Drills Report: C.W. Post\'s Zone Block Teaching Progressive

by: Brian Hughes
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The purpose of this article is to discuss how we teach the basics of zone blocking at C. W. Post. In our nine years as a staff, we have enjoyed great success. We believe this is due to playing great defense and being dominant in the run game. Over the last few years we've had running backs that have gained over 2,000 yards in different seasons and in 2005 we had two running backs that both rushed for over 1,000 yards. Among all Division II colleges in 2005, we were fourth in total offense (517 yards per game), fifth in scoring (42.5 points per game), and ninth in rushing offense (269.9 yards per game).

While we have been blessed with many hard working and talented athletes, the backbone of our success has been the play of the offensive line. Our scheme and approach to fundamental techniques has been the key to dominant play up front.

We are a zone blocking team. It is our belief that zone principles are the best way to answer the multiple front and pressure defenses we face. We consider these zone principles our 'answer key.' We drill and develop trust in zone concepts and have confidence in the execution of these basic techniques. We incorporate simple blocking rules matched with simple technique and step progressions. Therefore, first and foremost, our goal is simplicity.

Here are our basic blocking rules:

1. If you are covered, block him.

2. If you are uncovered, declare your direction (to whom you are working with).

3. Initial step is always with foot to call side; that is, if Zone Right, right foot moves first; if Zone Left, left foot moves first.

4. The direction or angle of the first step depends on:

a. Position of down man relative to the covered lineman.

b. The position of the linebacker.

c. The point of attack.

d. Who is carrying the ball; that is, the fullback or the tailback.

The types of steps fall into three categories:

1. Lead Step - A short jab step into the LOS on fullback runs. It includes an up and down step on tailback runs.

2. Flat Step - A lateral step to the call side.

3. Drop Step - An angular gap step that opens the hips to help blocker attain proper position relative to defender.

Coaching Point: The depth of the drop step varies with the width of the down defender. The depth of the drop step by an uncovered lineman is also determined by the width of the down man. We want the uncovered lineman to step at the down man as if he is blocking him without help. Since the technique is dictated as much by alignment of the defender by the point of attack, we can spend the bulk of our time teaching the technique. How we handle our combination actually becomes the scheme of the zone play.

Our teaching progression begins with two offensive linemen and one defender (the down man). We are constantly reminding our linemen that securing the down man is the highest priority. Linebackers make tackles while D-linemen make tackles for loss. We are also not trying to ‘trick’ our guys; rather, we will talk it and walk it through before we go full tilt. Initially, we take a 3 command cadence; that is, step 1, step 2, finish. We always follow this step-by-step progression with a ‘full go’ repetition.

Part 1: 2 on 1

Situation 1-Covered Inside (See Diagram 1)

If covered, the lineman lead steps on the fullback run. It is an up and down step on the tailback run. If uncovered, the lineman has a tight drop or flat step.

Situation 2-Covered Head Up (See Diagram 2)

If covered, the lineman uses the flat step.
If uncovered, he uses a drop step.
Situation 3-Covered Wide (See Diagram 3)

If covered, a drop step is used. If uncovered, a drop step is used as well.

Diagram 1. Covered Inside
Diagram 2. Covered Head Up
Diagram 3. Covered Wide

Part 2: 2 on 2

A linebacker is added to the drill. First, the linebacker is in a minus to stack position relative to the point of attack. Then we put the linebacker in a plus position. Our initial steps are consistent with part one. The variable here is hand placement or how much of the down man the covered player will take. The drills include Flipper, Two Hand Punch, Rip and Rip to 1 Hand Stab and 1 Hand Stab to 1 Hand Read.

Flipper: See Diagram 4A
If covered, the lineman use a flipper technique. If uncovered, he uses the 2 hand punch.

2 Hand Punch: See Diagrams 4B and 4C
In both sequences, the lineman uses a 2 hand punch if covered. He uses a 1 hand punch to 2 hand punch if uncovered.

Rip to 1 Hand Stab (See Diagram 4D)
This technique is used for wide plays. If covered, the lineman rips to 1 hand stab. If uncovered, he uses a 1 hand punch.

Rip: (See Diagram 4E)
If covered, the lineman uses a rip technique. If uncovered, he uses a 2 hand punch.

1 Hand Stab to 1 Hand Read (See Diagram 4F)
If covered, the lineman uses a 1 hand stab to a 1 hand read. If uncovered, he uses a 2 hand punch.

Diagram 4A. Flipper
Diagram 4B. 2 Hand Punch
Diagram 4C. Hand Punch
Diagram 4D. Rip to 1 Hand Slab
Diagram 4E. Rip
Diagram 4F. 1 Hand Stab to 1 Hand Read

We also add movement and blind movement where the coach stands behind the offensive line and puts the defense in random movements. All the steps remain consistent; the hand placement will be in the area of greatest adjustment. This is how we drill our offensive line all year long. The progressions can be worked with or without pads. The volume of repetitions is the key to the mastery of zone concepts. By stressing simplicity, we build the confidence necessary to be successful vs. multiple defenses. As we build on these simple beginnings, our linemen progress to perform the complex adjustments necessary to be successful against multiple fronts and defensive schemes.

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