Thoughts on the Run Game

Some general thoughts on the run game and how I approach and teach it.

1. Re-Equate Numbers
   1. Read a Defensive Player
   2. QB or 2^nd Back as ball carrier
   3. Misdirection (Sweep Fake, Fake handoff, Counter, Alter RB path to same point of attack)
2. We are a multiple Zone/Gap Scheme Team
3. Create conflicts on the Defensive Ends and slow Linebackers
   1. They should never know if they are being Kicked, Logged, or Read
4. Innovative Enhancement – Find ways to create the conflict
5. Have answers for overloaded box counts through built in reliefs. (i.e. RPO, dump pass, screen)
6. All blocking schemes must provide for 3 RB cuts, Bang (hit POS), Bend (cutback), or Bounce.  We must also have blocking for a potential QB keep.
7. Fast through the hole not to the hole.  Be patient.  Teach it.

• A lot depends on the existence of a running QB.  If we have one, then we can read the EMOL and Dive/QB Run, H Dive/Option w/ RB, or QB Run/Pass option.  If we do not, then our option is relegated to Dive/Jet Sweep with slot receiver, or a read of a 2^nd level with a Dive/Pass option.  The misdirection can be accomplished with different RB paths to the same POA, fakes to an H or slot receiver in Jet Sweep, or counter action.  And PA pass is available out of all these actions.
• We can run both Zone and Gap schemes with all the Read Option components we have installed.
• The EMOL’s must be attacked in different ways to keep them off balance.  We can Kick, Log, or Slice with H, Kick with BS G, Base block with OT or TE (whoever is covered by him) or Read him. 
• Conflict the EMOL with run options and 2^nd level defenders with run/pass options.

“Stretch the defense causing voids in gap soundness.” In gap blocking schemes, the line must push specific defenders a specific direction to open a specific gap. Zone schemes are more forgiving. If a defender is shaded outside, he gets pushed further outside, If he jumps inside, he gets walled off inside. If every offensive lineman can do one or the other, gaps will open. It is up to the running back to find and hit those holes.

We block gaps, not a specific player/position in a run play.

• Responsibility determined by the existence of the POINT defender. POINT is a defender being Read, Trapped, Iso’d, or Kicked Out.  Inside of POINT defender use Gap. Look back side to est. your gap assignment.
  • Outside of POINT use PS. Look play side gap to est. your assignment.
• NO POINT – ZONE SCHEME
  • Mike declaration (+1) tells us who Center is working to.  PS gap for your assignment.  Help comes from the PS.  If not covered then work through PS gap to 2nd level. Wider plays demand more work to the PS.
• Solo Blocks
  • Know the RB aiming point and play scheme.  In zone we want to cover the defender on the angle, establish proper leverage and move DL off the ball on your angle.  If he moves inside then wall him off.  Stays outside then push him more outside.  In gap we want to pin the DL inside.

• COMBO blocks.
  • Combos work to the angle of the target LB and the technique varies depending on the alignment of the LB.  We have a TRAIL man and a POST man.  Trail takes off at angle to the DL that points to the target LB, takes over DL.  The post man executes Post-Crowther on the angle to the LB.  MUST displace DL.  The Trail man makes the angle of the combo right.

Clinic Structure

Training with Lineman U is about achievement. Not ours but yours. I will never sit back and try to take credit for your accomplishments. They are your accomplishments. With that said, we are committed to your development, and we share your goal of reaching, AND STAYING, at the next level. As we begin this journey, I wanted to post our conceptual model for training. If this looks right for you, please contact us.

1.      Use Agility Drills to build skill sets

2.      Skill Builders      

3.      Football Gameplay     

4.      Football IQ

          >        Binders handed out 1st session

          >        Whiteboard at start of session

          >        Handout at end of session goes into binder

          >        Access to site

Football IQ

In this example, we look at the inside zone and the blocking schemes that can be employed.

As we can see, our assignments are dictated by who is in our play side gap. The only thing that I would do differently is have the center Post-Crowther on the shaded Nose. The aim point will influence the M to not move all that much laterally, so we can push the Combo on an angle to the M. The width of the N is to tough for the G to reach and the N will blow through both A gaps. The OT is responsible for clearing the BS B gap for a potential cutback. Both PS G and T are Solo with inside leverage aim point. The DE is the read, and is therefore, the POINT (different from the M declaration) except in a LOCK call.

Combo Blocks

When we combo block we are first and foremost trying to get movement on a down lineman while simultaneously blocking a 2nd level defender.  The technique you and your partner utilize depends on the alignment of the defender and the position of the target LB relative to the uncovered man. (The uncovered man is the one not covered by a down lineman.)  As you can see in the diagrams below, common to all techniques is pushing the combo on the angle to the target LB.  A common mistake for the uncovered man who has an LB in his play side gap is to hi-leg into the DL, get to deep into the combo, and be out of position to block the LB when he fills the gap.

The Single Pillar – Pass Pro

The single pillar is the core striking technique in pass pro.  Remember, we never strike with two hands on first contact.  The ultimate goal is to get both hands on the pass rusher and keep the feet active.  Below is a page from the manual that explains this technique.

The Down Block

A fundamental part of the power-gap run concept, the down block is no longer a ‘bum rush’ to hit a DL from the side.  By incorporating the core concepts of playing both square and long with the hands we have made the down block more effective against the twisting / stunting defenses we face.