Zone run
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The Zone Run is a running play based on zone blocking. Zone running actually has many different variations; an inside zone play or an outside zone play also known as a stretch. The concept of Zone blocking in both the run and pass game were created by Jim Mcnally of the New York Giants football team. However this blocking scheme was made famous to the American public by the Denver Broncos, whose offesive line coach Alex Gibbs(Now the offensive line coach for the Atlanta Falcons) was considered the definitive expert on zone blocking in the NFL. Most NFL and Division 1 NCAA football teams that rely on running the ball now use zone blocking schemes. Zone blocking originates with blocking the first level (defensive line). There are usually two double teams on every zone blocking play (playside and weakside). From each double team, one of the lineman from each will work onto the next level (linebackers). Depending on the flow of the linebackers, either the drive man (inside blocker of double team) or the post man (outside man of the double team) will leave the double team in order to reach the linebacker. If the linebacker reads over the top of the double team (outside) then the post man leaves the double team in order to block the flowing linebacker. If the linebacker comes inside the double team (underneath), the drive/inside double teamer will pick up the backer. This scheme of the zone creates cut backs lanes, which good runners will know where to find. Cut back lanes are created due to an over commitment (flow) by the defense and a seal block on the backside by linemen. The zone run has been make popular in the NFL and Division 1 because of advanced defenses, lateral speed of defensive players, and athleticism of offensive lineman and running backs. Where most plays are designed to go to a specific hole or gap along the offensive line, a zone run requires the running back to read the blocks in front of him and choose the best crease to enter. In theory this allows the offensive lineman to block the defensive linemen in whatever direction is most convenient, assuming a hole will be available somewhere.
This style was made famous by Barry Sanders and the Detroit Lions and leads to many cutback runs where the running back can start in one direction and turn back when an opening develops elsewhere.
