RunBest for: Base down
Inside Zone Right
Running back runs inside zone out of the gun reading the first down lineman.
Concept: Line zone-steps playside and combos up to the linebackers.
Base alignment — schematic, not to scale
Every position's job
QB
Open playside, deep-ride the mesh, carry out a naked fake to the backside
RB
Toe-to-heel behind the guard, read first down lineman's helmet, press-and-cut
Playside OL
Zone step to playside gap, hip-to-hip double, climb to linebacker
Backside OL
Zone step and cut off the backside pursuit
Center
Zone step playside, help guard then work to backer
TE
Base block the end man on the line of scrimmage
How to teach it
- 1Rep the mesh so QB and RB never collide, start slow-motion
- 2Teach the back to 'press the line' then bang, bend, or bounce
- 3Line drill: everybody steps to the same side on the first sound
Common mistakes to fix
- !Back cutting too early before the hole develops — cue him to stay patient one extra beat
- !Linemen turning shoulders and losing the double — cue 'hip-to-hip, eyes to the backer'
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.