Zone Blocking Derby Style

Discussion of Zone Blocking Techniques with Coach Brian Derby:

Attached is a great article by Bob Davie about Zone Blocking.

Back in the early 80's we started to zone block in Hawaii when nobody else was doing it. The techniques we used back than are widely used today. I reviewed the article that Dirk sent me written by Bob Davie. It is right on.. He uses the term Tracks. That is our term! The Linemens feet get on tracks and work up field with a proper steps and technique. We also would always use the audible which allowed us to adjust to a defense that would load thinks up or stack things up on us. Zone blocking is effective in almost any offense. It is its own technique and not tied to any offense such as the Spread.

In my explanation ZONE blocking is 2 offensive linemen firing off the ball in unison creating movement on #1 the Down linemen, getting tremendous push up to #2 the LB. The linemen must be square, with short power steps and balance so you can come off to the LB with control. The personm that comes of to numbner two is the OL where the LB shows up. Remember! Movement on #1 is first and foremost. If you get tremendous movement and never block the LB, the double team(DL) will block him.

Here is the article by Bob Davie:

Football 101: Zone blocking http://espn.go.com/ncf/columns/davie/1440703.html



There are several keys to this technique:
1. The linemen stay hip to hip.
2. The linemen keep their shoulders square.
3. Most importantly, all four of their eyes are on the linebacker.
4. Knowing when and who takes over the defensive lineman and who leaves to block the linebacker. submitted by Dirk Knudsen