Zone Blocking Principles

Recently I have been doing research on zone blocking. It is the en vogue offense of the NFL right now, allowing teams to "run like the Broncos do"; which means a simpler approach to the running game, and a certain type of runner is preferred. This article is extremely helpful...

http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/Magazine/2005/may/northwestern.html

Zone blocking occurs when two offensive linemen are responsible for blocking two defenders in a certain area towards the point of attack. The purpose of using the zone blocking scheme is to stop penetration, create movement on Level I (build a wall) and also seal off the onside linebacker. All zone blocks initially start out as an inside-out double team. As movement begins, either the outside blocker or inside blocker will gain control over the defender on Level I, allowing the other blocker to come off the block to handle the linebacker. In this type of blocking scheme, it is critical to create movement on Level I before coming off for the linebacker.

The Lions ran alot of zone blocking last year, but the key to running it effectively is through practice and repetition. When you run a zone blocking scheme, you have to be dedicated to it.