How to Run the Outside Zone Play | A Complete Guide to Stretching the Defense

[@david935plum]

Yeah, good scheme stuff. To me, the difference with O-Linemen when running OZ vs. IZ is always technique. Aiming points are the difference and everyone will have different ideas on feet, hands and eyes when teaching technique. Personally, I really don’t like teaching seal blocking on zone stuff. I’d rather have them keeping square to the LOS OR butts aimed backside (pushing to the playside sideline). Changing direction from backside to playside is rarely effective, but extending to the next defender playside when you have backside help is way easier, and is where your eyes should be anyway. No doubt, having a line call where they gap-scheme the heads-up pair rather than zone-playside (following C/U rules) can be effective when needed. For HS kids, you just have to budget for the time to teach that and then TRUST them to make the right call at the LOS.

[@americanfootballacademy1741]

Yeah, I actually just watched a video the other day about this when it comes to keeping them squared up. I've taught them to focus on getting hips around when we're trying to get outside and I've had a lot of success with it but definitely something I need to dive much more into.

[@brettaxelson6163]

The Uncovered Center needs to get hands on the "N" in a double with the" RG" then go second level to the "M" in your first OZ play example.

[@americanfootballacademy1741]

I think it depends on how you wanna teach it. I've seen it taught in so many different ways. I prefer him leaving that and getting eyes playside and then working up to that mike. Always had issues with the Mike flowing over the top if the Center helps on the backside first. And a quick 3 tech slanting inside can kill the play if the PSG has no help. So for me this variation has been a good fix. Most times we hit outside so the backside 1 tech isn't a problem. Would be different rules if running wide zone or inside zone where that cutback becomes more of a focus.

[@Channy_Football]

Thank you for nice Break Down Coach.I have a question. sometimes on film study Uncovered OL takeover Covered line man's DL and Covered line man goes to second level. how could I decide it? is it pre snap read? or depending on what front is?

[@americanfootballacademy1741]

You might be able to get a Pre-snap idea based on the front and if you know the tendencies of the DL but that's always a post snap decision. That's the joy of zone... Allows for solutions to anything because by nature it's about reacting. Also, best to try and understand the goal of the play. Outside zone for example, the #1 goal is getting outside. So OL will adapt technique to allow for that. Something like wide zone will be different. This is why you should always start with the end in mind. Will allow you to just ask the right questions and get to the outcome.

[@Channy_Football]

@@americanfootballacademy1741 Thanks for your answer coach! it is hard to have detail information and skills in Korea. I am learning lots of information from your youtube!

[@americanfootballacademy1741]

@@Channy_Football happy to help!

[@TheSparrow210]

hey love your content! can you elaborate on the difference between inside and outside zone please?

[@americanfootballacademy1741]

The rules are the same (covered / uncovered), but the aiming point for the OL is different. Each coach will probably use different language for it but essentially on OZ the OL want to 'reach' the defender, so they aim for a wider position on the defender. As this widens the gap, this creates a lot of horizontal movement from the DL. IZ the OLs aiming point will be tighter on the defender with more vertical of a push. So you don't get the same horizontal stretch. RB on IZ reads first down linemen past center but on OZ they are reading the man outside EMLOS. This is a super brief answer to a detailed question...maybe I do a video specifically on this at some point. Would help to show hand placement & first steps for OL as well as aiming point for RB. Either way, hope it helps.

[@brianpurdy2941]

The schematic of the 43 defense is wrong! Weak side LB should be defending weak side with the S LB on the other side.

[@americanfootballacademy1741]

Damn haha sure is. Idk why I set it up like that. Probably copied and pasted from a 2 high rolling into a single high look with the rover coming down and the will tightening up into the box... Just showing this presnap. But I don't know. I did this video a while back so don't remember the details of why I chose that diagram. And yeah, Sam and will are switched. Appreciate the feedback! I'll be more attentive next time 🤓

[@robej21]

How I thought the strength is called to the tight end side