Outside Zone Left
Running back runs the wide zone stretch looking to turn the corner.
Concept: Linemen take flat reach steps to overtake outside shoulders and pin defenders inside.
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
Mesh and hand off on the wide zone left; boot fake to hold the backside.
Stretch wide left, read the edge, and turn the corner or cut up in the crease.
Flat reach step to overtake the defender's outside shoulder.
Reach and combo, then climb to the linebacker.
Flat reach step to overtake the nose playside.
Reach-block to hook and pin the edge defender inside.
Reach and cut off backside pursuit.
Reach-block the force defender to seal the edge.
Stalk-block the cornerback.
Block the overhang/force defender.
Cut off backside coverage.
How to teach it
- 1Flat reach steps to overtake outside shoulders and pin defenders inside.
- 2Back stretches to the corner and reads the edge for turn-up or bounce.
- 3Pin-and-seal: get your helmet across the defender's outside shoulder.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Linemen lose leverage and defenders cross their face — flatten the reach angle.
- !Back bellies too deep — keep the path flat to threaten the edge.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.