The Devil 😈 is in the Details - Coaching Zone Runs

Coach ,

The old saying is that “The Devil is in the Details.” It simply means that something may seem simple, but in fact the details are complicated and likely to cause problems if not done correctly.

When learning the outside zone play, it may look simple on a diagram - everyone runs off the ball and reaches their defender - but there’s much more that goes into it if you want to run it well.

Many of these details were shared in the 2021 C.O.O.L. Clinic which will be virtual again in 2022. Here’ four videos on different techniques that help make the run successful.

The Double Under Technique

A technique that many are adopting is the “double under.” The technique allows for better hip engagement and control of a defender. In this video, OL Coach for the Miami Hurricanes Alex Mirabal explains how the intent of the play affects the double under and how his play (click on image for video):

Video: The Intent of the Play Impacts the Double Under

Trail Man

Adam Stenavich, who was recently promoted to OC for the Green Bay Packers, shares the details of the Trail Man and how he reads what’s happening on his first three hard steps.  He explains how the trail man reads what’s happening to determine where he goes (click on image for video):

Video: Trail Man

The Lower Half

The lower body is important on the man reach block. In this video, Tennessee Titans OL Coach Keith Carter explains how the TE in the video keeps his lower half going and keeps his hips attached allowing Derrick Henry to make his cut (click on image for video):

Video: Lower Half

Lead Man - Trail Man Combo

Jeff Quinn coached up the Notre Dame outside zone play at the 2021 Cool Clinic, and in this video he explains how the combination handles a three technique with lead man and trail man responsibilities and techniques (click on image for video):

Video: 3TQ

Those are just a few of the details that go into running a successful outside zone play. Details are what the C.O.O.L Clinic is about.  Each coach presents for 60-90 minutes and then answers your questions. Last year Jim McNally went almost four hours!

If you register for your your ticket for the 2022 C.O.O.L. Clinic, you will be able to access the replays from the 2021 Clinic from now until May 6th.

This year’s line-up includes:

• Jon Gruden, NFL Alumni - What I Look for When Hiring an OL Coach
• Paul Alexander, NFL Alumni - Blocking Mechanics
• Jim McNally, NFL Alumni - Pass Protection Twist Pick-up and Independent Hands
• Kevin Carberry, LA Rams - Fundamentals in Running the Gap Schemes
• Andy Heck, KC Chiefs - Teaching and Drilling Pass Pro- 3, 5, and 7 Step Drops
• Joe Philbin, Dallas Cowboys - 5 Man Empty Protection
• Brent Davis, Army - Integrating Conventional Run Concepts into an Option Offense
• Ron Crook, ‘21 OL Coach Cincinnati - Inside Zone Fundamentals
• Matt Luke, ‘21 OL Coach Georgia - Grouping Your Schemes. How to Simplify Teaching
• Cody Kennedy, Arkansas - Gap Scheme Combos and GT Counter to a 3 Man Surface
• Willie Anderson, NFL - Alumni Evolution of Pass Protection
• Steve Palazzolo, PFF - Using Analytics in Developing the Offensive Line
• Mike Waufle, NFL Alumni (Aaron Donald’s Personal Coach) - Pass Rush Body Mechanics
• Craig Domann, Mindset Coach & Sports Attorney - What Is A Pro Mindset? The Mindset That Separates The Gold Jackets From The Rest
• Kyle Caskey, NFL RB Coach - Exotic Pressure Pickup Schemes
• Marty Costello, Winnipeg Blue Bombers - Techniques And Adjustments In The Zone Running Game.

Bob Wylie, legendary OL Coach will be the MC of the clinic and always has something to present as well.

These coaches have worked at every level as they developed themselves into the best OL Coaches in the game and share the details that helped them get there.

This is a tremendous clinic for the offensive line coach as well as any coach who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the game.

Be sure to take advantage of the ability to see last year’s replays and get ready for another outstanding C.O.O.L. Clinic!

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski

P.S. Get your ticket here now to access the 2021 replays until May 6th,