The passing game has gotten bigger at just about every level of football these days. But every good coach will tell you that you have to have a decent ground game to make it work. As they say “No Run. No Fun.” Let's take a look at the core running plays and how the linemen make them work.
Inside Zone
Inside Zone Run emphasizes flexibility. Linemen work to push defenders laterally to create, hopefully, multiple lanes. The running back makes on the fly decisions to pick the most promising running lane. It requires coordination between the linemen to make it work.
The shifting options keep the defense guessing. However, sharp defenses can close these lanes swiftly. The linemen's lane creation and the back’s decision-making determine the play's fate.
Linemen running Inside Zone should hone their lateral movement and develop a good sense for switching between defenders to ensure effective lane creation.
Power O
Power O thrives on brute force. One guard breaks routine, pulling around to create a new pathway. This move aims to overwhelm a specific point in the defense. Its sheer force can often plow right through unsuspecting defenses. However, defenses that catch on early can fill the chosen pathway.
The pulling guard, responsible for clearing the point of attack, is key. The rest of the linemen must effectively keep defenders occupied, ensuring the back can get to the hole. The puller needs to make sure he has the speed and mobility to get to his path during the play. Other linemen need to focus on good, solid blocks, keeping defenders engaged and away from the point of attack.
Counter Trey
The Counter Trey starts out with some deceit. The offense makes it look like the play is going in one direction, then abruptly shifts to the other. Two linemen, usually a guard and tackle, lead this counter-charge. Its misleading nature can fool many defenses. However, alert defenses can disrupt its flow, since it can take a little longer for the play to develop.
The pulling linemen are the play's keys. Their coordination and speed often determine the play's outcome. The back also plays a crucial role in selling the initial direction. Synchronized movement of the leading linemen is important. Drills should emphasize seamless pulls and convincing misdirection.
Outside Zone
Outside Zone seeks to exploit the edges of the defense. Linemen move laterally together, aiming to create a protective wall. The back scans the blocks, looking for an outside lane or a cutback opportunity. This run can kill slower defenses, stretching them thin. Speedy edge defenses, however, can shut it down.
Tackles and tight ends, needed to secure the play's perimeter, must execute well. The back has to be able to read the blocks and make quick decisions one which lane to hit. Linemen need to perfect their initial steps. This is critical to being able to reach and maintain their blocks. Emphasis on understanding defensive alignments can aid in cutting off defenders.
Dive
The Dive epitomizes directness. The RB rapidly bolts through an opening, typically between the center and a guard. Linemen are charged with instantaneously crafting this gap. Perfect for achieving short gains, especially under tight situations. However, its straightforwardness makes it predictable for well-prepared defenses.
Interior linemen are central, swiftly creating the central pathway. The RB's burst of speed, vital for exploiting the gap, is also key. Rapid off-the-line movement is crucial. Linemen should emphasize immediate engagement, quickly opening up the designated pathway.
Duo
Often called “Power without a puller,” Duo requires linemen to double-team interior defenders. The philosophy of the play is very similar to Inside Zone. The main difference between the two plays is the type of double team blocks. In Duo, the front side blocks are focused on displacing the down linemen vertically to the linebacker as opposed to laterally like Inside Zone. The back reads the linebacker's movement, deciding to either hit the designed gap or cut back. Its power-centric approach can decimate defenses that aren't stout against the run. Its reliance on the double-team, however, can be a limitation if not executed flawlessly.
The center and guards are in the spotlight, as their effective double-teaming lays the foundation. An intuitive RB, who can read the linebacker's intent and respond swiftly, is essential. Ensuring tight coordination between the double-teaming linemen is critical. Regular drills focusing on solidifying these partnerships and reading linebackers will enhance execution.
While the highlights typically shine on the touchdown scorers, it's often the linemen that set the stage for those scoring moments. Their often unseen contributions are the heart and soul of the team's running game.
