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Derek Warehime, O-Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator, Coastal Carolina

The full video is available at:  O-Line Inside Zone Technique & Fundamentals

INSIDE ZONE BLOCKING FUNDAMENTALS FOR OFFENSIVE LINE COACHES

This transcript covers the fundamental techniques and coaching points for executing base blocks in the inside zone running play, emphasizing proper body positioning and footwork for offensive linemen.

KEY COACHING PHILOSOPHY

The primary emphasis is maintaining square shoulders throughout the entire play. Coaches should be able to see all jersey numbers on both the running back and every offensive blocker at the line of scrimmage. The goal is to minimize shoulder turn and work to play on the defense's side of the line of scrimmage.

BASE BLOCK TECHNIQUE FUNDAMENTALS

Base blocks occur on the front side of inside zone plays and can be executed by the center, playside guard, playside tackle, or playside tight end. The core technique involves three critical elements: driving the playside knee through the defender's crotch, placing the face mask directly on the inside of the defender's neck with "hairline on chin" contact, and using proper hand placement with a double under grip.

HAND AND BODY POSITIONING

Proper technique requires elbows tight, thumbs out, grabbing and lifting the defender's jersey numbers on contact while staying square to the line of scrimmage. The blocker must transition from a 45-degree angle drive phase to lifting and connecting hips with the defender to make them vertical rather than allowing them to stay in the drive phase.

FOOTWORK FOR DIFFERENT DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENTS

The transcript distinguishes between blocking "heavy" and "loose" players. For heavy players (like a 5-technique), the inside foot drives vertical to protect against the defender crossing the blocker's face, followed by driving the outside foot vertical. The footwork should feel like "foot fire" rather than long steps.

POSITION-SPECIFIC TECHNIQUES

Guards and tackles have different approaches. Guards step to gain ground with their outside foot first, while tackles may use vertical foot fire or lead steps depending on the defensive alignment. For looser defensive ends, tackles take a lead step that should split the defender's crotch, gaining ground at a 45-degree angle while keeping feet connected to the ground.

DRILL EMPHASIS AND TRAINING POINTS

The coaching emphasizes drilling movements in controlled, non-contact situations first, focusing on proper stance, power angles with knees inside feet, and maintaining forward lean through the drive phase. All techniques stress staying square, gaining ground violently through defenders, and achieving proper lifting action to neutralize defensive leverage.

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