Zone Dive
Fullback takes a straight handoff on an interior zone-blocked dive for tough yards.
Concept: Interior line zone-steps playside and combos up to the linebackers for the downhill dive.
Grows with your players
Same play, more layers as they age up — teach it once and build on it every season for a consistent program.
- 6UIntroduce: Nail the snap/exchange, aim the right hole, and finish downhill.
- 8UAdd deception: Add the fake/mesh — and a counter off the very same look.
- 10UMaster it: Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.
Every position's job
Take a straight handoff, press the playside gap, and cut off the zone blocks for tough downhill yards.
Zone-step playside and combo with the center up to the linebacker.
Zone-step playside and combo with the guard to the linebacker.
Zone-step playside and reach/combo the man over.
Zone-step playside and combo up to the backside linebacker.
Zone-step and cut off backside pursuit.
Block the alley/force to seal the edge.
Cut off backside pursuit.
Stalk-block or clear coverage.
Seal the edge/alley defender.
How to teach it
- 1Everyone zone-steps playside first, then works combos up to the linebackers — drill the covered/uncovered rule.
- 2B-back presses the front and makes one downhill cut off the blocks.
- 3Combos must climb to the linebacker on time — rep the pass-off.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Linemen stay on the double-team too long and no one climbs to the linebacker; fix by drilling the timed pass-off.
- !B-back bounces outside instead of pressing downhill; fix by teaching a one-cut, north-south run.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.