Playbooks

Same Side Zone

Shotgun·Wing Slot Offset·12

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Breakdown

Same Side Zone is a run play out of Shotgun Wing Slot Offset that sends the offensive line and both TEs flowing to the same side, creating a numbers advantage at the point of attack. The scheme asks the HB to read the double team at the point of attack first, then bounce to the edge if the backside linebacker flows too hard inside. Since this is a run concept with no pass options, the primary read progression is a straightforward frontside-to-backside cutback read rather than a route tree, making it a strong complement to any RPO or play-action look built off the same personnel.

Defensive Reads

Look for light boxes with six or fewer defenders in the box before the snap, this is the green light to run Same Side Zone. Identify if the defense is running a 3-4 under front, since heavy edge presence to the play side can clog the natural cutback lane. Watch the play side linebacker's depth at the snap, if he is stacked tight behind the line he can blow up the double team before the HB gets to the hole. Beware defenses that shift a safety down into the box pre-snap, this signals run support and can turn Same Side Zone into a negative play if you do not have a counter called up. Post-snap, track whether the backside defensive end stays home for a scrape exchange, since a disciplined backside end erases the cutback read entirely.

Usage Tips

Run this on early downs, first and second and short to medium, when you want to stay ahead of the sticks without tipping your hand.

Check the defensive front pre-snap: if both linebackers cheat to the play side, hot route a TE to a shallow drag or use flow to set up a cutback lane on the next call.

Pair this with RPO Zone Alert Hitches or RPO Alert Bubble from the same set so the defense has to respect both the run action and the perimeter throw off identical formation and personnel.

Use one TE as a lead blocker and key the playside defensive end, if he crashes down hard, bounce the run outside behind the wing TE's block.

Sequence this play early in a series, then come back with PA Slide or PA Dig later to attack linebackers who bit on the same side zone flow.

Other Plays in Wing Slot Offset