Coach ,

As tight ends, fullbacks, and H-backs make their way back into more and more offenses, the insert inside zone play is becoming a tremendous tool in separating the defense and opening huge running lanes.

It’s something you will probably see this weekend from the Forty-Niners in their creative run game.

While the concept is simple, insert a blocker from the backfield and be able to push the combos, the technique that is needed for this to be a successful play is critical.  

It’s something that Kyle Flood, offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for the University of Texas is very familiar with. He shared the coaching points at the COOL Clinic last May.

It’s all about whether it is a front side insert or a backside insert, and the fit of the block on the second level defender has to be done a certain way. Coach Flood explains the coaching point in this video (click on image for video):

Video: Coaching the Insert Player

The play which coach is talking about the insert is in this video. He did not bring it up on the screen during the Q&A, but you can see the block on #0 by #87.

The coaching points he made for this play:

-Every defender will try to spill the insert regardless of support structure or coverage

-Insert blocker must get his hat on the inside #

-If the insert hits the defender down the middle, the defender will win

-The runner spilled himself in the example, should have went vertical

Coach points out that a fronstide insert the blocker should hit down the middle, but must get inside on a backside insert like in the video.

Video: QB responsible for the box

Coach Flood is a detailed coach and teacher of the game especially as it relates to the running game. He shared that knowledge in two clinics - Lauren’s First and Goal and the COOL Clinic.

He will be back home in New York speaking at the NYSHSFCA Clinic next weekend. I will be there sitting down with coaches on the Coach and Coordinator podcast. Please stop by.

I recommend learning from Coach Flood. You can hear him on Coach and Coordinator “Focusing Coaching Progressions And Coaching Points On Trending Ideas” and his presentation is available in the C.O.O.L Clinic Inside Zone bundle here.

The college speakers for the 2023 C.O.O.L Clinic and Coach Wylie thinks this may be the best line-up to date:

• Stacey Searels - Georgia 
• Jim Harding - Utah
• Alex Atkins - Florida State
• Glen Elarbee - Tennessee
• Scott Fuchs - Kansas
• Keith Clark - Darmouth
• Josh Henson - USC
• Sherrone Moore - Michigan
• Eman Naghavi - Tulane
• Brain Callahan - Minnesota 
• Conor Riley - Kansas St.
• AJ Ricker - TCU

Also speaking:

• Kris Sweet - Toronto Arhgonauts, Grey Cup Champions
• Steve Palazzolo - PFF
• Jim McNally - NFL Alumni 

Information and link for the clinic will be released soon.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski