The Best Way To Defend The Zone Read

THE BEST WAY TO DEFEND
THE ZONE READ

Just as you would prepare for a true triple-option team, you must play assignment
sound and disciplined football when defending the zone read. You must account
for the dive, the quarterback, and the pitch player. You must have proper run fits in
order to have success. Initially the scheme was designed to put stress on the
defensive ends by leaving them unblocked and having to make the decision on
whether to attack the dive or play the quarterback. Over time it has evolved
creating different angles and reads. Our number one objective defensively is to
stop the run! We make sure that we cover each run fit with every opportunity given
in our preparation.
When building a foundation to stop the run, it is vital to make the run simple and sound.
Our foundation is based off whether the B gap is open 1/5 or closed 3/6. We used this as
our base structure due to the fact that we can utilize movement to change up the B gap.
We then identify the potential ball carrier with the terms lateral or downhill. We also place
a major focus on reading the mesh point with an emphasis on the near hip of the lateral
threat. I will explain how we defend these plays out of our base defensive looks.
DEFENDING THE ZONE READ

Our base way of defending this play is based off of our alignment to the side of the
running back. When the back is aligned to our shade/5 we will use our squeeze
and scrape technique. Our 5 technique will squeeze down to the running back
(downhill threat). While the B-Gap backer squeezes down inside and scrapes to
take the quarterback (lateral threat). See Diagram 1.
For our base way of playing it to the 3/6, we will use our squat and plug technique.
Our 6 technique will squat and take the quarterback (lateral threat) and anything
that rolls behind the offensive tackle. The A-Gap backer will plug the A gap and
take the running back (downhill threat). See Diagram 2.
An 11-Personnel team will add a tight end/H-back as an additional blocker which

will make you get a secondary player to fit off the ARC blocking scheme by the
tight end. The offense will also use the tight end as an option receiver utilizing their
secondary read, normally the linebacker or safety depending upon your defensive
alignment.
We can also invert our fits with by adjusting line movement to each side. See
Diagrams 3 and 4.
DEFENDING THE ZONE READ OPTION
If a team utilizes two backs, an orbit receiver, a slot receiver or an H-back as a
second option threat as a part of their pitch phase; it’s all married together. The
best way of teaching is through concepts. When players are able to understand
concepts it is much easier to understand how the offense is attacking you. It really
pays off during the game and making sideline adjustments.
With our 6 man in the box, you can control the one-back formation. The option
phase will be handled by either our overhang linebacker or safety. See Diagrams
5 and 6 for a few examples. The read isn’t an easy one, it is something that
requires multiple reps. You can also make adjustments in the back end to change
up the look as well.
DEFENDING THE UTAH PLAY
One of the more popular plays being run right now is what we refer to as the “Utah”
or Power Read. During my time at Utah we ran the option shovel pass which was
another great counter play in the offense and a very effective play. Now, offenses
have found another way to execute a similar philosophy but utilize it as a fly-sweep
option. (See Diagrams 7 and 8).
Concepts versus the perimeter run play consist of the same techniques, but
changes the lateral and downhill threats.
PREPARATION TO STOP THE RUN
Classroom
1. Drawing Board. Learning on the board is vital; must be able to adjust during game
situations.
2. Run Fit Cards. Drawing of run plays versus defensive calls with the proper run fit.
3. Intercut video. Run fit card followed by the actually play on video rep.
On the Field
1. Run Fit Walk-Thru Period vs. Look. Team to run through plays versus multiple
defensives calls. Initially walk through on the first rep explain details of the play and
then run through the play. As you progress you can eliminate the walk though. Get as
many reps as possible during this time.
2. Half Line. Divide the defensive front, utilizing the look team and execute the proper
technique and responsibility to the different looks. We us this to maximize the amount
of reps we can get working on technique.
3. Inside Period. Used to get looks at front-7 and to gain recognition of the various
alignments and backfield sets what play type to expect.
4. Team Run. 11 on 11 and emphasis on the opponent’s run game.
5. Situational Runs.
6. Clock Run. Less than 4 minutes. Defense must stop offense and get ball back.
Offense is trying to run out the clock.
7. Goal Line/Short-Yardage Run. Defense vs. Jumbo or Heavy Personnel.
Study Material
1. Scouting Report. Drawing of offensive plays by personnel and formation versus

defensive fronts
2. Voiceovers. Coaching over video while displaying video
3. Practice Film/Game Film/Cut-ups.
4. Test. It has been a valuable asset to give players a written test in which they
actually draw themselves executing their assignment. Helps in discovering
miscommunications or misunderstandings.
Transfer From Classroom to Field
The ultimate goal is to get player to transfer the information given from the
classroom to the practice field, then to the game field on Saturday. As a coach, you
must be effective, efficient, and engaging in your teaching. Have an organized
approach to put your players in the best situation to understand their assignment.
Use your tools and rescores in order to provide learning material. Engage with
players to make sure that you connecting with them. There is a big difference
between a presenter and a teacher.
Have a plan to transition from the classroom to the field practice. Work Individual
drills, group drills, and team drills coaching each progression. The confidence in a
student-athlete who is prepared for the game will be very high and give them an
opportunity for success.
All of these elements should be used to develop habits and mindset. Your team’s
approach to stopping the run starts mentally. As in the case of anything you stress
as being important, your players will buy into and develop a mindset for success.
Offensive coordinators will continue to find new ways to stress defenses and
defensive coordinators will continue to find ways to attack offensive schemes. They
key is to teach your concepts and give your players the best opportunity for
success.

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THE BEST WAY TO DEFEND

THE ZONE READ

DEFENDING THE ZONE READ

An 11-Personnel team will add a tight end/H-back as an additional blocker which

1. Scouting Report. Drawing of offensive plays by personnel and formation versus

Transfer From Classroom to Field

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