Kurt Stein, Head Coach, Oakdale HS, MD

Full video available on Glazier Drive: Oakdale Football Multiple Spread Zone Run Game: Inside Zone Concepts & Lead Zone Concepts with RPO's
 

LEAD ZONE FUNDAMENTALS

This video breaks down the lead zone concept as an evolution of inside zone blocking. The key difference is inserting a skill player (typically a B-back or fullback) on linebacker #1, which changes how the offensive line counts defenders and executes their blocking assignments.

BLOCKING ASSIGNMENT CHANGES

When running lead zone, the offensive line no longer counts linebacker #1 in their zone count since a skill player is inserting on him. This means the first double team now goes to linebacker #2, and the second double team goes to linebacker #3. This adjustment allows linemen to fan out defensive ends (4 and 9 techniques) while the inserter handles the inside linebacker.

LEAD ZONE VARIATIONS

The system includes several variations:

• Traditional Lead: Standard lead zone with zone read option for the quarterback
• B Lead: Same concept but trading which back carries the ball and which back inserts
• Quarterback Lead: QB becomes the ball carrier, often with outside run fake action
• Wind Concept: The inserter starts on the backside of the formation and "winds" back to insert on linebacker #1

FILM BREAKDOWN EXAMPLES

The transcript analyzes multiple game film examples showing:

• Proper fan blocking by offensive line against 4-9 techniques
• Effective inserts by the lead blocker taking linebacker #1 off his feet
• Communication between guards and center for proper double teams
• Motion variations where the motion player becomes the inserter
• Diamond formation (30 personnel) allowing for both an inserter and an alley player
• Backside zone read opportunities when defensive ends over-squeeze

PERSONNEL AND FORMATION FLEXIBILITY

The lead zone concept works from various personnel groupings and formations, including tight end sets, diamond backfield, and motion packages. The key is maintaining the core principle of inserting on linebacker #1 while executing proper zone blocking techniques with the offensive line.