11/3/2020 Xs and Oz: Outside Zone Rules

Outside Zone Blocking

The offensive line blocks Outside Zone Rules. These are similar to Inside Zone Rules in that they use the
covered/uncovered read and playside direction. The blocking techniques, though, are different, as the plays are
designed to get the defense moving laterally across the field and create seams in their coverage.

The covered lineman executes a "rip-reach" technique. He takes an angle step at the playside shoulder of the
defensive lineman and rips with his backside arm. His job is to turn the DLs shoulders and get him off-balance
and prepared for his partner.

The uncovered lineman executes a "pull and overtake" technique. He takes a shallow pull step toward playside
(sometimes called a bucket step) and works to take over the block of his partner.

The covered lineman wants to rip through his d-lineman to get to the linebacker, while his uncovered partner
takes over his original block. If the covered lineman is unable to rip through because the DL fights to the
outside, then the covered lineman stays with that block and the pull and overtake lineman pulls around that block
and finds the linebacker.

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