Defending the Zone Read –Defenses can be successful against the zone read if they understand the rules and their gap responsibilities.

Defending the zone read is similar to defending the triple option that attacks the play side of the defense. We have specific rules for defending the dive (RB), the QB and the pitch. For the dive, we designate the first defender outside the offensive tackle to squeeze and tackle the first threat. The quarterback is designated for the area #2, the curl defender, which is usually the scraping linebacker.

We always emphasize that our area #1, the curl/flat defender is responsible for the pitch. Defending the zone read is no different than defending the option. We emphasize the importance of a squeezing, attacking technique by our defensive linemen and tackling the first threat - the running back – on the back side of a zone blocking scheme. Our linebackers on the back side of a zone play are responsible for defending the quarterback if the quarterback decides to keep the ball after reading the squeezing backside defensive lineman. The area #1 defender, back side on the zone read, is responsible for defending any threat outside of the quarterback for a possible pitch threat.

Here are gap responsibilities vs. the inside zone –

•      Playside end - C gap, attack 5 technique.
•      Nose - A gap, attack 1 technique.
•      Tackle (3 tech) - B gap, attack 3 technique, cancel A with solid squeeze         and never get scooped.
•      Backside end - C gap, attack 5 technique, cancel B with solid squeeze.
•      Mike - B gap strong, attack technique – playside guard and allow for no         space.
•      Will - lead step A, then rock step to perimeter for quarterback.


Defending the Inside Zone Read
(Diagram 1)

Diagram 1.

Here are responsibilities for the 5-man box vs. the inside zone read –

•      Playside end - attacks the 5 technique.
•      Nose - moves to 2i alignment with gone ‘A’.
•      Tackle (3 tech) - stunts inside to occupy ‘A’.
•      Backside end - attacks 5 technique.
•      Mike - moves to 10 alignment because of ‘walk call’.
•      Will - makes walk call and is responsible for B/C gap.
•      Sam - recognizes formation and helps in strong side ‘B’ gap.

Defending the inside read with a 5-man box
(Diagram 2)

Diagram 2.

 
Another wrinkle that zone read teams present is reading the inside defensive lineman for keep. For this particular play, we have developed rules for our inside linebackers that relate to an open door or closed door look by the backside offensive tackle and offensive guard. For example, if the backside tackle does not show his presence in the backside “B” gap for scoop and bases the outside defensive alignment, we coach our backside inside linebacker to attack the open door (occupying the quarterback).

Here are gap responsibilities vs. the outside zone read ‘3’ –

•  Playside end - C gap, attack 5 technique.
•  Nose - A gap, attack 1 technique.
•  Tackle (3 tech.) - B gap, attack 3 technique, cancel A with solid squeeze.
•  Backside end - C gap, attack 5 technique, cancel B with solid squeeze.
•  Mike - B gap strong, attack technique - playside guard and allow no space.
•  Will - Lead step A, read split, rock step and attack ‘B’ gap.

Defending the outside zone read ‘3’
(Diagram 3)

Diagram 3.

Here are the responsibilities for the 5 man box vs. the outside zone read ‘3’-

•  Playside end - attacks 5 technique.
•  Nose - moves to 2i alignment with gone ‘A’.
•  Tackle (3 tech.) - stunts inside to occupy ‘A’.
•  Backside end - attacks 5 technique.
•  Mike - moves to 10 alignment because of ‘walk’ call.
•  Will - makes walk call and is responsible for ‘B/C’ gap.
•  Sam - recognizes formation and helps in strong side ‘B’ gap.

5 man box vs. the outside zone read ‘3’
(Diagram 4)

Diagram 4.

For zone read teams that have two or more running backs in the backfield, we often adjust our coverage and force our backside safeties (quarters coverage) to have the quarterback on any zone read play. In addition to our base defensive philosophy, we also incorporate responsibilities for defending the zone read with various fire zones.

Until two years ago, we had our defensive linemen squeeze back side and tackle the quarterback if he kept the ball. Unfortunately, the play developed too fast and our defensive linemen on the edge had a difficult time containing and tackling the quarterback. As a defensive staff, we decided to make the rules and responsibilities for defending the zone read no different than defending the triple option. The result – we’ve had tremendous success and we’ve made it less stressful for our defensive linemen. 

I’ve encouraged my defensive coaches to leave no stone unturned when teaching the fundamentals of defense. Communication and coordination are keys to defending any offense. The more repetition we achieve during practice and during film sessions, the faster our players respond during a game situation.

About the Author: Rick Scheidt just completed his sixth season as Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator and his 17th overall season at Fresno City College. He began coaching in 1992 at his alma mater, San Francisco State University. Scheidt then spent two years at Fresno Sate under Head Coach  Jim Sweeney before coming to FCC.