Transcript thekesterfamily.com

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
Drive block P2 away from the hole
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
0
B2
P3
B1
T
P1
G
2
B3
0
B2
B1
T
G
2
B3
G
1
T
4
B1
T
G
2
B3
B1
T
2
G
G
B3
G
T
T
4
G
B2
G
B3
G
T
4
1
P3
P2
G
T
4
P3
P1
1
G
P2
T
4
0
B2
T
B1
T
4
G
2
P3
P2
P1
B1
T
4
P1
0
T
P2
G
B3
P2
P3
0
2
P3
1
B1
B2
P1
1
T
P3
0
B2
B1
P2
P1
1
B2
2
P4
0
B2
0
P2
P1
1
B3
2
G
P3
P1
1
G
P2
T
4
PRIMARY RUN SCHEMES
Belly
Belly Right
Belly Left
LTE
Base
Base
LT
Base
Down
LG
Base
Pull & Kick
C
Base
Base
RG
Pull & Kick
Base
RT
Down
Base
RTE
Base
Base
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
Base
LT
Base
LG
Base
Bounce
Right
Bounce Left Step playside Step playside Step playside
then Hook
then Hook
C
Base
Base
RG
RT
RTE
Step playside Step playside Step playside
then Hook
then Hook
then Hook
Base
Base
Base
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
Counter
Right
Counter Left
LTE
Base
Down
LT
LG
Pull & Lead Pull and Kick
Down
Down
C
RG
RT
RTE
Down
Down
Down
Down
Down
Pull and Kick Pull & Lead
Base
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
Draw Right
Draw Left
LTE
LT
LG
C
RG
RT
RTE
Hinge
Hinge
Hinge
Hinge
Hinge
Hinge
Hinge
Hinge
Hinge
Hinge
Hinge
Hinge
Hinge
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 Right
G Left
LTE
Base
LT
Base
Down
Down
LG
Base
Pull & Kick
C
Base
Base
RG
Pull & Kick
Base
RT
RTE
Down
Down
Base
Base
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
GOG Right
GOG Left
LTE
Base
LT
Base
Hook block If covered,
Hook block.
If
uncovered,
down block.
LG
Pull and
lead/seal
If PSG and
PST are
covered
then PSG
must stay.
Otherwise
pulls and
kicks
C
Down
Down
RG
If PSG and
PST are
covered
then PSG
must stay.
Otherwise
pulls and
kicks
Pull and
lead/seal
RT
If covered,
Hook block.
If
uncovered,
down block.
RTE
Hook block
Base
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
GT Right
LTE
Base
GT Left
Base
LT
Base
Pull to
outside
LG
Base
Pull to
outside
C
Zone
Zone
RG
Pull to
outside
Base
RT
Pull to
outside
Base
RTE
Base
Base
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)
In Right
In Left
LTE
Base
LT
Base
Veer Release Uncovered:
Inside to ILB
LG
Base
C
Base
RG
Base
Base
Base
Base
RT
RTE
Uncovered: Veer Release
Inside to ILB
Base
Base
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
Lead Right
Lead Left
LTE
Base
Base #3 DL
LT
Base
Base #2 DL
LG
Base
Base #1 DL
C
Base
Base
RG
Base #1 DL
Base
RT
Base #2 DL
Base
RTE
Base #3 DL
Base
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
Midline
Right
Midline Left
LTE
Base
LT
Base
LG
Base
C
Base
Out
Out
Inside
release,
combo with
C or direct
to ILB
Base
RG
Inside
release,
combo with
C or direct
to ILB
Base
RT
RTE
Out
Out
Base
Base
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
OG Right
OG Left
LTE
Base
Base
LT
Base
Base
LG
Pull & Kick
Base
C
Base
Base
RG
Base
Pull & Kick
RT
Base
Base
RTE
Base
Base
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
Out Right
Out Left
LTE
Zone Right
Down
LT
Zone Right
Zone Left
LG
Zone Right
Zone Left
C
Zone Right
Zone Left
RG
Zone Right
Zone Left
RT
Zone Right
Zone Left
RTE
Dow
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
Power Right
Power Left
LTE
Base
LT
Base
LG
Pull & Lead
Down
Down
Down
C
RG
RT
RTE
Down
Down
Down
Down
Down
Pull & Lead
Base
Base
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
Speed Right
Speed Left
LTE
LT
LG
C
RG
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Combo with
PST
If EMLOS:
Release
inside, hook
or seal
If TE then
combo
Zone
Zone
Zone
RT
RTE
If EMLOS: Combo with
Release
PST
inside, hook
or seal
If TE then
combo
Zone
Zone
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
Trap Right
LTE
Base
LT
Base
LG
Pull and trap
C
Base
Trap Left
Base
YOU: Down
to inside,
but ignore
DL inside (2-,
3-, 4itechnique)
ME: Base
Makes Call
YOU: Combo
with C, or
pull
(influence)
behind PST
ME: PSLB
Base
RG
Makes Call
YOU: Combo
with C, or
pull
(influence)
behind PST
ME: PSLB
Pull and trap
RT
YOU: Down
to inside,
but ignore
DL inside (2-,
3-, 4itechnique)
ME: Base
Base
RTE
Base
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.
Zone
Zone Right
Zone Left
LTE
Zone Right
Zone Left
LT
Zone Right
Zone Left
LG
Zone Right
Zone Left
C
Zone Right
Zone Left
RG
Zone Right
Zone Left
RT
Zone Right
Zone Left
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
Lead Right
Lead Left
LTE
Base
Base #3 DL
LT
Base
Base #2 DL
LG
Base
Base #1 DL
C
Base
Base
RG
Base #1 DL
Base
RT
Base #2 DL
Base
RTE
Base #3 DL
Base
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.
Zone Right
Zone Left
LTE
Zone Right
Zone Left
LT
Zone Right
Zone Left
LG
Zone Right
Zone Left
C
Zone Right
Zone Left
RG
Zone Right
Zone Left
RT
Zone Right
Zone Left
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
Lead Right
Lead Left
LTE
Base
Base #3 DL
LT
Base
Base #2 DL
LG
Base
Base #1 DL
C
Base
Base
RG
Base #1 DL
Base
RT
Base #2 DL
Base
RTE
Base #3 DL
Base
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.
Zone Right
Zone Left
LTE
Zone Right
Zone Left
LT
Zone Right
Zone Left
LG
Zone Right
Zone Left
C
Zone Right
Zone Left
RG
Zone Right
Zone Left
RT
Zone Right
Zone Left
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
Belly
BSTE
Base
BST
Base
BSG
Base
C
Base
PSG
Pull & Kick
PST
Down
PSTE
Base
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
Base
Base
Base
Base
Step
Step
Step
playside
playside
playside
then Hook then Hook 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
Base
Pull & Lead Pull & Kick
Down
Down
Down
Down
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
Base
Hinge
Hinge
Hinge
Hinge
Hinge
Base
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
Base
Base
Base
Base
Pull & Kick
Down
Down
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
Base
Base
Base
Base
Base
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
Base
Base
Base
Zone
Pull to
Pull to
Base
outside
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
Base
Base
Base
Base
Base
Uncovered: Veer Release
Veer)
Inside to ILB
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
Base
Base
Base
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
Base
Base
Base
Base
Inside
Out
Base
release,
combo with
C or ILB
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
Base
Base
Pull & Kick
Base
Base
Base
Base
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
Base
Pull & Lead
Down
Down
Down
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
Zone
Zone
Zone
Trap
Base
Base
Pull & trap
Base
Zone
If EMLOS: Combo with
Release
PST
inside, hook
or seal
If TE then
combo
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.
Makes Call YOU: Down
Base
YOU: Combo ME: Base
with C, or
pull
(influence)
behind PST
ME: PSLB
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
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
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.
Description / Notes
xxx
xxx
Assignment
PSTE
PST
PSG
C
BSG
BST
BSTE
Y
B2
B3
P1
0
P2
P3
P3
P2
0
P1
P4
B2
B1
B3
Base – Blocking Assignments
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
G
T
T
G
G
T
Y
T
G
G
T
T
G
G
T
Y
T
G
G
T
T
G
G
T
Base
Description / Notes
xxx
xxx
Assignment
PSTE
Base
PST
Base
PSG
Base
C
Base
BSG
Base
BST
Base
BSTE
Base
1
3
B1
B2
P2
0
P1
P3
0
B2
B3
B1
P1
B1
P1
B2
0
0
B3
B2
P2
P1
P1
P2
P3
P3
Right
Left
LTE
Base
Base
LT
Base
Base
LG
Base
Base
C
Base
Base
RG
Base
Base
RT
Base
Base
RTE
Base
Base