Luke Meadows, Assistant O-Line Coach, Missouri.
Full video on Glazier Drive: O-Line Inside Zone Play vs. Odd Fronts
This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
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PLAY CALL SYSTEM
Tight zone operates on a 2-3 concept (two players to one side, three to the other). The numbering system breaks down as follows:
- 412/413: Standard tight zone execution
- 012/013: Read option on the backside
- 422/423: Split zone variation (affects linebacker fits)
- 022/023: Split zone with backside read
- 432/433 or 032/033: Lead concept (critical vs odd fronts with overhang and stacked boxes)
GUCCI RULE SYSTEM
The blocking scheme follows GUCCI principles:
- Gap: Your responsibility based on ball location (typically up the center’s crack)
- Uncovered: Players without a defender in their gap (often just the backside tackle vs odd fronts)
- Covered: Defenders in your gap or head-up
- Cluster: Predetermined combination blocks
- ID: Furthest linebacker in the box
CLUSTER ASSIGNMENTS
Playside Tackle & Guard (TIGER)
- Can be a Fan (working to outside defender)
- Grunt (5-technique with 30 backer)
- Gut (4-technique with backer)
- Protected Fan (PF) when concerned about twists/games
Center & Backside Guard (SPIKE)
- Called “Scrape” when working to playside linebacker
- Called “Scab” on backside
- Center initiates with “odd” call and linebacker number
Backside Tackle & Tight End (STALLION)
- Always make the stallion call even without a tight end
- Keep backside shoulder low to prevent defensive end penetration
TECHNIQUE EMPHASIS
Playside Execution: Tackle uses displace leverage, guard runs similar technique without help from center
Center: Left foot, right foot through defender’s face, create initial push up the crack
Backside Guard: Step over the pipe and deliver a knockout blow, move both defenders playside (similar to backside tackle on stagger)
Backside Tackle: Work over the pipe, hat must win on linebacker, maintain low shoulders to prevent being pressed into the gap
SPECIAL CALLS
Solid Call: Made by backside tackle when no one to work to – means cut off defender alone with hat frontside
Minus Call: Playside tackle makes this when Tiger has no one to work to, redirects the combo block to next level defender
KEY COACHING POINTS
- Ball runs up center’s crack – stay out of that gap unless you have upfield movement
- Be patient on double teams to avoid getting picked off
- Maintain tight hands and low pad level
- Backside guard must create dent to affect linebacker’s read
- Communication is critical – make your calls even when alignments seem obvious