Defending a Capped Inside Zone

Dec 01, 2023

Defending a One-Back Inside Zone is one thing.

There are enough challenges there already, to be sure.

But what happens when the Offence adds ANOTHER blocker to the backside?

Here are a couple options.

The Topic

So what are we talking about here?

We start with a traditional Inside Zone. Five blockers versus six defenders.

Typically, in this situation, the QB is reading the Backside End to decide whether to give or pull.

With a CAPPED Inside Zone, however, the Offence is now sending an extra blocker to handle that Backside End.

The Extra Blocker could come from anywhere.

It could be a Slot Receiver, a Fullback, even a Wideout who has reduced down towards the Box.

And in Canadian football, the Extra Blocker can show up late.

Right before the snap.

So how should the Defence react?

When the Offence adds a blocker, we will add a Defender.

The question here is where should the added Defender fit?

One option would to be to place them to the OUTSIDE (D Gap).

This means the Defensive End should work hard to get INSIDE the Extra Blocker (C Gap).

In the clip above, notice the angle of the added defender.

See how hard he works to keep outside leverage on the ball carrier.

This is key.

One other option would be to place the added Defender INSIDE (C Gap).

This means the Defensive End will now stay OUTSIDE the Extra Blocker (D Gap).

As always, it’s never that simple.

There are a lot of other factors that will go into your plan for defending a Capped Inside Zone.

Here are a couple:

WHO is your added Defender
How will that change based on the Offensive Formation?
How will that change based on your Play Call?
What if the Extra Blocker comes from the other side of the Formation?
What about different types of runs that also use an Extra Blocker? Does your plan hold up?
What if the Extra Blocker is coming in for Pass Pro?
Does your plan change when you’re in Zone Coverage versus Man Coverage?

There’s a lot there, but this is the good stuff!

Happy coaching everyone!

All the best,

Jon Svec
Defensive Coordinator
St. Francis Xavier University
X-Men Football
IG: @jonsvecx
Twitter: @jonsvecx

To read more check out the Canadian Football Chalk Talk e-books series, which includes: Defensive Basics, Linebacker Toolbox, and Modern Pressures.