Zone Read / Now Screen RPO Left
Quarterback reads the box then hands the zone or flips a now screen outside.
Concept: Line blocks zone as the receiver runs a quick now route with a stalk block outside.
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.
- 10UIntroduce: Nail the snap/exchange, aim the right hole, and finish downhill.
- 12UAdd deception: Add the fake/mesh — and a counter off the very same look.
- 14UAdd the pass: Add the play-action throw off this run action. Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.
Every position's job
Read the box, then hand the zone or flip the now screen to the outside receiver.
Run inside zone off the mesh with the cutback read.
Zone-block playside and combo up.
Zone-block and combo backside.
Zone-step, combo the nose, then climb.
Zone-block and combo up.
Zone-block and cut off backside.
Run the quick now route to catch the screen.
Stalk-block outside to spring the now screen.
Run off or cut off backside coverage.
How to teach it
- 1Line blocks zone; the receiver runs a now route with a stalk block outside.
- 2QB counts the box: hand the zone if light, throw the now screen if the box is loaded.
- 3Slot stalk-blocks the near defender to clear the now-screen alley.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Screen receiver drifts backward — teach a quick now route staying square to the QB.
- !Slot blocker whiffs the stalk — teach him to break down and mirror the defender.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.