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 past C.O.O.L. Clinics which will be virtual again in 2024. Here are 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, 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, NY Jets OL Coach Keith Carter explains how the TE in the video keeps his lower half going and keeps his hips attached allowing the RB to make his cut (click on image for video):

Video: Lower Half

Lead Man - Trail Man Combo

Former Notre Dame OL Coach Jeff Quinn coached up the 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 75 minutes and then answers your questions.  

If you purchase your premium ticket ($179 & $299 tickets - see below) for the 2024 C.O.O.L. Clinic, you will be able to access the replays from the 2023 Clinic from now until May 16th.

Here’s the ticket options:

Live Clinic plus 30-day replays $99. Includes offer for one free past Clinic presentation on CoachTube (you will get lifetime access to that presentation - $39 value). $99 Ticket

BETTER VALUE & LONGER ACCESS 2024 C.O.O.L. Clinic Premium Access Now $179 until 4/30 giving you access to all of the 2023 presentations (chaptered) NOW until the start of the clinic, ticket to the clinic ($99 value) and access to replays. This is a 12-month membership. 

BEST VALUE AND THE MOST CONTENT Mushroom Society Membership

Now $299 until the start of the clinic (save $100). This membership gives you access to all of the virtual clinic presentations (chaptered) 2021-2023 NOW , all the historic content (previously on DVD from 1996-2019 being added now through May), ticket to the clinic ($99 value) and access to replays. This is a 12-month membership. 

This year’s line-up includes:

Jim McNally - NFL Alumni

Topic: 5, 6 & 7 Man Protections 

 Steve Spagnoulo - Defensive Coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs

Topic: Questions & Answers

Joe Cullen - Defensive Line Coach, Kansas City Chiefs

Topic: Putting The QB Down When It’s a Must!!

Joe D'alessandris, OL Coach, Baltimore Ravens 

Topic: Fundamentals for Gap Scheme Blocking

Keynote Presentation - Andy Reid, HC, Kansas City Chiefs

Topic: From Offensive Line Coach To Head Coach 

Dante Scarnecchia - NFL Alumni

Topic: How To Become A Better Coach On Game Day

Jeff Stoutland, OL Coach, Philadelphia Eagles

Topic: THE PROGRESSION! Teaching Basic run game and pass protection from the ground up

Chris Strausser, OL Coach, Houston Texans

Topic: Protection Principles 

Steve Ciocci, OL Coach, Bryant

Topic: 5,6,7 Man Protection 

Brad Davis, OL Coach, LSU

Topic: Building Individual based on Opponent Specific Looks.

Bill Durkin, OL Coach, Liberty

Topic: Duo With Variations And Techniques 

Dennis McKnight, OL Coach

Topic: Get out of your comfort zone and be open to exploring new ways to teach O-Line techniques 

Sherrone Moore, Head Coach, Michigan

Justin Frye, OL Coach, Ohio State

Topic: Progression Teaching For Your O-Line — Film/Technique/Scheme

Brandon Jones, OL Coach, Mizzou

Topic: Basic Principles In Running The Outside Zone Play 

Nic Cardwell, OL Coach, Cincinnati 

Topic: Pistol Wide Zone The Bearcat Way

Paul Alexander - NFL Alumni

Topics: Head Coach Finally & Critical Simple Blocking Mechanics 

Steve Palazzolo - Pro Football Focus

Topic: Data and Offensive Line Play

Adam Cushing, OL Coach, Texas A&M

Topic: Pin & Pull Schemes 

Brennan Carroll, OL Coach, Washington

Topic: Widezone/Midzone Differences & Similarities

Steed Lobotzke, OL Coach, Air Force

Topic: Run Blocking Footwork Technique and FINISH 

Jim Harding, OL Coach, Utah

Topic: Stunt/Movement Pick Up

Mike Pollack, Director of Training, Tip of the Spear

Topic: Tip of the Spear: Developing Systems for Contact Skills

Luc Brodeur, OL Coach, Montreal Alouettes

Topic: Short Yardage, RSO ( RPO on Linebacker), Weight Distribution Focus. OL Technique 

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!

-The C.O.O.L. Clinic Team

P.S. Visit the C.O.O.L. Clinic Store for Mushroom Society hats, t-shirts, hoodies and more.