6’s and 7’s: Dropstep Crossover Rip Through
The “Full Zone” looks similar to the outside zone on the outset but has no rotation, linemen get themselves on a track and then stay on the track. The Full zone concpet is a run to daylight concept that stretches the defense with the running back looking for the first seam inside the stretch. The
Stretch schemes consist of second digits 6 and 7.
Unlike the inside zone were the near ear is the landmark for helmet placement the next number over becomes the landmark or aiming point. for all 6 and 7 alerts. Stretch zone requires a drop step crossover and rip through which puts the offensive line on a track in order to stretch the defensive scheme. The tight end will start his alert “Trey” call only if his tackle is uncovered. The rule of thumb is to never pull a covered linemen with you unless it is the backside tackle or tight end. The backside end man on the line of scrimmage is always left un blocked as your offensive line works towards the callside. The backside lineman which is unblocked is accounted for by the boot action of the quarterback or treated as a zone read in which the quarterback can read keep or give the ball to his running back. The terminology used here is: “Dropstep, Crossover, Rip Through” this describes the footwork to be used, some coaches use the term “Bucket Step” to describe their footwork for this type of play such as outside or full zone concepts.
Drop Step Crossover Drill – Lead Blocker
I describe the “Full Zone” as follows, the lead blocker in the combo or base block comes off with power and quickness aiming at a point that puts his helmet on the outside playside hip of the first level defender.
The stretch zone is accomplished with the dropstep with backside foot crossover with the backside arm rip through. The lead blocker must stay low with a level back and good base during his get-off.
The dropstep is determined by the alignment of the defender the wider the alignment the bigger the dropstep.
The next process is to rip the backside arm through as the crossover step takes place. Must fight to keep a tight hip to hip relationship with the defender throughout the track.
Note: The backside rip through and hip must stay tight to the defender, no separation.
If the defender is playing a tough take-on-the-blocker technique, the lead blocker will get his helmet on the outside hip and number of the defender and use his rip through to keep his track on the defender. As the blocker rips through he lifts through the defender driving him off the L.O.S.. If the blocker wheels out to soon by letting is hip drift away from the defender he will lose force and control.
Unless the trail blocker has a backside linebacker run through he will join the lead blocker at this point helping him knock the first level defender off the L.O.S. into the second level. The lead blocker must have his head and eyes up looking for the first level defender to either slant backside or stretch. Remember, the lead blocker is on a track to the outside number and up to the next defender.
6 and 7’s Full Zone Combination Explanation and Drills – Lead Blocker
Patience is the key to coming off on linebackers in a zone scheme but with a fast zone using 6 and 7’s blocking the key is to stay on your track and allow the running back to read his cuts and run to daylight principle.
If the first level defender slants inside on the lead blocker stay on your path and don’t chase after the slanter your trail blocker will pick him up. With the 6 and 7 type schemes the quarterback will assist in the stretch of the defense by the way he will present the ball to the running back. The linebackers normally will flow at the exact same angle as the ball is delivered.
If the down defender plays outside into the path of the lead blocker, the blocker stays square with the track working the defender off the L.O.S.. He can’t be flatten; he wants to stay square and stretch the defender to the outside. A wide aligned defender will most likely widen when the blocker drop steps.
Full Zone – Trail Blocker Drill
The “Trail Blocker” drop steps with the foot nearest the combo or base block. He drop steps his playside foot back and to the outside pointing his toe down the track. It is important to get the shoulders perpendicular to the track on the drop step – get in position to look down the track. A fast key for the trail blocker is the near hip of the defender. If the hip goes away take your track up to the linebacker, if the hip comes at you stay on the original track and over take the defender. Stay low and keep good vision – you must read the actions of the defenders while drop stepping.
About the Author of this post:
Jerry Campbell has over 30 years of high school and college coaching experience. He has experience as a head coach, offensive coordinator, and various position coaches. He has written numerous football coaching articles in various publications, is the author of over 30 books on coaching football, and has produced 12 coaching video series. Additionally, he is a nationally sought after speaker on the coaching clinic circuit.