Schemes In every offense, every play has some kind of blocking pattern, the “scheme”, that is called with the play. This is a collection of the most common schemes with a method for identifying the defender(s) to block.

Blocking Schemes Scheme Description Base Base is a drive-blocking rule that gives the offensive line a numbering-rule system. Identification, beginning with the playside: The defensive lineman or linebacker on/over, or inside the center, is 0 The next defensive lineman or linebacker is P1 The third defender on or off the LOS is P2 The last defender on the LOS is P3 The strong safety or force player is P4 The numbering construct is repeated for the backside defenders, B1-B4 Blocking assignments: The center drive blocks 0 away from the hole The playside guard drive blocks P1 away from the hole The playside tackle drive blocks P2 away from the hole The playside tight end drive blocks P3 away from the hole The backside guard and tackle base block B1 and B2 If P1 is stacked behind a defensive tackle (P2) the playside guard must combo block with the playside tackle This is per the book, however it only goes into 3 examples. I think that additional examples of defensive alignments would be necessary to prove out the concept to the point that there would be no question about which defender was which number.

Base PSTE Drive block P3 away from the hole PST PSG Drive block P1 away from the hole If P1 is stacked behind a defensive tackle (P2) the guard must combo block with the tackle C Drive block 0 away from the hole BSG Drive block B1 away from the hole BST Drive block B2 away from the hole BSTE Drive block B3 away from the hole Base is a drive-blocking rule that gives the offensive line a numbering-rule system. Identification, beginning with the playside: The defensive lineman or linebacker on/over, or inside the center, is 0 The next defensive lineman or linebacker is P1 The third defender on or off the LOS is P2 The last defender on the LOS is P3 The strong safety or force player is P4 The numbering construct is repeated for the backside defenders, B1-B4

Base – Defender Identification Playside -> B3 P3 B3 P3 B2 B1 P1 P2 B2 B1 P1 P2 T G 2 4 1 T G 2 4 1 B3 P1 P4 B3 B1 P1 P3 B2 B1 P2 P3 B2 P2 T G 2 4 1 T G 2 4 1 B3 P3 B3 P3 B2 B1 P1 P2 B2 B1 P1 P2 T G 2 4 1 T G 2 4 1 B3 P3 B3 P3 B2 B1 P1 P2 B2 B1 P1 P2 T G 2 4 1 T G 2 4 1

Primary Run Schemes

Belly LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE Belly Right Base Pull & Kick Down Belly Left Belly tells the PST to block down on a covered PSG and tells the PSG to pull behind for a kick-out or roll block on the first defender in front or past the PST. If the PST is covered the PSG hook blocks the defender. If the formation has a PSTE then the PSG will block the force defender because the PSTE hook blocks the defensive end. The FB will block the strongside LB. Backside OL will block base.

Bounce LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE Bounce Right Base Bounce Left Step playside then Hook Bounce Left Bounce tells the PSG, PST, PSTE to take one base step playside in order to sell the lead, but then hook block their defenders (DL or LB playing directly in front of them) to the inside. The RB automatically bounces to the outside. The FB takes two steps downhill towards the PST’s inside leg but then breaks it around the end to seal block on the LB.

Counter LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE Counter Right Base Pull & Lead Pull and Kick Down Counter Left Counter is a blocking scheme where the C and the PSG, PST, PSTE block down so the BSG and BST can pull. The down blocks must take care of the DT’s and N with double-team blocks on the playside and combo blocks on the backside. The BSG pulls for a kick-out or roll block on the first defender past the end of the LOS, and the BST leads into the hole.

Draw LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE Draw Right Draw Left Hinge Draw Left Draw tells the OL to invite the DL to run outside the running lane of the draw’s location. The OL must know where the draw is going before taking a 12-inch drop step. The hinge step invites the DL to run up field. As the DL rushes, the OL pushes the DL past the running lane. The uncovered OL always takes a drop step, then attacks the LB. The C and Guards can always use an X block with this same draw technique.

G LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE G Right Base Pull & Kick G Left Down G Left G tells the PSG to kick-out or roll block on the last defender on the LOS. The PSG wants to block the DE in the direction he is going. If the DE steps forward and up, the PSG blocks with the outside V of his neck on the DE’s inside hip. If the DE comes flat inside behind the PST or PSTE down block, the PSG rolls him inside by using the inside V of his neck on the outside hip. If the DE squats or slow-plays the PSG can cut block.

GOG LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE GOG Right Base Pull and lead/seal Down If PSG and PST are covered then PSG must stay. Otherwise pulls and kicks If covered, Hook block. If uncovered, down block. Hook block GOG Left GOG tells the BSG and the PSG to pull playside. If the PSG and PST are both covered then the PSG must stay, unless the uncovered C is going to reach the playside DT. The PSTE hook blocks, and the uncovered C blocks down. If the PST is uncovered he blocks down. The PSG blocks the force defender and the BSG seals pursuit from the inside (leads into the hole).

GT LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE GT Right Base GT Left Zone Pull to outside GT Left GT tells the PSG and PST to pull. Even if both players are covered, they will pull laterally to the outside to chop block the secondary defenders. The C will zone block playside.

In (Inside Veer) LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE In Right Base Uncovered: Inside to ILB Veer Release In Left In is a combo block by the PSG and PST. If the PST is uncovered he can release to the playside LB if the PSG has a 2i technique. The PSTE will veer release and block the force defender unless the block is called In Seal. Seal tells the PSTE to come inside and block the defender over the PST. If necessary, this also allows the PST to combo block inside. If the PSG is uncovered he can also combo block with the C, or release up to the LB’s.

Lead LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE Lead Right Base Base #1 DL Base #2 DL Lead Left Lead is a double-team block at the point of attack and a climb block by the lead back. The uncovered lineman will double-team with the closest down lineman at the point of attack. The only exception is when the lead is called between two 3-techniques with two stacked LB’s. The C will have the PSLB while the FB climbs the blocks the backside ILB. This can be called at any location between the tackles.

Inside release, combo with C or direct to ILB Midline LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE Midline Right Base Inside release, combo with C or direct to ILB Out Midline Left Midline tells the PSG to release inside and double-team, or combo block with the C. The PST blocks out on any defender outside so the motion back can lead on the PSLB.

OG LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE OG Right Base Pull & Kick OG Left OG tells the BSG to pull playside around the end to block the force man, or kick-out the first defender head-up or outside the end. The BSG can roll, cut, or kick-out this defender. If uncovered the C must block down on the BSG’s defender.

Out LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE Out Right Zone Right Dow Out Left Down Zone Left Out is used for the Outside Veer where we will option the EMLOS. We would normally run this with a TE or Nasty X/Y. All of the OL Zone block with the exception of the TE that would down block.

Power LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE Power Right Base Pull & Lead Power Left Down Power Left Power tells the FB or motion back to load block the last defender on the LOS. Power also tells the BSG to OG pull and lead up into the hole on LB’s or secondary players. The PSTE, PST, PSG, and C down and combo block. The three OL and TE create a wall by stepping down at a 45-degree angle. They must attempt to place defenders on the V of their inside neck.

If EMLOS: Release inside, hook or seal If TE then combo Speed LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE Speed Right Zone If EMLOS: Release inside, hook or seal If TE then combo Combo with PST Speed Left Speed tells the PST to release directly upfield to seal or hook block a defender in front and on his inside. The PST releases the last defender on the LOS if he aligns outside his numbers. If the PST is facing two defenders outside an open-end tackle, the PST must block the 4/5 technique defender. If the PST is in the Flanker formation, the PST zone blocks. The PSTE combo blocks with the PST. The rest of the OL zone blocks to playside.

Trap LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE Trap Right Base Pull and trap Makes Call YOU: Combo with C, or pull (influence) behind PST ME: PSLB YOU: Down to inside, but ignore DL inside (2-, 3-, 4i-technique) ME: Base Trap Left Trap tells the BSG to pull and kick-out the first DL head-up or outside the PSG. The PSG makes a call by yelling “YOU” or “ME”. This signal/call tells the PST and PSG their assignments. “YOU” tells the PST to down block the PSLB because the PSG is going to combo, release inside with the C, or influence behind the PST. “ME” tells the PST to base block because the PSG is going to block the PSLB. The PSG always calls “YOU” if he cannot release up to the middle linebacker, but first the PSG must always block down on any defender who is in the A-gap or covering the C.

Zone LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE Zone Right Zone Left Zone tells the entire OL and TE’s to take a lateral step at a 90-degree angle with the playside foot, keeping the shoulders square to the LOS. Then, as their second and third backside steps land, they begin to turn upfield to lock on the defender. If the OL or TE is covered, he will most likely block this defender as long as the DL does not slant in the opposite direction. If a zone blocker is uncovered, he steps laterally at a 90-degree angle to stop any outside slants. Of no slant occurs, the zone-stepping lineman tries to reach the next defender over. Next defender over tells the OL to reach his helmet across the next defender. The exception is the last man on the LOS. He does not release his defender until the inside lineman next to him takes over the block. If the defender is any good he will read the OL’s helmet and step laterally with the OL. So most of the time the OL will still block the same defenders.

Lesser used and/or variations on the primary schemes Secondary Run Schemes

Sweep LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE Lead Right Base Base #1 DL Base #2 DL Lead Left Lead is a double-team block at the point of attack and a climb block by the lead back. The uncovered lineman will double-team with the closest down lineman at the point of attack. The only exception is when the lead is called between two 3-techniques with two stacked LB’s. The C will have the PSLB while the FB climbs the blocks the backside ILB. This can be called at any location between the tackles. LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE Zone Right Zone Left Zone tells the entire OL and TE’s to take a lateral step at a 90-degree angle with the playside foot, keeping the shoulders square to the LOS. Then, as their second and third backside steps land, they begin to turn upfield to lock on the defender. If the OL or TE is covered, he will most likely block this defender as long as the DL does not slant in the opposite direction. If a zone blocker is uncovered, he steps laterally at a 90-degree angle to stop any outside slants. Of no slant occurs, the zone-stepping lineman tries to reach the next defender over. Next defender over tells the OL to reach his helmet across the next defender. The exception is the last man on the LOS. He does not release his defender until the inside lineman next to him takes over the block. If the defender is any good he will read the OL’s helmet and step laterally with the OL. So most of the time the OL will still block the same defenders.

Pass Blocking Schemes

Fire LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE Lead Right Base Base #1 DL Base #2 DL Lead Left Lead is a double-team block at the point of attack and a climb block by the lead back. The uncovered lineman will double-team with the closest down lineman at the point of attack. The only exception is when the lead is called between two 3-techniques with two stacked LB’s. The C will have the PSLB while the FB climbs the blocks the backside ILB. This can be called at any location between the tackles. LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE Zone Right Zone Left Zone tells the entire OL and TE’s to take a lateral step at a 90-degree angle with the playside foot, keeping the shoulders square to the LOS. Then, as their second and third backside steps land, they begin to turn upfield to lock on the defender. If the OL or TE is covered, he will most likely block this defender as long as the DL does not slant in the opposite direction. If a zone blocker is uncovered, he steps laterally at a 90-degree angle to stop any outside slants. Of no slant occurs, the zone-stepping lineman tries to reach the next defender over. Next defender over tells the OL to reach his helmet across the next defender. The exception is the last man on the LOS. He does not release his defender until the inside lineman next to him takes over the block. If the defender is any good he will read the OL’s helmet and step laterally with the OL. So most of the time the OL will still block the same defenders.

Thus spake the master Coach: It is time for you to leave.

Parking Lot

Blocking Schemes Belly – G Description BSTE BST BSG C PSG PST PSTE Belly Base Pull & Kick Down Belly tells the PST to block down on a covered PSG and tells the PSG to pull behind for a kick-out or roll block on the first defender in front or past the PST. If the PST is covered the PSG hook blocks the defender. If the formation has a PSTE then the PSG will block the force defender because the PSTE hook blocks the defensive end. The FB will block the strongside LB. Backside OL will block base. Bounce Step playside then Hook Bounce tells the PSG, PST, PSTE to take one base step playside in order to sell the lead, but then hook block their defenders (DL or LB playing directly in front of them) to the inside. The RB automatically bounces to the outside. The FB takes two steps downhill towards the PST’s inside leg but then breaks it around the end to seal block on the LB. Counter Pull & Lead Counter is a blocking scheme where the C and the PSG, PST, PSTE block down so the BSG and BST can pull. The down blocks must take care of the DT’s and N with double-team blocks on the playside and combo blocks on the backside. The BSG pulls for a kick-out or roll block on the first defender past the end of the LOS, and the BST leads into the hole. Draw Hinge Draw tells the OL to invite the DL to run outside the running lane of the draw’s location. The OL must know where the draw is going before taking a 12-inch drop step. The hinge step invites the DL to run up field. As the DL rushes, the OL pushes the DL past the running lane. The uncovered OL always takes a drop step, then attacks the LB. The C and Guards can always use an X block with this same draw technique. G G tells the PSG to kick-out or roll block on the last defender on the LOS. The PSG wants to block the DE in the direction he is going. If the DE steps forward and up, the PSG blocks with the outside V of his neck on the DE’s inside hip. If the DE comes flat inside behind the PST or PSTE down block, the PSG rolls him inside by using the inside V of his neck on the outside hip. If the DE squats or slow-plays the PSG can cut block.

Blocking Schemes GOG – OG Description BSTE BST BSG C PSG PST PSTE GOG Base GOG tells the BSG and the PSG to pull playside. If the PSG and PST are both covered then the PSG must stay, unless the uncovered C is going to reach the playside DT. The PSTE hook blocks, and the uncovered C blocks down. If the PST is uncovered he blocks down. The PSG blocks the force defender and the BSG seals pursuit from the inside (leads into the hole). GT Zone Pull to outside GT tells the PSG and PST to pull. Even if both players are covered, they will pull laterally to the outside to chop block the secondary defenders. The C will zone block playside. In (Inside Veer) Uncovered: Inside to ILB Veer Release In is a combo block by the PSG and PST. If the PST is uncovered he can release to the playside LB if the PSG has a 2i technique. The PSTE will veer release and block the force defender unless the block is called In Seal. Seal tells the PSTE to come inside and block the defender over the PST. If necessary, this also allows the PST to combo block inside. If the PSG is uncovered he can also combo block with the C, or release up to the LB’s. Lead Base #1 DL Base #2 DL Base #3 DL Lead is a double-team block at the point of attack and a climb block by the lead back. The uncovered lineman will double-team with the closest down lineman at the point of attack. The only exception is when the lead is called between two 3-techniques with two stacked LB’s. The C will have the PSLB while the FB climbs the blocks the backside ILB. This can be called at any location between the tackles. Midline Inside release, combo with C or ILB Out Midline tells the PSG to release inside and double-team, or combo block with the C. The PST blocks out on any defender outside so the motion back can lead on the PSLB. OG Pull & Kick OG tells the BSG to pull playside around the end to block the force man, or kick-out the first defender head-up or outside the end. The BSG can roll, cut, or kick-out this defender. If uncovered the C must block down on the BSG’s defender.

Blocking Schemes Power – Trap Description BSTE BST BSG C PSG PST PSTE Power Base Pull & Lead Down Power tells the FB or motion back to load block the last defender on the LOS. Power also tells the BSG to OG pull and lead up into the hole on LB’s or secondary players. The PSTE, PST, PSG, and C down and combo block. The three OL and TE create a wall by stepping down at a 45-degree angle. They must attempt to place defenders on the V of their inside neck. Speed Zone If EMLOS: Release inside, hook or seal If TE then combo Combo with PST Speed tells the PST to release directly upfield to seal or hook block a defender in front and on his inside. The PST releases the last defender on the LOS if he aligns outside his numbers. If the PST is facing two defenders outside an open-end tackle, the PST must block the 4/5 technique defender. If the PST is in the Flanker formation, the PST zone blocks. The PSTE combo blocks with the PST. The rest of the OL zone blocks to playside. Trap Pull & trap Makes Call YOU: Combo with C, or pull (influence) behind PST ME: PSLB YOU: Down ME: Base Trap tells the BSG to pull and kick-out the first DL head-up or outside the PSG. The PSG makes a call by yelling “YOU” or “ME”. This signal/call tells the PST and PSG their assignments. “YOU” tells the PST to down block the PSLB because the PSG is going to combo, release inside with the C, or influence behind the PST. “ME” tells the PST to base block because the PSG is going to block the PSLB. The PSG always calls “YOU” if he cannot release up to the middle linebacker, but first the PSG must always block down on any defender who is in the A-gap or covering the C.

Blocking Schemes Zone Description BSTE BST BSG C PSG PST PSTE Zone Zone tells the entire OL and TE’s to take a lateral step at a 90-degree angle with the playside foot, keeping the shoulders square to the LOS. Then, as their second and third backside steps land, they begin to turn upfield to lock on the defender. If the OL or TE is covered, he will most likely block this defender as long as the DL does not slant in the opposite direction. If a zone blocker is uncovered, he steps laterally at a 90-degree angle to stop any outside slants. Of no slant occurs, the zone-stepping lineman tries to reach the next defender over. Next defender over tells the OL to reach his helmet across the next defender. The exception is the last man on the LOS. He does not release his defender until the inside lineman next to him takes over the block. If the defender is any good he will read the OL’s helmet and step laterally with the OL. So most of the time the OL will still block the same defenders.

B3 P1 P2 P3 P4 B2 P1 P3 B1 B2 B3 P2 xxx Description / Notes Assignment PSTE PST PSG C BSG BST BSTE Y B3 P1 P2 P3 P4 B2 P1 P3 B1 B2 B3 P2

Base – Blocking Assignments The center drive blocks 0 away from the hole The playside guard drive blocks P1 away from the hole The playside tackle drive blocks P2 away from the hole The playside tight end drive blocks P3 away from the hole The backside guard and tackle base block B1 and B2 If P1 is stacked behind a defensive tackle (P2) the playside guard must combo block with the playside tackle Playside  Playside  Y T G T G Y T G T G Y T G T G

Base B1 P2 B2 P1 P3 xxx Description / Notes Assignment PSTE Base PST PSG C BSG BST BSTE 1 3 B1 P2 B2 P1 P3

P1 P2 B2 B1 P1 B2 B1 B3 P3 P1 P2 B2 B3 P3

LTE LT LG C RG RT RTE Right Base Left