Kyle Ralph, New Palestine HS (IN), Head Coach
Full video on Glazier Drive: Fan Zone from the Zone Run Family in the Power Spread System
This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
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WEAK FAN ZONE PLAY CONCEPT
This coaching presentation breaks down the weak fan zone play, a creative variation of inside zone that changes only one player’s assignment while maintaining all other blocking rules.
CORE PHILOSOPHY
- Identical coaching points to standard inside zone play
- Simple tag that changes only one person’s job
- Different name in the system but same fundamental execution
- No new coaching required for most players
- Creative way to get a new play without extra workload
PURPOSE AND STRATEGIC VALUE
The weak fan zone serves as an answer to specific defensive tendencies:
- Against 50 or 3-4 Defenses: Teams that constantly crash and force quarterback to pull into unblocked waiting defender
- Against 4-3 with Hanger: When outside linebacker sits in position based on alignment
- Have the Last Laugh: Provides answers to defensive problems and gets ball into tailback’s hands creatively
- Change of Pace: Different look without changing most assignments
BLOCKING SCHEME DETAILS
All inside zone rules stay the same except for backside tackle:
- Running Back: Same footwork, angle, cut read, and aiming point (inside leg of guard) as inside zone
- Interior Linemen: Standard inside zone combo blocks remain unchanged
- Backside Tackle: Now fan blocks out on outermost player at linebacker level
- Read Key Changes: Instead of reading normal inside zone key, now read player head up or inside of tackle
- Everyone Else: Jobs and assignments completely unchanged
THE READ ELEMENT
Quarterback reads the player who would normally be blocked on inside zone:
- If Defender Crashes: Turns shoulders to line of scrimmage, quarterback pulls
- If Defender Sits Flat: Stays in place, give ball to running back
- Pre-Snap Adjustments: Smart offensive tackles can adjust (example: wide 5-technique, tackle goes underneath to backer)
FILM BREAKDOWN – EXECUTION EXAMPLES
Example 1 – Hard Crash for Touchdown:
- Defensive tackle crashes hard attacking tailback
- Left tackle fans out to block player normally waiting for QB
- Defender handles block poorly (unexpected)
- Defender actually goes inside, blows contain
- Quarterback pulls for massive touchdown before halftime
Example 2 – Loosened 3-4 Defense:
- Outside linebackers playing in space
- Two-for-two combos on inside remain same
- Fan outside to block OLB, cut read key loose
- Hard crash makes easy read for quarterback
- Simple pull, good job by left tackle in space
- Nice gain
Example 3 – Quarterback Vertical Running:
- All coaching points about being vertical back to line of scrimmage apply
- QB does great job replacing downhill vertically
- Attacks and draws linebackers into offensive linemen
- Same coaching points as base inside zone with minor tweak
Example 4 – Defensive Back Eye Discipline:
- Defensive backs trained all week to support tackling running back
- Running back sells fake extremely well
- Corner runs right by play thinking RB has ball
- Quarterback goes right by him untouched
- Happens frequently because third-level players not looking for QB (think problem is solved by defensive alignment)
Example 5 – Give Read:
- Normally four-technique goes out to wide five
- Smart tackle adjustment – goes underneath to backer instead of fanning way outside
- QB maintains read on original key
- Pre-snap width indicates likely give anyway
- Results in good inside zone run down middle even with fan call
Example 6 – Against Blitz-Heavy 3-4:
- Team likes to blitz heavily
- Pick up blitz really well
- Read key crashes down for tailback
- Hat on a hat across front
- Weak side fan blocks outside
- QB gets nice pull and good run
- Creates one-on-one battle in space with unprepared third-level player
CRITICAL COACHING POINTS
Running Back Fake Discipline:
- Running back must carry out fake even without ball
- Sell is critically important to success of play and entire offense
- Pulls defensive backs’ eyes into backfield
- Creates confusion for third-level defenders
Quarterback Mechanics on Pulls:
- Be vertical back to line of scrimmage
- Replace downhill vertically
- Attack and draw linebackers into offensive linemen
- Get upfield quickly
- Same fundamentals as base inside zone
Why It Works:
- Blocks the player who normally would have quarterback
- Makes third-level players responsible for QB
- Something they haven’t practiced that week
- 50 and 3-4 systems tell players all week “you have the quarterback”
- Now those players aren’t ready when QB actually has ball
INSTALLATION SIMPLICITY
The coach emphasizes minimal installation burden:
- Only affects one player (backside tackle)
- Everyone else runs standard inside zone
- Simple understanding: when you hear this tag, one job changes
- That one person must execute properly
- No extra practice time needed for most of roster
ONE-ON-ONE BATTLES IN SPACE
The play is designed to create favorable matchups:
- Get quarterback pulling into space
- Third-level defender not accustomed to tackling QB
- Pick up extra yards because defender isn’t prepared
- Force defensive backs to make plays they haven’t practiced
The presentation demonstrates how a single blocking adjustment can create an entirely new play that keeps the same coaching points, requires minimal extra practice time, and provides answers to specific defensive tendencies – particularly against 50 and 3-4 fronts that crash hard to stop inside zone.