Kevin Berneathy, Head Coach, La Porte, HS (TX)
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A summary of the transcript is available below the video.
OVERVIEW
This is a coaching breakdown of the Wide Zone “Pitch” play, focusing on offensive line blocking rules and backfield reads. The presenter walks through multiple film clips showing the play against various defensive fronts.
COVERED/UNCOVERED BLOCKING RULES
The foundation of the scheme is built on covered/uncovered rules for the offensive line. Covered linemen press the playside brush block and work toward the backside backer, while uncovered linemen work doubles to the playside backer. The center and guards communicate and point to identify their assignments before the snap, with the coaching staff emphasizing that overcommunication is essential for proper execution.
LEAD BACK RESPONSIBILITIES
The frontside back serves as the lead blocker, targeting the fourth defender. His block dictates the ball carrier’s path — if he logs the block inside, the back follows inside; if he kicks it out, the back bends it back to daylight.
BALL CARRIER READS
The running back takes the pitch and uses the tight end’s original alignment as his landmark. His read is straightforward — hook means go over the top, skate means cut underneath. The wide zone scheme, unlike a traditional pitch play, gives the back a legitimate cutback option, allowing him to press the line of scrimmage and make a decisive cut rather than always bouncing outside.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The beauty of the play is the vertical push along the line of scrimmage. By moving defenders laterally while driving them back, the offense creates natural running lanes. Multiple clips demonstrate the ball consistently hitting right at the tight end’s original alignment, validating the scheme’s design across different defensive fronts.