Coach ,

We are constantly seeking innovative strategies to gain a competitive edge. What if you could build everything off od one play?

That definitely simplifies things for you!

For Forty Niners OL COahc/Run Game Coordinatro Chris Foerster and the 49ers, everything is built off of a single scheme - the outside zone. At the 2023 C.O.O.L. Clinic he started with sharing how that scheme works for them and then explained how it is the basis for everything else. 

As an example, he showed how the teaching of outside zone carries over to other schemes like the power and counter gap schemes. Because they want everything to cause a reaction to the outside zone in order for the other schemes to be complementary, they do not use the tradition techniques in all regards.

On Power for example, some teams teach getting that deuce block vertically displaced. For Coach Foerster and the Niners, they want everything to get on the same angle as their outside zone, so they teach it differently.

Here’s a highlight from last night’s clinic where Coach Foerster shows the oustide zone, then shows how their power works, and finally shares a creative version of their counter play. The creativity in their offense is generated by having a thought process that begins with the outside zone.

Video: Chris Foerster COOL Clinic Highlights

That’s some good eveidence to start you thinking about the outside zone as your starting point. Here are six more reasons:

# 1) Versatility and Adaptability

The Outside Zone Scheme is renowned for its versatility and adaptability on the field. This scheme allows offenses to attack different areas of the defense, adjusting to the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing team. By stretching the defense horizontally, the scheme opens up various options for the offense, making it challenging for defenders to predict and counter every move.

#2) Exploiting Defensive Pursuit

One of the key advantages of the Outside Zone Scheme lies in its ability to exploit the natural pursuit of defensive players. By forcing defenders to flow laterally, the scheme creates cutback lanes for running backs to exploit. This lateral movement of the defense opens up opportunities for the offense to capitalize on over-pursuit, leading to significant gains on the ground.

#3) Creating Mismatches

The Outside Zone Scheme is effective in creating mismatches by putting offensive players in favorable one-on-one situations. The scheme's design often isolates running backs against linebackers or safeties, allowing for mismatches in speed and agility. This can lead to explosive plays as running backs exploit the open field created by the scheme.

#4) Stretching the Field Horizontally

Unlike power running plays that focus on attacking specific gaps, the Outside Zone Scheme emphasizes stretching the field horizontally. This lateral movement puts tremendous pressure on the defense, forcing defenders to cover more ground. This not only creates opportunities for running backs but also opens up passing lanes for the quarterback, providing a multi-faceted offensive threat.

#5) Play-Action Effectiveness

The success of the Outside Zone Scheme sets the stage for effective play-action passing. As defenses are forced to commit more resources to stopping the run, play-action passes become highly deceptive and challenging for defenders to read. This dual threat of a potent running game and effective play-action passing keeps defenses on their toes, creating opportunities for big plays downfield.

#6) Offensive Line Cohesion

Implementing the Outside Zone Scheme promotes cohesion among the offensive line. The success of the scheme relies heavily on linemen working in unison to execute zone blocking assignments. This cohesion builds a strong sense of teamwork among linemen, leading to a more effective and reliable offensive line.

The fun part of a season ending is refocusing what you do for a few months and then testing it out in the spring.  

I believe in studying from a number of people and getting as much perspective as you can. The 2023 C.O.O.L. CLinic Outside Zone

Friday Deal.

Whether you are new to the scheme or seasoned veteran with it, the coaching points here defintely are valuable in helping you enhance your knowledge. Details on the bundle are below.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski

Here’s what’s included in the 2023 C.O.O.L. Clinic Outside Zone Bundle (56% off):

#1) Chris Foerster, 49ers - Run Game Techniques Built Off Base Beliefs

#2) Brian Braswell, Maryland - Outside Zone and Pass Pro 

#3) Josh Henson, USC - Outside Zone - Adjustments & Techniques for Movement