Playbooks

Same Side Zone

Shotgun·Bunch TE·11

Quick Reference

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Breakdown

Same Side Zone is an outside zone run from Shotgun Bunch TE that directs the offensive line and TE to flow the entire play call side, with the HB reading the flow of blockers to find the crease. This is a run play designed to attack the edge with zone blocking, using the bunch alignment to create natural overload blocking numbers to one side of the formation. The primary read progression for the ball carrier starts at the playside edge (looking to bounce outside if the defensive end gets sealed) before working back to the cutback lane if the backside pursuit overcommits.

Defensive Reads

Identify the defensive end and outside linebacker alignment on the play side before the snap, a wide 9 technique or crashing DE signals the defense is selling out to stop the edge run. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, linebackers who flow hard and fast to the play side leave the backside cutback lane wide open for a big gain. Beware of a run blitz or nano blitz look with a linebacker stacked tight in the box pre-snap, this play struggles against fast interior penetration that blows up zone blocking before it can develop. Man coverage on the perimeter with no extra run support in the box is the best shell to attack, since the bunch alignment prevents defenders from getting easy leverage on zone blockers. If the user controls a linebacker and immediately flows hard playside, look to cut this back and trust the backside cutback lane rather than forcing it outside.

Usage Tips

Run this out of neutral downs like 1st and 10 or 2nd and short so defenses cannot sell out against the run based on obvious tendencies.

Check the box count before the snap, if the defense has six or more defenders stacked to the play side, consider audibling to the backside or checking to a play like HB Off Tackle instead.

Use the bunch alignment to your advantage by motioning the TE or slot receiver to test if the defense is in man or zone, a defender following the motion confirms man coverage and opens up backside cutback lanes.

Pair this with Boomerang HB Off Tackle or HB Counter Lead in the same set so the defense has to respect zone flow, misdirection, and gap counters from the identical formation look.

On short yardage or goal line situations, trust the playside double team up front and stay patient behind the TE and tackle before making one cut upfield.

Other Plays in Bunch TE