Fundamentals: Zone Combo Blocks

Understanding The Basics of the Zone Combo Block

In this Chalk Talk, we are discussing the basic terms to know and the key fundamentals to zone blocking combinations. A good zone blocking scheme has the answer for any multitude of problems a defense can present on any given play. The point is that no matter where a defense may align or end up throughout the duration of a zone run play, there will in theory be an offensive lineman there to block them.

Zone schemes look to block zones instead of specific people, create double teams in those zones and then work the combination double team until the defender is controlled and one of the two blockers can move to the next level defender. While gap schemes are looking to block using existing angle leverages and exploit specific gaps in the defense. For the purpose of today’s discussion, we will focus on Zone schemes and the basic terms/fundamentals associated with it.

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Zone Scheme Fundamentals & Terminology:

The Diagram Below is an example of Outside Zone Right vs. a 4-3 Over defense. It shows where the double team combinations may take place based on the defenses alignment.

The offensive line is using zone footwork moving right and looking to create as many combo’s at the line of scrimmage as possible based on the alignment of the defense. The 4-3 over defensive look shown here results in a possible combo block on both of the interior DT’s involving the Left tackle & Left Guard (Deuce Block) and the Center and Right Guard (Ace Block). We will get to Deuce vs. Ace blocks in a second but for now, you can visibly see the two double teams that are formed based on alignment.