Reach block
What it is
Getting your playside shoulder past the defender's playside shoulder to seal him inside.
Why it matters
The reach is the defining block of outside zone and the hardest one an offensive lineman is asked to make, because he must beat a defender to a spot the defender is closer to. It is won with the first step — a flat, gaining step at the defender's outside foot — and lost by anyone who tries to reach with his arms instead of his feet.
Both sides of it
Running it
Flat playside step aimed to gain ground, second step to cross the defender's face, hands inside and hips around. If the defender widens faster than you can gain, you run him to the sideline and let the back cut behind you — the reach that fails honestly still blocks the play.
Stopping it
Do not get reached. The defender fights to keep his outside arm free and works up the field at a slight angle rather than laterally, forcing the blocker to chase. Losing the reach surrenders the edge, which is the only thing outside zone actually needs.
Also called
Programs call this reach, reach step, hook block or playside seal. The Coach answers to any of them.
Related
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