Zone Blocking Schemes — Play Sheet 🏈

Inside Zone (IZ)

Formation & Alignment

  DE    DT    NG    DT    DE
   |     |     |     |     |
   |     |     |     |     |
  LT----LG----C ----RG----RT
               |
              QB
               |
              RB

Blocking Rules

Position	Primary	Secondary	Key Points
LT	Big-on-big w/ LG	Climb to LB if no help needed	Vertical set, don't get beat inside
LG	Big-on-big w/ C/LT	Work to Mike LB	Get movement, secure B gap
C	Big-on-big (NT)	Help where needed	Identify Mike pre-snap
RG	Big-on-big w/ C/RT	Work to Mike LB	Secure B gap, climb together
RT	Big-on-big w/ RG	Climb to LB if no help needed	Don't get beat inside

Running Back Rules

1. Press the hole (B gap)
2. Read the backside (cut if flow goes away)
3. Stay low through contact
4. Follow double teams to second level

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Outside Zone (OZ)

Formation & Alignment

  DE    DT    NG    DT    DE
   |     |     |     |     |
   |     |     |     |     |
  LT----LG----C ----RG----RT
               |
              QB → (pitch relation)
               |
              RB → → → (stretch)

Blocking Rules

Position	Primary	Secondary	Key Points
LT	Reach block DE	Cut off if no reach	Get helmet outside, create running lane
LG	Reach block DT	Climb if reached	Lateral step first, then vertical
C	Back block NG	Help guards	Prevent penetration
RG	Reach block DT	Climb if reached	Work with center
RT	Reach block DE	Kick out if necessary	Most critical block

Running Back Rules

1. Get width first (stretch the defense)
2. Press the edge until defense shows
3. Cut back when pursuit overruns
4. Be patient — let blocks develop

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Gap Schemes (Counter/Power)

Counter Trey

  DE    DT    NG    DT    DE
   |     |     |     |     |
  ←←     |     |    ←←     |
  LT    LG----C     RG    RT
          ↗         ↗
               QB
         ←←←
              RB

Counter Trey Rules

Position	Assignment	Key Points
LT	Big-on-big, work to backer	Secure inside gap
LG	Pull, kick out DE	Get depth, look inside-out
C	Back block	Prevent penetration
RG	Pull, wrap through hole	Lead blocker for RB
RT	Big-on-big w/ TE	Double team if needed

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Power O

     TE   DE    DT    NG    DT
      |    |     |     |     |
      ↓    |     |     |     |
  FB--↓-LT----LG----C ----RG
           ↗         ↗    ←←
                QB
              RB

Power O Rules

Position	Assignment	Key Points
LT	Vertical set vs. DE	Don't get beat inside
LG	Big-on-big w/ C	Double team nose
C	Big-on-big w/ LG/RG	Control A gaps
RG	Pull, kick out LB/DE	Attack inside shoulder
RT	Cut off backside	Prevent pursuit
FB	Lead block through hole	Attack inside shoulder

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Run Concepts Summary

When to Call Each Play

Down & Distance	Primary	Secondary	Reasoning
1st & 10	Inside Zone	Power O	Establish rhythm
2nd & 5-7	Outside Zone	Counter	Create explosive play
3rd & 2-3	Power O	Inside Zone	Get tough yards
Goal Line	Power O	QB Sneak	Punch it in
Long Yardage	Draw	Screen	Keep defense honest

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Practice Drills

1. Big-on-Big Drill

• Setup: Two linemen vs. two defenders
• Goal: Work to linebackers together
• Key: Communication and timing

2. Reach Block Drill

• Setup: Lineman vs. defender in B gap
• Goal: Get helmet outside shoulder
• Key: Lateral step first, then climb

3. Running Back Vision Drill

• Setup: RB with bags/cones as defenders
• Goal: Read and cut appropriately
• Key: Press hole, then react

4. Full Zone Drill

• Setup: O-line vs. front 7
• Goal: Execute scheme rules
• Key: Work as unit, climb together

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Game Situation Calls

Short Yardage (3rd/4th & 2)

1. Power O — Double teams + pulling guard
2. Inside Zone — Simple, reliable
3. QB Sneak — If 1 yard or less

Red Zone (Inside 20)

1. Power O — Create movement
2. Inside Zone — Between tackles
3. Outside Zone — If defense loads box

Long Yardage (2nd/3rd & 8+)

1. Draw — Let pass rush get up field
2. Screen — Use pass rush against them
3. Check to Pass — Don't waste down