John Reid the new offensive line coach at Crowley High School, discusses simplifying the run game, focusing on offensive line blocking schemes and rules. The presentation is intended to help coaches, including those who have not coached the offensive line, better understand this aspect of the game.

The coach emphasizes that simplifying the game allows players to "play faster" and "play physical".

Key topics of the presentation:

• Box ID and the "Why"
• Zone blocking and rules with variations
• Gap scheme blocking and rules

Simplifying the Run Game and Communication

The coach, who has 15 years of coaching experience, stresses the need for simple, repeatable principles (like "one, two, three" or "red light, yellow light, green light") because kids remember simple concepts better than rambling explanations. Communication is key, especially when running a fast-paced offense.

Identifying the Front

Identifying the defensive front is crucial and starts with the center. Two ways to ID the front are:

1. Counting Defensive Linemen: Counting the defensive linemen between the guards (guard to guard). One defensive lineman indicates a three-down front, two a four-down front, and three a "bare" or five-down front.
2. Covered Guards/Center: Determining if the guards are covered or if there's a man under the center. For example, if the center is covered and the guards are not, it's a three-down front.

The ID and Minus One

The ID (Identification) and "Minus One" are used to communicate blocking assignments.

• ID: The ID is the "first threat to the box" (or the first second-level threat). In zone blocking, the ID indicates where the first combo is going. In gap schemes, the ID is who the "rapper" is going to. The ID can also be adjusted on the sideline to include an outside linebacker who is folding in on the run.
• Minus One: The minus one is the "second thread to the box". In zone blocking, the minus one is the second combo. In gap schemes, it's where the first down block is going.

Inside Zone Rules: Red Light, Yellow Light, Green Light

The foundational rule for offensive linemen in zone blocking is that the playside gap is their gap. The "Red Light, Yellow Light, Green Light" system simplifies decision-making.

• Red Light: If a defender is on your backside shade (you are combo-ing with a partner), your responsibility is to take that first level defender with a 45-degree vertical step through the crotch, keeping the gap side hand free. The goal is to avoid a "bastard step" (stepping away from the playside) that signals the play to linebackers.
• Yellow Light: When a defender is head-up, the first step is a 45-degree angle, then vertical through the crotch of the defender. If he slants into your gap, you block him and drive, and your partner climbs up to the backer.
• Green Light: If a defender is in your gap, you step to him, attack his playside pad, and displace him from the ball. Your partner also has a green light and is stepping for the playside.

Creating a Plus One in the Run Game

It's the offensive coordinator's job to get a plus one in the run game. The coach explains that motioning wide receivers or an H-back into the box is a way to achieve this. These players can be taught simple blocking schemes, such as a "sling," "arc," "kick," "peel," or "wham" block, to create an extra blocker without changing to an H-back offense. Receivers can effectively block outside linebackers and other second-level defenders.

Gap Scheme Rules

The "gap scheme" runs (Power, GH Counter, GT Counter) are considered simple and physical. The rules are "Gap, Down, Backer".

• Gap: The first question for the down block side is if there's an immediate threat in their backside gap. If yes, they block that player.
• Down: If an offensive lineman is not solely responsible for a gap player, they are part of the down block to the "Minus One". The goal is to take the defensive lineman and set him into the lap of the minus one (linebacker).
• Backer: The offensive lineman's eyes are always on the backer if they are on the down-block side and not responsible for a gap guy.