Defending the Inside Zone Running Play (2024)

Defending the Inside Zone Running Play (1)

The Inside Zone is one of the top offensive schemes in football. This play is so dominant because it can be run from so many different formations and personnel groups. When it comes to stopping this scheme there are two main ways that people are using to shut it down. One plan is to overload the A Gaps where the play is designed to go so that the offense can’t create the double teams that it relies on. The other way teams are stopping the play is by using stunting and defensive line movement to get offensive linemen out of position and put defenders into gaps.

Defending the Inside Zone

To truly understand how to stop the Inside Zone you must understand the goal of the scheme. The Inside Zone is based on the offensive line getting double teams in the interior of line so that they can get vertical movement on the defensive linemen and create running lanes. This vertical movement creates barriers that stop linebackers from being able to move over the top and fill the gap the runner goes through. This means as a defense you want to stop this vertical movement and find ways to keep your linebackers free to respond to the running back and fill the hole.

One of the more popular ways to stop the Inside Zone is to use double 1 techniques. This was made popular by the Indianapolis Colts defense and is making its rounds through the clinic circuit. The reason why this has become so popular is that it eliminates the ability of the offensive line to create double teams. By putting a defender in each A Gap the Center must make a decision leaving one of the A Gap defenders unblocked. Normally this is going to be the defender in the backside A Gap. While the BSG will look to down block and get him sealed off, if this defender can shoot the gap he will be in a perfect position to stop any inside run.

Related Content: Why I Prefer the Inside Zone Scheme

The other way to stop the Inside Zone is a much older strategy, but equally effective. This strategy is based on the idea of using stunts and twists to create open holes that linebackers can fill. Because the Inside Zone relies on double teams, the offensive linemen will put themselves in a position where they will chase a defensive lineman. Whenever an offensive linemen chases one of these stunting defensive linemen they abandon their gap and leave a clean lane for a linebacker to fill.

Defending the Inside Zone is all about putting the offense on the back foot and forcing them to react to your defense. The Inside Zone is a scheme that is based on the offensive line covering up defenders, creating some vertical movement, and hoping the Running Back can find a seam. If you play static against this scheme the runner will be able to rely on his offensive linemen covering up defenders so that he can find a gap to sneak through. Instead you must engage the offense in a way that benefits your team and gives you the matchups you want.

Defending the Inside Zone Running Play (2024)

FAQs

How to defend against inside zone? ›

Defending the Inside Zone is all about putting the offense on the back foot and forcing them to react to your defense. The Inside Zone is a scheme that is based on the offensive line covering up defenders, creating some vertical movement, and hoping the Running Back can find a seam.

Where is the running back aiming point on the inside zone? ›

INSIDE ZONE

The backs aiming point is the playside leg of the guard (think play is going right, right leg of the guard).

What are the benefits of zone blocking? ›

The advantage, as opposed to man blocking, is that you create a double-team with two players blocking one defensive lineman. This allows the offensive linemen to be aggressive because he knows he has help if his defensive lineman was to pinch inside.

What is zone defense strategy? ›

In basketball there are several strategies in defense, one of which is zone defense. Zone defense in basketball is a strategic approach employed by teams to disrupt their opponents' offensive plays, protect the basket, and create turnovers.

How do you play against zone defense? ›

There are a number of key principles when playing against a zone defence:
  1. “Gap the Zone”. Simply, stand in between two defenders rather than directly opposite one. ...
  2. “Posts Behind the Zone”. ...
  3. “Flashing from behind the Zone”
  4. Use dribble and Post Play against the zone.
  5. Screening the Zone.

Who does RB read on Inside Zone? ›

The Running Back's run key is the first defender on the line of scrimmage from the inside out. So, in a four-man front, if there is no designated Nose Tackle head-up over the center, the Running Back will read the Defensive Tackle to the play side.

What is the running back dead zone? ›

The “running back dead zone” has become a commonly used term in the fantasy — and particularly the best ball — community. Basically, running backs in Rounds 3-6 have historically underperformed ADP, while WRs in that range have flourished.

Why do running backs go through the middle? ›

Creating Running Lanes: A successful middle run disrupts the defensive line, creating running lanes for the ball carrier. Offensive linemen can use their strength to open gaps through blocks, allowing a runner to exploit these weaknesses and gain valuable yardage.

What are the disadvantages of zone defense? ›

Zone defense can be vulnerable to good shooters.

If the opposing team has players who are good from outside the three-point line, they can exploit gaps in the zone and get open shots. This can be especially challenging for younger players who may not have the speed or athleticism to close out on shooters quickly.

Who started zone blocking? ›

History. The concept of zone blocking in both the run and pass game was created by Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.

How do you break up a zone defense? ›

Keys to Attacking Zone Defenses

By keeping the ball and players in motion, the offense can create gaps in the defense, force rotations, and find open scoring chances. Effective ball movement involves making crisp passes, reversing the ball from side to side, and probing the defense with dribble penetration.

What is the weakness of zone defense in basketball? ›

Zones are weak in the seams and gaps. Dribble penetration into a seam will not produce a good shot. However, in splitting the defense, it will draw two defenders to the ball creating wide open shots off kick out passes. Ballhandlers should be careful to avoid offensive fouls.

What is the weakness of zone defense in football? ›

The main weakness of the Cover 1 scheme is that there is only one deep defender that must cover a large amount of field and provide help on any deep threats. Offenses can attack Cover 1 schemes by sending two receivers on deep routes, provided that the quarterback has enough time for his receivers to get open.

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