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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
Mtn Inside Zone Split is a run play out of Shotgun Double Wing with 23 personnel that uses pre-snap motion to shift the formation before the snap. The offensive line executes an inside zone blocking scheme, working double teams at the point of attack and climbing to the second level to seal off linebackers, while the fullback and wing tight ends account for edge defenders. The running back's primary read is the frontside combo block, pressing the mesh point before deciding to bend it back to the backside cutback lane if the frontside gap gets clogged.
Defensive Reads
Watch the linebacker depth before the snap, if they are stacked tight to the line this play can get gummed up quickly by an extra run fitter. Key the safety alignment, a single high safety often means the box is loaded and the cutback lane will be the better path versus the frontside combo. Post-snap, identify if a defender is flowing hard with the motion man, that usually opens up the backside cutback since the defense is playing assignment football instead of staying gap sound. This concept struggles against interior nano blitzes that shoot gaps immediately, since the offensive line needs a beat to climb to the second level. Look for user-controlled linebackers sitting in the hole, if the user commits to the frontside gap early, bounce the run to the backside before the defensive line resets.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to identify if the defense is running with the man or staying gap sound in a zone shell, since a defender following the motion man usually signals man coverage and a lighter run fit.
Attack this play on early downs like first and second and ten when defenses are more likely to play base personnel instead of stacking the box with extra defenders.
Pair this with Mtn HB Dive and QB Power from the same set to keep defenders guessing between inside zone and gap schemes, forcing linebackers to hesitate on their run fits.
If the defense shows a heavy box pre-snap, check into Mtn PA Slide or Mesh Sit off the same formation to punish overaggressive run blitzes.
Trust the fullback's block on the play side edge defender before committing the running back through the hole, patience through the mesh point is critical for the cutback to hit.
