Split zone / insert
What it is
Inside zone with a tight end or H-back crossing the formation to block the backside end.
Why it matters
Split zone answers the one problem inside zone has: the backside end who chases and kills the cutback. By kicking him with a crosser, the offense turns the backside into a real lane — and because the crosser's path looks identical on a play-action boot, the two plays are indistinguishable until the ball is gone.
Both sides of it
Running it
Line blocks inside zone away from the crosser. The H-back or tight end crosses the formation flat and kicks out the backside end, opening the bend lane the back is already reading.
Stopping it
The backside end must recognise the crosser and take him on with the outside arm, keeping his leverage rather than being kicked. The backside linebacker fills the resulting lane. Because the same action produces a boot, the end has to squeeze without ever turning his shoulders inside.
Also called
Programs call this split zone, insert, sift or H back kick. The Coach answers to any of them.
Related
This entry is authored, not generated. It is one of 205 in the index that the AI-ssistant Coach retrieves from, and that Film Study tags clips against.