blocking assignment. (See Diagrams 1A, 1B, and 1C)

Diagrams 2A, 2B and 2C.

There are two types of “Single” blocks. The one in the diagram is a power single used on off tackle plays. The landmark is the play side number. The other one is used for wide plays and will be called a “Single.” The principles are the same except the landmark will be the outside armpit of the down lineman. If the defensive tackle is in a “1” or a “2” technique, the guard will read step with the play side foot. If the defensive tackle is in a “3” Technique he will step with the play side foot, aiming at the play side armpit on the “Single”.

2. “Double” zone blocking between the onside guard and onside tackle is necessary in order to handle the defensive end and inside (onside) linebacker. The onside tackle will make the call when the defensive end is aligned head up or inside eye or shoulder alignment. The onside tackle will alert the onside guard to possible “Double” by making either a 4 or 4-1 call or a double call. Double Blocking Scheme will entail two types of zone blocking – either a “Power Double” or “Double.” In order to determine which type of zone blocking we will use on a “double” will depend upon the hole we are attacking.(See Diagrams 2A, 2B, and 2C).

Diagrams 3A and 3B.

A. “Power Double” (4 or 4-1 Call) - used on inside zone plays. Onside tackle will read the alignment of the defensive end. If he is aligned in a 5-technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will block the defender with a play side step with his near foot to the outside number. No call will be made. If he is aligned in a 4-technique (head up) he will make a 4 Call and take a read step at the middle of the defender to block the defender under the chin. If the defender is aligned in a 4-1 Technique (inside eye or shoulder) he will make a 4-1 call and step with his play side foot to block his outside number. Stay tight to the defender. Remember, we want first level movement. (See Diagrams 3A and 3B)

B.”Double” - used on outside zone plays. Onside tackle will read the alignment of the defensive end. If he is aligned in 5-Technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will drive on the outside armpit with his near foot – no call will be made. If he is aligned in a 4 or 4-1 alignment, make a 4 or 4-1 call. Take an outside release with the play side foot to the outside armpit – whip your inside arm and shoulder up into the defender – bump off by getting width on your next step and explode to second level to seal or drive block the scrape off linebacker. (See Diagrams 4A, 4B, and 4C)

Diagram 4A, 4B and 4C.

3. “Triple” zone blocking between the onside tackle and tight end is necessary in order to handle the defensive end and onside linebacker. The tackle will make the call to the TE. The TE will alert the tackles to where the defensive end is aligned, head up or inside eye or shoulder on alignment. The tight end will alert the onside tackle of the defensive end by making either a 6 or 7 call. Triple Blocking Scheme will entail two types of zone blocking – either a Power Triple or a Triple. In order to determine which type of zone blocking we will use on “Triple” will depend upon the hole we are attacking.

A. “Power Triple” (6 or 7 call) - used Inside Zone plays. Tight end will read the alignment of the defensive end. If he is aligned in a 9-Technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will block a point up the defender's outside number – no call will be made. If he is aligned in a 6-Technique (head up), he will make a 6 call and step with his play side foot to lock the defender under the chin. If the defender is aligned in a 7-Technique (inside eye or shoulder) he will make a 7 call and step with his play side foot to block the outside number. (See Diagrams 5A, 5B, and 5C)

Diagrams 5A, 5B and 5C.

B. “Triple” - used on outside zone plays. Tight end will read the alignment of the defensive end. If he is aligned in a 9-Technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will drive on the outside armpit – no call will be made. If he is aligned in a 6 or 7 alignment he will make a call – take an outside release by using a short outside step – to the outside armpit, whip your arm and shoulder up to the defender – bump off by getting width on your next step. Then explode to second level to seal or drive block the scrape-off linebacker.

About the author

Chris Truax

Chris Truax is a three year staff member for the Northwestern State Demons serving as both running backs coordinator and offensive line coach. He previously coached at both Louisiana-Monroe and McNeese State, helping the Cowboys get to the Division I-AA National Championship in 1997. Truax was a four year letterman at LSU . He can be reached at truaxc@nsula.edu.