Inside Zone is the most foundational run concept in modern football. It features zone blocking where offensive linemen work in tandem to create movement at the line of scrimmage, with the running back reading the first down lineman to find the cutback lane.
Overview
Inside Zone revolutionized offensive line play by moving away from man-blocking assignments to a more fluid, cooperative scheme. Rather than each lineman being responsible for a specific defender, zone blocking creates "covered" and "uncovered" rules that allow linemen to work together.
The scheme emphasizes lateral movement and double-teams that work up to linebackers. The running back's aiming point is typically the play-side A gap, but he must read the first down lineman (usually the defensive tackle) to determine whether to stay on track or cut back.
Alex Gibbs perfected this scheme in Denver during the 1990s, producing multiple 1,000-yard rushers with undersized but athletic offensive lines. The scheme's success led to its widespread adoption across all levels of football.
History & Origin
Alex Gibbs developed the modern zone blocking scheme while coaching the offensive line for the Denver Broncos in the 1990s. He created a system that prioritized leverage and teamwork over individual strength, allowing smaller, more athletic linemen to dominate larger defenders. This approach produced legendary rushing attacks featuring Terrell Davis and multiple 1,000-yard rushers with interchangeable parts.
Key Principles
- 1Covered/uncovered blocking rules determine assignments
- 2Double-teams work from defensive linemen up to linebackers
- 3Running back reads the first down lineman (usually play-side DT)
- 4Aiming point is the play-side A gap
- 5Cutback lane opens when front-side is overplayed
- 6Offensive line takes flat steps at the snap
- 7Zone steps are typically 6 inches lateral, 6 inches vertical
When to Use
Inside Zone is effective against virtually any defensive front. It's particularly strong against aggressive, slanting defensive lines because the zone concept naturally accounts for movement. Use it as your base run play to establish physicality and set up play-action.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Works against any defensive front
- +Creates cutback opportunities
- +Sets up play-action beautifully
- +Linemen work together (better for smaller, athletic OL)
- +Running back can find the best crease
Disadvantages
- −Requires patient running back who can read blocks
- −Can be disrupted by penetrating defensive tackles
- −Less effective against two-gapping defensive linemen
- −Requires excellent communication between linemen
What Coaches Call It
Different coaches use different terminology for the same concepts.
| Coach | Team | Their Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Shanahan | 49ers | Wide Zone | Uses wider offensive line splits |
| Gary Kubiak | Broncos | Zone | The original terminology |
| Mike Shanahan | Broncos | Zone | Popularized in Denver |
| Matt LaFleur | Packers | Inside Zone | Standard terminology |
What You Need
Skills and jobs required to run this scheme effectively.
Critical
Play-side tackle and guard must reach to seal the edge
Get head across defender to seal outside. The most athletic OL block, requiring lateral movement and leverage.
RB must wait for cutback to develop - vision over speed
Wait for blocks to develop before hitting hole. Vision and trust in blocking scheme.
High
Center and backside combo to linebackers
Double-team defensive lineman then climb to linebacker. Requires communication and feel for when to release.
Center IDs front and communicates covered/uncovered
Identify defensive front, communicate assignments to line. Mental quarterback of the OL.
Medium
Backside tackle prevents pursuit
Protect backside by hindering pursuit. Often used by backside tackle in gap schemes.
Matchups
Good Against
- +Over front
- +Under front
- +Slanting defensive lines
- +4-3 defenses
- +Aggressive linebackers
Avoid Against
- −Two-gapping nose guards
- −Penetrating 3-techniques
- −Disciplined read-and-react defenses
- −Bear front
Installation
What You Need
Prerequisites for running this scheme effectively.
- ✓Athletic offensive line that can work in tandem
- ✓Patient running back with vision
- ✓Strong center who can handle 0-tech
When NOT to Use This
- !Avoid against dominant interior DL who can 2-gap
- !Not ideal if RB is a one-cut runner who won't wait for blocks
- !Struggles when center can't win
Technical Variations
6 concepts in the Eyes Up playbook use this scheme.
IZ-2-CO-Left
LEFTRUNInside Zone with Cutoff at 2 man surface - Left
Position Assignments
BLOCKING
Back side tackle blocks A to B gap, stays square to LOS
Back side guard blocks B to C gap, stays square to LOS
Center executes cutoff block on back side
Center secures play side A gap (between center and guard)
Guard blocks inside out on play side B gap (between guard and tackle)
Tackle blocks inside out on play side C gap (between tackle and TE)
CUSTOM
Running back carries the ball on zone path
QB executes hand off to running back