Up to this point, I’ve only covered defensive schemes and personnel. This week I’ll be covering offense. Because there isn’t a set “base” personnel for offenses, I’m gonna talk about offensive line run blocking concepts; zone and power blocking. Although there are other run blocking concepts, like counter running, teams will usually form their running philosophy on one of the two blocking concepts.

Zone Blocking

Zone blocking is used to take advantage of linebackers who overcommit to their gaps. Although this is used in both outside zone running and split zone running, it’s only immediately identifiable in outside zone running. The goal is to push the offensive line in a certain area or zone so that the linebackers commit to immediate gaps in that direction, and let the running back read the line so he can find the open hole. Because of this, the linebackers are put into a position where they can’t win. The only way to stop zone running is by getting penetration from your front four defensive linemen, or blitzing extra men to the side of the field the zone is pushing.

Outside zone plays generally utilize a fullback to lead block and either plug up the middle if the linebacker overcommits or he can take on the force rusher if he gets penetration, allowing the running back a cutback lane. Split zone plays will pull a tight end or wide receiver across the line, opposite of the side the zone will push to. This opens up lanes because linebackers will see the line pushing one way, pursue the line, with the tight end running the other way to get the seel block, letting the running back run through the middle of the field.

The downside of zone running is it relies entirely on the execution and quality of players. If one guard or tackle misses his block, the play is over. If the running back has bad vision and takes the wrong gap, the play is over. Because of this, it is only really popular with NFL teams and high-level college teams. The other concept I’ll be covering, however, relies less on skilled players, but more on the brute strength of them.

Power Blocking

Power blocking uses pre-assigned blocking responsibilities, with the hope that your players can out power the other team. Teams will often pull their guards in this concept, letting them run behind the center and meeting the converging linebacker in the gap, acting as the lead blocker. The running back is supposed to stick right behind him, pushing through for extra yards. This concept puts the pressure on the defense to make the play, instead of the offense, as it is incredibly hard for an offensive player to mess up his assignment unless he gets blown off the ball. Unfortunately, there isn’t much to power blocking, so you’ll just have to watch it.

In this play, we see Adrian Peterson make a rare mistake, as he tries to cut back inside, instead of following his lead blocker.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both concepts have their place in football, as they depend on the type of players you have on your roster. Next week I’ll be covering some passing concepts.