Zone run
The zone run in American football is a running play based on zone blocking.
Play description
Zone running actually has many different variations; an inside zone play or an outside zone play also sometimes wrongly labeled as the stretch.The difference between the three popular zone plays are the aiming point and reads for the ball carrier. While the inside zone has its first landmark around the guards original position, the outside zone aims at the off-tackle area. The stretch usually reads the force defender outside.
Zone blocking originates with blocking the first level. There are usually two double teams on every zone blocking play. From each double team, one of the lineman from each will work onto the next level. Depending on the flow of the linebackers, either the drive man or the post man will leave the double team in order to reach the linebacker. If the linebacker reads over the top of the double team then the post man leaves the double team in order to block the flowing linebacker. If the linebacker comes inside the double team, the drive/inside double teamer will pick up the backer. This blocking scheme creates cut-back lanes, open pockets of space through which the running back can run. Cut-back lanes are created due to an overcommitment by the defense and a seal block on the backside by linemen.
Where most plays are designed to go to a specific hole or gap along the offensive line, a zone run requires the running back to read the blocks in front of him and choose the best crease to enter. In theory this allows the offensive lineman to block the defensive linemen in whatever direction is most convenient, assuming a hole will be available somewhere.