Luke Meadows, O-Line Coach, Northern Illinois
Full video on Glazier Drive: O-Line Inside Zone Play vs. Odd Fronts
This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
See why 33,000+ coaches from schools across the nation trust Glazier Drive to help their program succeed. Glazier Drive has 2,000+ Curated Videos from Top Coaches, 40 Complete Coaching Systems, and Exclusive Content from Top Coaches in the Industry.
Start your free trial by signing up here GlazierDrive.com
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