Split Zone Insert Iso

Power Spread Offenses are designed around 11 Personnel Y-Off (H-Back) Sets that give access to a complex run game while forcing the defense to defend from sideline to sideline. Many Power Spread schemes have utilized Split Zone and Insert Iso to add an extra gap on run plays. Most Split Zone plays are designed for the Offensive Line to leave an edge player unblocked for the H-Back to cut off the C-Gap Defender, but back in 2017 Oklahoma State made the H-Back responsible for the B-Gap Defender. It’s a great way to create an unexpected extra gap post-snap.

• Backside Tackle Locks on the DE (C-Gap)

• Split Zone with the H-Back Responsible for the B-Gap Defender

  • H-Back going to the Shaded Nose - Iso Up to the LB

  • H-Back going away from the Shaded Nose - Wham the 3 Technique

• RB takes the Wide Zone Track, but Winds Back Off the H-Back

The goal is to create an extra gap in an unexpected way. Shifting the Gap Responsibility of the H-Back from C-Gap (True Split Zone) to the B-Gap (Insert Iso) can disrupt the flow of the Linebackers.

Power RPO

Over the past few years RPO’s have popped up in every level of football, but the recent nuances added by Offensive Coordinators has given new power to the scheme. Condensed Formations increase run game threats, but they can be hard to run RPO’s out of because the Glance Window is smaller. Alabama has found a solution by using a leverage release to create separation and open up the Glance Window from a Condensed Formation.

• Motion from 3x1 Nub TE to 2x2 (TE/Wing with a WR)

• Same Side Power to the TE/Wing Side

• TE Base Blocks 7 Technique

• RT & RG Double the 3 Technique - Climb to Mike LB

• C Blocks Back on the 2i Nose

• LG Pulls (Wrap for Will LB)

• LT Protects B-Gap out to the DE

• Same Side Power

• QB Reads the Will LB

• Wing (WR) Runs a “Spray” Release Glance Route

The Goal is to get the Defense in a Single High Safety so the obvious read for the QB would be the Will LB instead of a Quarters Safety. The “Spray” Release is intended to gain depth & width simultaneously. This gives the QB the same Glance Window as a normal WR Split. The TE/Wing look gives the Offense access to more run game options.

Protect Your QB on Zone Read

Everyone wants to gain a numbers advantage in the run game by reading a defender. But, if you read and pull consistently, your QB is going to take some hits. The Cardinals have accounted for this by running pistol Zone Read out of a 3-Back Set. I’ve seen teams read the DE and Arc the H-Back to lead the QB outside, but Arizona Arcs both the H-Back and the Off Y.

• Inside Zone Reading the Shade/5 Side

• QB Reads the Field DE

• Y Arcs for Overhang Defender (SS)

• H-Back Reads Inside/Out to Block Sam LB or Safety (whoever shows first)

• QB Keep with a Double Lead

This is essentially the Diamond Formation shifted strong. This is a great way to get your QB involved in the run game without taking unnecessary pounding.

Running Counter with the Grain

Jet and Fly Motion are able to move the defense with a legitimate run threat in the slot. It can prevent the Backside Defender from pursuing on Wide or Outside Zone away from the motion. Usually you see Jet or Fly Motion going the opposite direction from the complimentary run scheme, but using the widening effect on the Frontside can give room for Gap Schemes to operate. In the clip below, Purdue runs Jet with an Arc Release from the H-Back. GT Counter fits in on the heels of the Jet. The DE has been widened by the motion allowing for clear Kick/Lead sequence.

• Run GT Counter at the Shade/5 Side

• H-Back Arcs to Overhang

• Center Blocks Back on the 3 Technique

• RG Blocks Down on the Shade

• RT Climbs to the Will LB

• LG Kicks Out the 5 Technique

• LT Wraps for Mike LB

• QB Reads the Backside DE

Jet Motion widens the Playside DE for GT Counter and the QB reads the Backside DE. If your QB is enough of a threat to run, this play will be extremely difficult to defend without committing 8 to the Box. The Jet Motion also sets up a great Pop Pass to the H-Back on the Inside Seam.

TE/Wing Wide Zone Windback

TE/Wing has become an increasingly popular alignment from Spread Offenses because of the challenges a 4-Man Surface creates for defenses (particularly Odd Front). From Gun Pistol Wide Zone is a staple play that orients the Offensive Coordinator’s design. Off Wide Zone action, you can build a robust Play Action and Boot Series. Another way to protect Wide Zone from being overplayed by the defense is to run Zone Windback.

• RB Steps Strong to the TE/Wing Side, but Reads the H-Back to the Backside C-Gap

• H-Back runs the Split Zone Track to Kickout or Log the DE (depending on depth of DE)

Backside penetration can cause problems for Wide Zone. Ideally the H-Back is hunting for the Backside DE, but the most important thing is cutting off backside penetration. If that penetration occurs, the H-Back creates a Wide Zone Wham effect and the RB presses vertical.