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Luke Meadows, Northern Illinois, O-Line Coach

Full video on Glazier Drive: O-Line Inside Zone Play vs. Even Fronts

TIGHT ZONE RUN BLOCKING SCHEME BREAKDOWN

This coaching video provides a detailed breakdown of tight zone run blocking, covering key concepts and execution principles for offensive linemen.

GAP ASSIGNMENT AND BALL CARRIER EXPECTATIONS

The ball carrier is expected to hit up the crack of the center on tight zone plays, though this can vary slightly wider or behind the center. Linemen need to understand this landmark and avoid being in that area unless they have upfield movement.

COVERED VS. UNCOVERED LINEMEN

Linemen are classified as "covered" if there's a defender in their gap, or "uncovered" if their gap is empty. This determines their blocking responsibilities and whether they need to expect penetration into their gap.

CLUSTER TERMINOLOGY

Linemen work in clusters (partner blocking):

• Playside tackle: Usually works alone or with a tight end
• SIG (Sig): Playside guard and center cluster (C+G, "I" for inside)
• STING: Backside guard and tackle cluster (starts with "S" for backside, T+G, "I" for inside)

ZONE DOUBLES: CAGE AND STRANGER

When the defender isn't between the two blockers in a cluster, it's called a zone double:

• CAGE: Another term for a SIG when running a zone double
• STRANGER: Another term for a STING when running a zone double

LINEBACKER IDENTIFICATION

The center identifies the furthest linebacker in the box to the front side (the "MIC" in tight zone). The backside guard and tackle work to the next backer back.

PLAYSIDE TACKLE TECHNIQUE (DISPLACE)

Execute a "displace" block by placing the playside hand in the middle of the defender's chest and backside hand in the armpit. Maintain inside leverage and create a stalemate, knowing the defender will try to fall back inside.

PLAYSIDE GUARD TECHNIQUE

Step through the inside eye of the defender with left hand to chest, right hand to armpit. Avoid going too wide, as this allows the linebacker to play underneath. Keep your stripe inside the defender's stripe for proper leverage.

CENTER TECHNIQUE

Take one step expecting a slant into the gap. If nothing shows, retrace back to the inside number of the declared linebacker. Avoid drifting, which allows the linebacker to play back underneath the ball carrier's path.

BACKSIDE GUARD TECHNIQUE

Win on the front side by setting hips and getting helmet to the front side on the first step. Second step goes to the middle of the crotch with an uppercut using the backside hand.

BACKSIDE TACKLE TECHNIQUE

Step over the pipe, set hips, and crush the defender. If there's "color" (a defender showing), clean it and climb to the second level. Uncovered linemen should always expect defenders to penetrate their gap on zone doubles.

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