PLAY CALL SYSTEM

Tight zone operates on a 2-3 concept (two players to one side, three to the other). The numbering system breaks down as follows:

• 412/413: Standard tight zone execution
• 012/013: Read option on the backside
• 422/423: Split zone variation (affects linebacker fits)
• 022/023: Split zone with backside read
• 432/433 or 032/033: Lead concept (critical vs odd fronts with overhang and stacked boxes)

GUCCI RULE SYSTEM

The blocking scheme follows GUCCI principles:

• Gap: Your responsibility based on ball location (typically up the center's crack)
• Uncovered: Players without a defender in their gap (often just the backside tackle vs odd fronts)
• Covered: Defenders in your gap or head-up
• Cluster: Predetermined combination blocks
• ID: Furthest linebacker in the box

CLUSTER ASSIGNMENTS

Playside Tackle & Guard (TIGER)

• Can be a Fan (working to outside defender)
• Grunt (5-technique with 30 backer)
• Gut (4-technique with backer)
• Protected Fan (PF) when concerned about twists/games

Center & Backside Guard (SPIKE)

• Called "Scrape" when working to playside linebacker
• Called "Scab" on backside
• Center initiates with "odd" call and linebacker number

Backside Tackle & Tight End (STALLION)

• Always make the stallion call even without a tight end
• Keep backside shoulder low to prevent defensive end penetration

TECHNIQUE EMPHASIS

Playside Execution: Tackle uses displace leverage, guard runs similar technique without help from center

Center: Left foot, right foot through defender's face, create initial push up the crack

Backside Guard: Step over the pipe and deliver a knockout blow, move both defenders playside (similar to backside tackle on stagger)

Backside Tackle: Work over the pipe, hat must win on linebacker, maintain low shoulders to prevent being pressed into the gap

SPECIAL CALLS

Solid Call: Made by backside tackle when no one to work to - means cut off defender alone with hat frontside

Minus Call: Playside tackle makes this when Tiger has no one to work to, redirects the combo block to next level defender

KEY COACHING POINTS

• Ball runs up center's crack - stay out of that gap unless you have upfield movement
• Be patient on double teams to avoid getting picked off
• Maintain tight hands and low pad level
• Backside guard must create dent to affect linebacker's read
• Communication is critical - make your calls even when alignments seem obvious