Using Speed and Movement to Shut Down the Inside Zone

by: Tyler Haines
Linebackers Coach and Special Teams Coordinator • Adrian College
© More from this issue

Every defensive coach knows that the Inside Zone is a base play for most offenses. There are many variations to the Zone scheme like lead, split, read, and bubble. At Adrian we start with the premise that it is important to beat the Zone from the inside out. We try to force the running back to bounce or cut back where we want. We will run down the read, bubble, and options off the Inside Zone. Here at Adrian College we believe in a smaller, faster, attacking defense that leaves the offense on their heels. Offenses hope to take away that movement and aggressiveness by running the Inside Zone. To counter this play we have developed ways to maintain our movement and aggressiveness while remaining gap sound. This is our Base 3-4 Angle Cover 3 alignment and fits (See Diagram 1).


User Name Password Password Help	NOT A SUBSCRIBER? Subscribe now to start receiving our monthly magazine PLUS get INSTANT unlimited access to over 4000 pages of 100 percent football coaching information, ONLY available at AmericanFootballMonthly.com!

**SUBSCRIBERS ONLY**
NEED PASSWORD HELP

Subscribe online or call 800-537-4271 and get your password today!

Article Categories

AFM Magazine

Using Speed and Movement to Shut Down the Inside Zone