Quote:Deacon, I might be wrong I often am and I try to learn from my mistakes. I might add that most of us fans are not experts in anything related to football (or they would inform you of such like players whom post as an example), and we simply enjoy sharing ideas and opinions.


I clicked on the link and I think you are refering to an inside zone blocking scheme as example of one you had in your link;




Here is a great link to understanding zone blocking to any interested

<a class="bbc_url" href='http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/5/27/4363750/zone-blocking-running-football-breakdown-highlights-analysis-diagram'>http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/5/27/4363750/zone-blocking-running-football-breakdown-highlights-analysis-diagram</a>


In the link above it describes the block in the play above as;

B: Lead Step (Zone Step)- This is a six inch step at a 45 degree angle used mainly for the inside zone play. Designed help get in front of the defender when he is shaded towards the play side.



To my left is an example of an outside zone blocking scheme. I am not sure what they used in Oakland with our new OC.

From my perspective, you have listed two plays that are not only completely different, but are from completely different offensive mindsets. The top picture is a Read Option set from a Pistol look where "Z" is in pre-snap motion and after the snap, the QB reads the playside DE ("E" in your diagram) for the give/keep read and then runs a traditional Option route with "T" maintaining pitch relationship with him. The idea seems to be to mesh the Triple Option with Zone blocking but in my mind that really makes no sense, but whatever. I've been wrong before.

 

The second diagram is a more traditional Zone play but seems to be an Inside Zone based on the dotted lines that seem to indicate the RB's choice on the play. The Linemen are all stepping to the playside, but seem to be doing a "staggered" count. The LT takes the man over him (E) but the LG takes the man over (N). The Center is taking the first man behind (M) and I'm assuming he is trying to delay the Nose by stepping into him, then swinging around. RG takes the next man down (E) and RT uses the same technique as C and pulls up to the LB behind him (B). The TE tries to reach the Strong Safety.

 

Pictures aside, I don't really feel that the blocking scheme need to be of too much concern when drawing up a play. I say this because no matter what technique you plan on using (GOL, GOD, GOOD, Zone, etc) you still have five players dedicated to block.


I think this is especially relevant since in the modern nfl, teams run multiple systems all the time. You can block a play several different ways, just stick with whatever works. However, I am a big believer in keeping things as simple as necessary for both the players to perform and the coaches to teach / correct.

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