Stretching the defense from a Multiple I. (Football).

THOUGH WE WORK extremely hard on throwing the ball, we know that we have to run the ball effectively in order to win.

Whenever the defenses stack 7-8 players in the box, we want to be a threat to run. Our Outside Zone scheme ("Stretch") is probably the most versatile run series in our Multiple I-back offense. Its five key considerations enable us to fit it into any offensive scheme.

1 St retch from 1-Back or 2-Back Sets:

In our Multiple I-back scheme, we are in a constant state of transition from 1-back to 2-back sets. This flexibility enables us to run the play from any offensive set.

From our 1-back sets, we can block the alley defender with a receiver and/or tight end (Diags. 1 and 2).

From our 2-back sets, we can maintain our base blocking rules while using the fullback to block the alley player (Diag. 3).

The important coaching point for the fullback is to make a wide arc-release out of the backfield. This will enable him to square up on the designated defender and make a more solid block--giving the ball-carrier an easier read to cut off.

2 Outside Zone Principles:

Whether from 1 or 2 back sets, our offensive linemen will use base outside principles to block the Stretch. We begin the blocking by distinguishing between "covered" and "uncovered" offensive linemen.

Any offensive lineman who has a defender aligned on the LOS and shading any part of his body is considered a "covered" lineman. If the offensive lineman has no defender aligned over him on the LOS, he (offensive lineman) is deemed "uncovered."

A covered lineman in the Outside Zone Stretch scheme will use a "stretch hook" technique for blocking. He will:

* Take his initial step with the playside foot, aiming at the outside shoe of the covering defender. Check Diag. 4.

* Use the defender's playside number as the target point for the eyes and hands.

* On the second step, split the middle of the defender and push upfield.

* Key point: Keep the feet moving!

The uncovered offensive lineman must execute a "stretch scoop" technique (Diag. 5).

* Aim his initial step at the outside armpit of the first playside defender. The wider the nearest defender at the LOS, the wider the initial step should be.

* Track the path of the nearest covered lineman with a piggyback technique. This will allow the uncovered player to square up on the adjacent defender for a good scoop block or, if the covering defender slants away, scoop through to LB level.

* It is critical to maintain the track of the adjacent offensive lineman until he commits to a block.

3 Crack Block to Shorten the Flank:

In our one-back scheme, we especially like to run the Stretch from a trips-tight set (Diag. 6). This allows us to crack-block with our #1 receiver. In combination with an arc block on the cornerback by the #2 receiver, this crack technique allows us to shorten the distance between the ball-carrier and the outside edge of the defense (Diag. 7).

On the Stretch play, we want to get running back into open space with the football in his hands. His initial aiming point is one-yard outside the TE alignment. He should remain on this path to allow his blockers to set up, at which time he can take one cut to bounce the play toward the sideline.

We can also use the crack scheme to shorten the flank from two-back sets. With this look, we will crack with our #1 receiver and arc-release our fullback to the widest defender (Diag. 8).

In our base Stretch scheme, however, we will use the fullback or #2 receiver to block the alley player. The #1 receiver will block the widest defender. (See Diag. 3.)

The crack/arc combination gives us an easy adjustment to shorten our ball-carrier's distance into open space.

4 Outside Zone vs. Inside Zone:

Though the Inside and Outside Zone schemes are foundations of our offense, the Stretch play has two distinct advantages over the Inside Zone play.

First, we know that if our TE can make the pivotal stretch hook at the point of attack, we are going to gain positive yards. The Inside Zone scheme, though a major part of our offensive package, requires a progression of blocks.

Second, while both the Inside and Outside Zone schemes can be run from 1 and 2-back sets, the Stretch is a more versatile scheme. We run the Inside Zone from 2-backs. The fullback is used to kick out the backside end and create a wider cutback opportunity for the ball-carrier.

The Stretch from 2-backs permits us to get the additional back involved at the POA without adjusting any blocking assignments. Any time we can gain an additional blocker and maintain our base principles, we ensure a more versatile scheme.

5 Balanced Set = Equal Threat:

The two tight-end set offers an advantage in our 1-back scheme. It forces the defense to balance up and enables us to run the Stretch to either side (Diag. 9).

Though we have been known to run the Stretch to the open side of the formation (without a TE), as shown in Diag. 10, we prefer to run it with a TE at the point of attack. It gives us more support in blocking the alley.

As we have said, the TE block at the point of attack is the key to gaining positive yards with the Stretch play.

Conclusion: Through all of the revisions and adjustments we've made in our offense, the Outside Zone Stretch continues to top our running game.

As we integrate the shotgun into our attack, the Stretch (because of its versatility) remains a strong play for us (Diags 11 and 12).