Description

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

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.

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