Ball State Univ Clinic

7/28/2019 Ball State Univ Clinic

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Implementing the Zone Running Game:

The Stretch Play

AMHERST STEELE

Alex KnippOhio Div. IRushing &

Scoring Leader

Career:

4,345 Rush63 TD

8.0 avg.

5,531 All Purp.

Ball State Univ.


2/55

The problem with many of us is simply this.

we like this, we like that.

we go to clinics, we talk to coaches.Ultimately, though, we fail to recognize that

successful offenses are packaged. I dont care

if you run wishbone, the wing-t, or the I.

YOU MUST HAVE A SYSTEM.

Ask yourself this question:

DO I HAVE A SYSTEM

OR JUST A COLLECTION OF PLAYS?

Jerry Hanlon, Former Offensive Line Coach

The University of Michigan


3/55

Presentation Goals:

1. Share how we went from a collection of plays to a

system and the results of our efforts.

2. Communicate what we believe to be the keys to a

successful zone run game.

3. Identify and illustrate the fundamentals of the

stretch play for each position.

4. Show video cuts illustrating our variations of the

play.


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The Zone Running Game at

Amherst Steele: 3 Distinct Zone Plays:

Inside Zone - Read the 1st Covered Down

Lineman.

Outside Zone - Read the End Man on the

Line of Scrimmage

Stretch - Read Force Player-Get it Outside!


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The Stretch Play 2004-2005

178 carries for 1,840 yards

21% of our offense attempts in 2004-2005

10.3 yards per carry

73% efficient (+4) yards

53 explosives(+12 yard runs) 17 TDs


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The Stretch Play Sets Up Our

Entire Offense! 22 games - Opened with Stretch 16 times

19.9 Yard average on opener

88% efficient (+4) yards

11 explosives(+12 yard runs)

1 TD


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How we switched to the

Zone Running Game Discovered we had a problem against odd fronts


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2003 Run Efficiency vs. Even Frontsopponent(8-3) 71%opponent(1-9) 67%opponent(4-6) 62%opponent(3-7) 62%

opponent(6-4) 58%

2003 Run Efficiency vs. Odd Frontsopponent(0-10) 53%

opponent(7-4) 50%opponent(7-3) 44%opponent(2-8) 38%opponent(15-0) 33%


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Went back and studied ourselves versus the top tier

of the conference 2000-2003


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Opponent Study 2000-2003

Record 1-7 versus opponents studied

40% run efficient

3.44 yards per carry

Only 8 total +12 yard runs in 8 games

32 different run calls used Could not identify a base offense from

what was called


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Started with some questions


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Conclusions about our

run game(03): We have become scheme heavy while sacrificingbeing fundamentally sound

Our schemes do not provide us with a sequence of

problems for a defense. There is not a logical progression for us. When

one scheme does not work we just try somethingelse.

We cannot effectively practice all of the schemeswe have.


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Conclusions about our

run game(03): Our man scheme blocking causes our lineman to

become tentative if the defense presents a new

look or movement. We must simplify our offense by cutting down our

schemes, but make it appear more complicated to

the defense by presenting more looks(formations,

shifts, motion).

What we have been using has not allowed us

success against the top tier of our conference.


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Decided what our philosophy would be


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2004 Offense

1. Attitude - We will attack with a punishingrunning game that destroys the defensive line.

2. We will use spread formations to open up therun & pass.

3. We will use a base offense week after week.

4. We will adjust with formations, not by adding

new plays. 5. We will take advantage of our abilities with

personnel packages


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Decided what our philosophy would be

Decided to change to zone

Researched the zone run game


17/55

Why we use zone run Can be run versus any defensive alignment.

Minimizes effectiveness of a defense that movesby slanting and angling.

Allows emphasis on the aggressive and intenseexecution of fundamentals and techniques.

Allows us to block the line of scrimmage, denypenetration, and secure movement by using

double-team combination schemes. Distortsand displaces the defensive front.


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Why we use zone run

Can be used in a variety of personnelgroups:

Tight End/Split End Two Back-Two Receiver/Two

Back-Three Receiver

One Back Shotgun Spread

Allows for personnel match-ups in game

plan.


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Why we use zone run

Run game allows toughness to permeatethe team.

High percentage passing game can be builtoff the run.

Provides split end and tight end attack. Donot need separate schemes for tight side orsplit side.


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Why we use zone run

Simple scheme-allows players to beaggressive.

Many different looks by using the samescheme allows for many repetitions forlinemen and backs.

Do not have to be overpowering to havesuccess.

Limits the blitz.

Wears down the opponent.


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Primary Objectives of the Stretch

Play

To get the entire backfield and line on a

wide railroad track

To force the defense to stretch quickly.

To beat them to the corner with a show of

force. to cut up in a lane they open by pursuing

incorrectly.


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Technique - Stretch the Defense

Flatter on initial step than inside zone.

Philosophy is not to knock them off the

ball-goal is to stretch the defense. First step is flat but dont allow penetration.

Second step must be quick

Linemen dont turn shoulders unless theyhook DL.


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Worst Case Scenario:

All linemen running parallel with the line of scrimmage

Cut-up lanes will open for the Back.


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Our Teaching Progression

Gap responsibility


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Gap Responsibility

TETGCGTTE

Play Direction


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Our Teaching Progression

Gap responsibility

Technique versus different alignments


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Outside Technique

12

Play Direction

Both Linemen step laterally

The outside OL is going at

the outside bicep; inside

OL is going at inside #.

If the inside # disappears,

the inside OL should stay

flat and climb to level 2.

He should NOT climb

straight upfield


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Outside Technique

12

Play Direction

Coaching Points:

OL going to 2nd level shouldflatten and let the LB come

to him. NEVER turn back

on zone plays.

He should stay on his tracks and

continue on past level 2 to the

safety.

When blocking a LB he should try

to run him over. At the very worst

he will get in the way.


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Head-up Technique

12

Play Direction

OL should know the % of him

coming inside is now greater.

Outside OL will step with

outside foot and punch

with inside hand.

Inside OL aims for inside #

landmark. He should

attempt to overtake.

Lineman who comes off shouldcome off flat and let LB come

to him.


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Inside Technique(uncovered)

12

Play Direction

This is not the outside OLs gap

responsibility.Outside OL will step with outside

foot and punch with inside hand to

help stop penetration. He should

get the 2nd step down quickly.

He should attempt to overtake thenext adjacent DL or flatten and let

the LB come to him.


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12

Drill outside technique; movement by DL to outside


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12

movement by DL to inside


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Receiver Blocking

Playside - Block Man On. Drive him out of

bounds.

Backside - Block Near Safety.

Maintain blocks until whistle.

WR Blocks turn a big gain into a TD.

Backside block is just as important; play

may cut back.


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Receiver Blocking

Not This!

Receiver needs to

gain leverage and

dig him out

Angle & # of steps

depends on depth and

distance(applies to both

stalk & crack blocks)

Never allow this path by

the defender!

Make him bubble around

WR

FB Blocking TE Side Phase 1 Drill


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FB Blocking TE Side

Stretch to the perimeter for 7 yards. Maintain outside leverage.

When he attacks, block his outside half.

- Phase 1 Drill

FB Blocking TE Side Phase 2 Drill


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FB Blocking TE Side - Phase 2 Drill

Stretch to the perimeter for 7 yards. Fight for outside leverage.

Continue stretching until you get to the numbers, then kick out.

FB Blocking TE Side Force shows immediately Phase 3 Drill


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FB Blocking TE Side - Force shows immediately. Phase 3 Drill

Arc to begin stretch to perimeter. Attempt to pin him in,

but kick out if you must.

FB TECHNIQUE


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No force in alley-FB can chip the edge

Until force shows.

Split End Stretch

FB TECHNIQUE

SE STRETCH

Phase 4: Stretch


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Quick Timeand aTIFF (LZW) dec omp res sorareneeded tose ethis pi c ture.

Phase 4: Stretch

Set-up perimeter block drill

Get on the FBs

Inside hip

Keep inside hip relationship

To set up hook block. WhenFB blocks outside half, make move.

Phase 4: Stretch


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Quick Timeand aTIFF (LZW) dec omp res sorareneeded tose ethis pi c ture.

Phase 4: Stretch

Set-up perimeter block drill

Get on the FBs

Inside hip

Keep inside hip relationship

To set up hook block. If defender comes across hardLet FB kick out, make move N/S and get

back outside.

Phase 5: Stretch - One back


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Phase 5: Stretch One back

Set-up perimeter block drill(with WR)

SS

Also Drill Two-back & Stalk CB


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Sprint to Mesh Point- Phase 1

QB will open at 4 oclock(8 oclock)

Fully extend ball and reach to the cone.He will sprint through the mesh point.

Emphasis is opening correctly and sprinting the ball back.

S i t t M h P i t Ph 2


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Fully extend ball and reach to the cone.

He will sprint to the mesh point(4 quick steps).

Gather his feet and ball himself up.

Emphasis on getting his feet gathered and balling up.

C.P. Balling up makes him look the same whether he has ball or not.


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Fully extend ball and reach to the cone.He will sprint to the mesh point.

Gather his feet and ball himself up.

Fake Hand-off and get depth step, natural arc

to bootleg.

C.P. Snap head and shoulders after depth step

Arc should be deep enough to escape end,

but not waste energy by getting too much

depth.

Assignment Coaching Point

48 Stretch


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Possible crack or other blockingadjustment playside by game plan

Possible crack or other blockingadjustment playside by game plan

Block outside half of force defenderwith inside half of your body. Try tomaintain outside leverage. If he flowsoutside, drive him out of bounds.Bongo technique to SE side.

Eye up the backside DE. He is yourman. Gun-rea d DE, if he close downline pull & keep around end.

Open and get on track(outside ofTE/ghost TE). Block force defender.To SE side block overhang player.(see HB assignment for 38 Stretch)

Sift: get on your track and block mosdangerous.

George-aim for hip of DL

Charlie-aim for hip of DL, Can punchon a 3 tech. before moving.

Covered: Make a George callUncovered: Listen for Charlie call

Ace-aim for hip of DL, Can Punch ona shade tech. before moving

Covered: Make a Char lie callUncovered: Listen for Ace call

Duece-aim for hip of DL, Can Punchon a 1 tech. before moving

Punch and work to level 2 ifuncovered and no call made. Aceoverrides Duece

Trey-aim for hip of DLCovered: Make a Ace callUncovered: Listen for Double call

Covered: Make a Tom call if youhave a backside TE. No TE you are

on your own. Uncovered: Sift, listenfor George call

Punch on a 1 technique beforegoing to level 2. Duece calloverrides your Trey call.

Open to 4 oclock. Sprint ball to TB,gather get depth and naked fake afterhand-off.

Be patient and let blocks develop. Ifthe LBs press, puch helmet tocovered linemans outside leg. Chas

the leg if no color shows. Cut back ifLBs get over top.

Stalk on playside/Cross Field onbackside.

Stalk on playside/Cross Field onbackside.

Open-2nd step get on track at yourlandmark(2 y ards outside TE/ghostTE). Stay on path until 4 yard crease

opens or a wrong colored jerseyshows. Cut Nort & South.

Covered: Make a Duece callUncovered: Listen for Tr iple call

Covered: Make Trey callUncovered: work your track to level 2

QB

X

Z

HB

FB

LT

LG

C

RG

RT

TE(Y)

Coaching PointAssignment

g g

Covered: make call to T

Uncovered: work your track to

level 2

Punch 1 tech. before going

to level 2. Call by T

Overrides your call.

TEAssignment Coaching Point

Covered: make call to PSG

Uncovered: Listen to call from

TE; work your tracks.


to level 2. Call by G

Overrides your call.

PST


Covered: make call to C

Uncovered: Listen to call fromPST; work your tracks.


to level 2. Call from COverrides your call.

PSG


Covered: make call to BSGUncovered: Listen to call from

PSG; work your tracks.

Punch shade before goingto level 2.C


Covered: make call to BSTE


PSG; work your tracks.

Punch shade before going

to level 2.BST

Assignment Coaching PointBlock outside half of force

Defender. To SE side block

Overhang player.

Try to maintain outside

Leverage. If he flows out,

Drive him out of bounds.

Bongo tech. To SE side.

F


Stalk on playside/Cross field

On backside.

Possible crack or other

Adjustment playside by

Gameplan.

Z


Stalk on playside/Cross fieldOn backside.

Possible crack or otherAdjustment playside by

Gameplan.

X Assignment Coaching Point

Open to 4 OClock. Sprint to

TB. Gather & get depth; naked

After fake.

Eye up backside DE. He is

Your man. Gun-read DE,

If he closes pull & keep.

QB

Open -2nd step & get on track.

Aim at 2 yards outside TE or

Ghost TE. Stay on path until4 yard crease opens or wrong

Colored jersey shows in path.

Cut North & South.

Be patient and let blocks

Develop. Stay on the FBs

Inside hip and cut off of hisBlock.

H


Covered: make call to BST


C; work your tracks.

Can punch on a 3 tech

Before going to level 2.BSG

Stretch TE Side vs 5-2


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Stretch TE Side vs. 5-2

XE N TR

W M

YS

C

F

C

H

FS

Z

SS



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Stretch TE Side vs. 4 3

X

E T T

SW M

Y

E

C

F

C

H

FS

Z

S S



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Stretch TE Side vs. 4 4

X

E T T

B B B

Y

E

C

F

C

H

FS

Z

B


50/55

Stretch SE Side vs. 5-2


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Stretch SE Side vs. 5 2

X

E T T

B

N

B

Y

E

C

F

C

H

FS

Z

S S

Stretch SE Side vs. 4-4


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X

E T T

BB B

Y

E

C

F

C

H

FS

Z

B

Stretch SE Side vs. 4 4

RESULTS 2004- Run Efficiency Improved inAlmost Every Game


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2003 2004 Improvement71%L 67%W -4%

67%W 86%W +19%62%W 68%W +6%62%W 56%W -6%58%W 60%W +2%

53%W 78%W +25%50%L 58%W +8%44%W 55%W +11%38%W 73%W +35%

33%L 47%L +14%

Avg. 10 Games +11.0% per game


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Keith [email protected]

(440)930-7461
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]

Ball State Univ Clinic

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