Half Slide protection uses zone rules on one side of the center and man rules on the other. It's the most common protection scheme in the NFL, providing flexibility against various pass rush looks.
Overview
Half Slide (also called "Slide Protection" or "Zone/Man") is a hybrid protection scheme that uses zone blocking rules on one side of the center and man blocking rules on the other.
The slide side (usually away from the running back) blocks in a zone fashion, with each player responsible for their gap. The man side (toward the running back) has each lineman assigned to a specific defender. The running back typically blocks the extra rusher to the man side.
This scheme provides flexibility against different defensive fronts and rush looks. The zone side naturally handles games and stunts, while the man side provides definite assignments. It's the primary protection scheme used by most NFL offenses.
History & Origin
Half Slide evolved as offensive line coaches sought to combine the benefits of zone and man protection. It became the NFL standard as defenses got more sophisticated with their rush schemes.
Key Principles
- 1Zone rules on one side of center (slide side)
- 2Man rules on other side (man side)
- 3Running back typically blocks to man side
- 4Slide direction usually away from back
- 5Zone side handles games/stunts naturally
- 6Man side provides specific assignments
- 7Center makes the call determining sides
When to Use
Half Slide is appropriate for most dropback passes. It provides the flexibility to handle various rush looks while keeping assignments clear. Use it as your primary protection scheme in most situations.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Flexible against various fronts
- +Zone side handles games/stunts
- +Clear man assignments on one side
- +Running back has defined responsibility
- +Industry standard protection
Disadvantages
- −Requires excellent communication
- −Center must make correct call
- −Vulnerable where zone meets man
- −Running back must recognize his man
What Coaches Call It
Different coaches use different terminology for the same concepts.
| Coach | Team | Their Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andy Reid | Chiefs | Half Slide | Standard terminology |
| Kyle Shanahan | 49ers | Slide | Shortened name |
| Sean McVay | Rams | Zone/Man | Descriptive terminology |
What You Need
Skills and jobs required to run this scheme effectively.
Critical
Center determines slide direction and man assignments
Identify defensive front, communicate assignments to line. Mental quarterback of the OL.
High
Slide side must win 1-on-1s
Absorb bull rush and hold ground in pass protection. Core strength and technique.
Man side tackles need technique
Match speed rusher laterally in pass protection. Footwork and hip fluidity.
RB helps on man side
Identify and block blitzing linebacker or DB. Recognition and physicality.
Matchups
Good Against
- +Varied fronts
- +Games and stunts
- +Standard blitz packages
Avoid Against
- −Pressure at the zone/man junction
- −Complex delayed blitzes
- −Overloads to man side
Installation
What You Need
Prerequisites for running this scheme effectively.
- ✓Smart center who can make correct calls
- ✓RB who can identify and handle threats
- ✓Communication between OL
When NOT to Use This
- !Junction between zone and man can be exploited
- !Wrong call = unblocked rusher
- !Communication errors are fatal