The "split flow zone read play" is a variation of the inside zone play that involves a "wing" player performing a seal block on the backside. This creates advantages like a different look for the defense and a guaranteed read for the running back.
In today's video, Kyle Ralph, HC, New Palestine HS (IN) shows how they execute the play.
Coach Ralph's entire Power Spread System and its 35 lessons are available in Glazier Drive. The lesson that this video came from is: Split Flow Zone from the Zone Run Family in the Power Spread System
Key Points:
- The play is essentially the same as the inside zone play, with one key difference: a wing player comes across the formation to seal the backside defender.
- Purposes of this variation:
- Guarantee a "give" read for the running back
- Set up potential bootleg plays
- Create opportunities for run-pass option (RPO) plays
- Blocking technique remains identical to inside zone:
- Offensive linemen use the same footwork and aiming points
- The wing player tries to kick out the backside defender
- The goal is to create horizontal and vertical displacement
- Benefits of the play:
- Counters defenses that aggressively crash the backside
- Provides flexibility in play-calling
- Allows running back to consistently get the ball
- Coach Ralph demonstrates multiple film examples showing the successful execution of the split flow zone play, highlighting how it creates running lanes and neutralizes defensive strategies.
This play is a strategic variation of the inside zone that gives the offense more control and options in their running game.