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 2023. 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, 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. 

Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic (March 9-11) with over 125 College and Pro Speakers. There will be 29 OL Coaches speaking:

• Kyle Flood - Texas
• Herb Hand - UCF
• Brent Davis
• Marty Costello - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
• Ron Crook - South Dakota
• AJ Blazek - Vanderbilt
• Sanders Davis - Rice
• Mike Bloomgren - Rice
• Allen Rudolph - Ohio
• Ben Steele - Denver Broncos
• Bill Quiesert - Kansas (OL/Analyst)
• Pat Flaherty - Rutgers
• Saga Tuitele - Arizona State
• Tony Valention - Springfield College
• Andy Fries - Rose-Hulman
• Mike Gibson - Hamilton Tiger Cats
• Pat DelMonaco - Calgary Stampeders
• Matt Jones - Tennessee Martin
• Brian White - Delaware State
• Casey DeAndrade - New Hampshire
• Brendan Walsh - Colgate
• Steven Ciocci - Bryant
• Frank Guifre - Fordham
• Damian Wroblewski - James Madison
• Darnell Stapleton  - Florida
• Adam Cushing - Duke
• Gabe Fertitta - Florida State (OL/QC)

If you are an offensive line coach, there’s plenty of knowledge being shared in this clinic!

Be sure to register for the 3rd Annual Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic here:

https://lfgf2023.coachesclinic.com/

The proceeds from this clinic benefit families who have a child undergoing cancer treatment as well as pediatric brain tumor research.

LFGF is not a pass through organization. All of the proceeds go to those who need it and there are plenty. Marianne Loose and her team of volunteers work directly with the families.

Bring your entire staff to this clinic and please make other coaches aware of this opportunity to learn and help others.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski