The misunderstood Yet Powerful Run Scheme - Duo
May 08, 2024 3:00 pm
Coach -
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The Misunderstood Play
Duo may be one of the most misunderstood plays in football. Many coaches identify it as an inside zone, but it is actually a gap scheme. The rules, footwork, hand placement, and read of the running back are distinctly different than on a zone play.
The teams that understand it best utilize a certain kind of formation structure that creates advantages and allows them to run the ball against what even appears to be a stacked box.
Cody Kennedy, OL Coach at Arkansas is a name to watch in the game. He recently spoke at the C.O.O.L. Clinic, an honor for any offensive line coach, and he delivered a presentation on DUO at Lauren's First and Goal.
He explains DUO as well as anyone. As he explains, they view the double teams as "Double Up" to the LB rather than double back like on Power. He uses the first two letters "DU" in Duo to help them remember that. It starts with getting 600 pounds on 300 pounds at the line of scrimmage. Listen to his detailed explanation of Duo here (click on image for video):
NFL veteran offensive line coach Paul Alexander explains the duo and how it is different than inside zone in this video. Alexander explains, “Most call it an INSIDE ZONE play… even many coaches and television analysts have it confused. But it’s not ZONE. It’s GAP.” If you want to run gap schemes but are not comfortable with your linemen pulling, then Duo is the play for you.
What is Duo?
There’s no one better to answer that question than long time NFL coach and offensive line guru, Jim McNally. This is an especially good run against the 3-4 and under front which have increasingly been utilized by defenses. McNally diagrams the play against both fronts and gives some technique coaching points in this video:
The best running teams are using it!
It is used extensively in the NFL, but that does not mean it is complex. One of the best offenses in the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens, used it extensively last season because it fits their philosophy of being simple. The Pistol set with Lamar Jackson is a big part of the equation in creating the advantage. Coach Alexander explains how it fits into the philosophy and strategy of the Ravens offense in this video.
With 11 Personnel being the most popular at the high school and college level, Duo can fit well. Coach Kennedy loves it in 11 personnel, but also knows as they start having success with it, the defense will start to bring an extra defender into the box. Here’s how he handles it in 11 (click on image for video):
If you are looking for that one play that can provide your offense simplicity, versatility, and an attitude, then the Duo play is worth researching further.
Best of luck in developing your team as you enter the summer phase of the off season!
Liberty OL Coach Bill Durkin is a speaker at the 2024 C.O.O.L. Clinic ™ and will be speaking on “The Duo Play with Variations and Techniques.”
He is one of 25 presenters at the clinic headlined by Andy Reid.
We will see you on May 16th!
The C.O.O.L. Clinic Team
P.S.
Get Your 2024 C.O.O.L. Clinic ™ here