Description

Kyle Ralph, Head Coach, New Palestine HS (IN)

Full video on Glazier Drive:  Outside Zone from the Zone Run Family in the Power Spread System

OUTSIDE ZONE RUNNING PLAY BREAKDOWN

This video provides a detailed coaching clinic on the outside zone read play, covering blocking schemes, player techniques, and execution principles for offensive coordinators and position coaches.

BLOCKING SCHEME FUNDAMENTALS

The outside zone aims for extreme horizontal displacement of the defensive line, stretching the defense laterally while maintaining vertical threat. Offensive linemen take an 8-12 inch lateral first step (sometimes abbreviated to 6-8 inches based on defensive technique) to create lateral movement. The second step comes down to the midline with square shoulders, followed by a third step of 6-8 inches to continue horizontal displacement. The scheme avoids bucket steps, instead keeping toes and hips square to maintain power. Double teams are preferred when possible, particularly with center-Mike linebacker combos, though they're harder to achieve on outside zone than inside zone.

RUNNING BACK TECHNIQUE AND PATIENCE

The critical coaching point: outside zone is NOT a sweep. The play is most effective hitting inside the C gap with a vertical cut that splits the defense. Running backs must execute the first three steps at 50-75% speed ("slow two and accelerate through"), providing patience at the mesh point before exploding to full speed once the ball hits their stomach. This patience allows offensive linemen to progress through blocks and establish proper relationship between O-line and running backs. Different running backs may use different footwork—some use a false step or underneath step to control their speed—but all follow the principle of slow to the quarterback, accelerate through the quarterback.

CUT READ PROGRESSION

Unlike inside zone (which reads inside-out), outside zone reads outside-in along the line of scrimmage. The running back identifies the furthest defender outside and makes decisions based on his position. If the defender plays hard C gap contain, the ball bends into the B gap looking backside. If the defender is reached or spikes into the B gap, the C gap opens for a bounce read outside. The system emphasizes aggressive singular vertical cuts with no dancing—the single-player read eliminates uncertainty and hesitation.

QUARTERBACK FOOTWORK

Quarterbacks maintain a parallel stance to the line of scrimmage with a possible 10-15 degree turn of the playside foot for proper mesh relationship. Minimal foot movement is required—the tailback runs a flatter course aiming for the inside leg of an imaginary tight end position.

FILM EXAMPLES

The video includes multiple clips demonstrating successful execution, including a four-man seal block against cover zero that created a big gain, and examples of running backs displaying proper patience before acceleration through the mesh point.

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