Inside Zone vs Outside Zone: How the Two Base Zone Runs Differ
Inside zone and outside zone use the same blocking rules but attack different parts of the defense. The aiming points, the running back reads, and when to call each one.
Carson Mitchell · · 6 min read
Inside zone and outside zone are the two base runs of zone-blocking offenses. They use the same blocking rules, so the line learns one system. The difference is where the play is aimed and how the running back reads it.
What They Share
On both plays, every offensive lineman steps playside at the snap. Instead of blocking a specific defender, each lineman blocks whoever shows up in his area:
- Covered linemen, those with a defensive lineman over them, block that defender.
- Uncovered linemen help the lineman next to them with a double-team, then one of the two climbs to the linebacker.
Because the line moves together, the defense has to declare its gaps, and the running back takes whatever crease opens.
Inside Zone
Aiming point: the inside leg of the playside guard.
Line: shorter lateral steps and more vertical push. The double-teams try to move the defensive tackles back before one lineman comes off to the linebacker.
Running back read: the first defensive lineman past the center on the playside. If his helmet is inside, the back cuts outside of him. If his helmet is outside, the back cuts back inside.
Inside zone is a downhill play. It attacks the A and B gaps, and the biggest gains often come on the cutback when the defense flows too fast.
Outside Zone
Aiming point: the outside hip of the playside tackle.
Line: wider, more aggressive first steps. Covered linemen try to reach their defender by getting their helmet past his playside shoulder.
Running back read: often taught as bang, bend, bounce. Bang: hit the first crease that opens inside the tackle. Bend: if the defense overruns the play, cut back inside. Bounce: if the defense pinches inside, take it outside the last blocker.
Outside zone stretches the defense sideways. It makes every defender run to the play, and then punishes the one who runs too far.
Which One to Call
- Inside zone fits a line that can move defenders with double-teams, and a back who is patient and decisive between the tackles.
- Outside zone fits a quicker line that can reach and run, and a back with the speed to threaten the edge and the vision to cut back.
Most zone teams carry both. The defense cannot sit on the inside gaps without opening the edge, and it cannot widen to stop the edge without opening the inside. Bootleg and play-action passes are built off the same first steps, which is why outside zone sits at the center of so many play-action offenses.
See Both Plays
Spiral AI's Offense Library has Inside Zone and Outside Zone diagrammed block by block, with each lineman's assignment and the running back's read.