Expert: Coach Louis - 10/31/2006

Question
Hey Coach,
I started at quarterback in college for four years in a wing-T and triple option offense.  I now am fascinated by the spread offense, in particular, the zone blocking techniques that they employ.  I have some knowledge of zone blocking but don't know the terms that are always used.  Anyway, when my team played against a 4-4 defense with the outside linebackers at the line( making it look like a 6-2), they gave us some trouble.  For one, the did a lot of slanting with the d-line and that gave our kids trouble.  And two, the outside linebackers, especially the Sam, would give us trouble even when running inside the tackle.  How do I teach the linemen to block a team that slants a lot?  
My second area that I would like you to comment about is the no huddle offense.  I have an offense that I would like to use and would not mind putting in the no huddle or at least a check with me system.  The main problem for me is that I do not want other teams picking up on the signal calling and I don't have enough terminology to make it work.  Could you please give me some advice on this as well?
Thank You and hopefully this all makes sense,
Nate Skelton

Answer
Dear Nate,
Here is a simple zone block that can be used at any level of coaching. When zone blocking, we do not care where the defender lines up we only care about what he does when the ball is snapped. We want our offensive linemen to stop any defender from penetrating through the play side gaps (the side to where the ball is going).

We want our linemen to take a short control lateral step with the foot nearest the play side gap. He slides his head in front of the defender followed by his body. This is done weather or not there is a defender in the gap. For example, if we are running a sweep play to the right side, we have our linemen take a control step into their right gap. If we are running a sweep play to the left side, we would have our linemen take a control step into the left gap.

This tactic will stop all stunts or delay blitzes into the play side gaps.

Another tactic being used more and more is to run your sweep plays with no gaps at all. This will have the same effect as a zone block, stopping the defense from gaining defensive penetration into your backfield. And it works.

Second question, the no-huddle offense. If you want to know more about the no-huddle offense, Coach G. Mark McElroy has written a great book called:
"Coaching The No-Huddle Offense" It has everything you want to know about the no-huddle offense.

Before you ask, no, I am not getting paid to sell the book and I do not make any money from it what so ever.
I hope I was of help. If you have anymore questions please let me know I will be happy to help you.
Your friend, Coach Louis