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.
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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.
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