Mastering the Great Wide Zone and Duo Run Scheme

In today’s football landscape, having a versatile and effective running game is crucial for offensive success. Two schemes that have gained significant popularity in recent years are the Wide Zone and Duo run scheme. These concepts, when executed properly, can form the backbone of a dominant rushing attack. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the fundamentals of Wide Zone and Duo, their benefits, and strategies for implementing them effectively in your offense.

Understanding the Wide Zone Concept

The Wide Zone, also known as Outside Zone, is a run play designed to stretch the defense horizontally and create cutback opportunities for the running back. This scheme has become a staple in many NFL and college offenses due to its versatility and effectiveness.

Key Principles of Wide Zone Concept

1. Horizontal stretch: The offensive line moves laterally at the snap, aiming to reach the outside shoulder of their assigned defenders.
2. Running back path: The RB aims for the outside hip of the tackle, reading the defense as they go.
3. Cutback opportunities: As the defense flows to the play side, lanes often open up for the RB to cut back against the grain.
4. Double teams and combo blocks: Linemen work together to control defenders before releasing to the second level.

Benefits of the Wide Zone Concept

• Creates multiple running lanes for the back
• Effective against various defensive fronts
• Sets up play-action passes and bootlegs
• Allows for easy constraint plays (e.g., jet sweeps, reverses)

Implementing Wide Zone Concept in Your Offense

To successfully incorporate Wide Zone into your playbook, focus on these key areas:

1. Offensive line technique: Teach proper footwork and body positioning for reach blocks and combo blocks.
2. Running back reads: Train your RB to identify the proper read keys and make quick decisions.
3. Quarterback mechanics: Ensure proper ball handling and mesh point execution with the RB.
4. Practice tempo: Emphasize the importance of speed and precision in practice reps.
5. Complementary plays: Install counters, play-action passes, and bootlegs to keep defenses honest.

Mastering the Duo Concept

Duo, sometimes referred to as “Power without a puller,” is a downhill run play that emphasizes double teams at the point of attack. This scheme has gained popularity due to its simplicity and physicality.

Key Principles of Duo Concept

1. Vertical push: Unlike zone plays, Duo aims to create vertical displacement of the defensive line.
2. Double teams: Offensive linemen work in tandem to control defensive linemen before climbing to linebackers.
3. Running back read: The RB typically reads the middle linebacker to determine their path.
4. Tight end involvement: Often run to the tight end side, utilizing their blocking ability.

Benefits of the Duo Concept

• Creates a physical, downhill running attack
• Simplifies blocking assignments for the offensive line
• Effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations
• Sets up play-action passes and RPOs

Implementing the Duo Concept in Your Offense

To effectively run Duo, focus on these key areas:

1. Double team technique: Teach proper footwork and hand placement for effective double teams.
2. Communication: Ensure linemen are on the same page regarding assignments and linebacker reads.
3. Running back footwork: Train your RB to hit the hole quickly and make decisive cuts.
4. Tight end blocking: Emphasize the importance of the tight end’s role in sealing the edge.
5. Variations: Install counters and constraints to keep defenses guessing.

The Importance of Double Teams and Combo Blocks

Both Wide Zone and Duo rely heavily on effective double teams and combo blocks. These techniques are crucial for creating movement at the line of scrimmage and controlling second-level defenders.

Executing Effective Double Teams

1. Hip-to-hip alignment: Ensure blockers are close together to prevent penetration.
2. Four hands on one defender: Both blockers should make contact with the defensive lineman.
3. Vertical push: Drive the defender backwards, creating a new line of scrimmage.
4. Communication: Use verbal and non-verbal cues to coordinate the block.

Mastering Combo Blocks

1. Initial double team: Start with a strong double team on the down lineman.
2. Eyes on the linebacker: The blocker responsible for releasing keeps their eyes on their second-level target.
3. Proper timing: Release to the second level at the right moment, neither too early nor too late.
4. Maintain leverage: The blocker staying on the down lineman must maintain their position after the release.

Examples from Successful Teams and Coaches

Several NFL and college teams have found great success utilizing Wide Zone and Duo concepts in their offenses. Let’s examine a few notable examples:

Los Angeles Rams – Sean McVay’s Wide Zone Attack

Under head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have built their offense around the Wide Zone concept. McVay’s system emphasizes:

• Pre-snap motion to create favorable matchups
• Play-action passes off Wide Zone action
• Jet sweeps and end-arounds as constraint plays
• Utilizing athletic linemen who can reach block effectively

Baltimore Ravens – Greg Roman’s Duo-Based Run Game

Former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman built a dominant rushing attack around the Duo concept, tailored to quarterback Lamar Jackson’s skills. Key elements include:

• Multiple tight end formations to create extra gaps
• QB reads and options off Duo action
• RPOs (Run-Pass Options) built into Duo plays
• Power and counter runs as complementary plays

University of Georgia – Todd Monken’s Balanced Attack

Georgia’s former offensive coordinator (and current Raven’s OC) Todd Monken has successfully blended Wide Zone and Duo concepts in the Bulldogs’ offense. His approach features:

• Wide Zone as a base run play
• Duo in short-yardage and goal-line situations
• Play-action passes off both Wide Zone and Duo action
• Multiple personnel groupings to create mismatches

Strategies for Implementing Wide Zone and Duo

To effectively incorporate these concepts into your offense, consider the following strategies:

1. Start with installation: Begin by teaching the basic principles and techniques in individual and group settings.
2. Progress to team periods: Gradually introduce the concepts in team periods, starting with basic looks and progressing to more complex situations.
3. Use walk-throughs: Utilize walk-through periods to reinforce assignments and timing.
4. Film study: Show players examples of successful Wide Zone and Duo plays from both your team and others.
5. Incorporate into conditioning: Use Wide Zone and Duo drills as part of your team’s conditioning program to reinforce techniques.
6. Practice against multiple fronts: Ensure your team can execute against various defensive looks they may face.
7. Develop complementary plays: Install and practice constraint plays to keep defenses honest.
8. Emphasize tempo: Work on executing these plays at game speed during practice.
9. Utilize technology: Use video analysis tools to break down technique and provide feedback to players.
10. Continuous evaluation: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your Wide Zone and Duo plays, making adjustments as needed.

Overcoming Common Challenges

While implementing Wide Zone and Duo can greatly benefit your offense, there are potential challenges to be aware of:

1. Defensive adjustments: Be prepared for defenses to stack the box or use stunts to disrupt your blocking schemes.
2. Personnel limitations: Ensure you have the right type of athletes to execute these concepts effectively.
3. Timing issues: Work diligently on the mesh point between QB and RB to prevent fumbles and missed handoffs.
4. Overreliance: Avoid becoming too predictable by mixing in other run concepts and passing plays.
5. Practice time management: Balance the time spent on these concepts with other necessary offensive installations.

Conclusion

Mastering the Wide Zone and Duo concepts can provide your offense with a powerful and versatile rushing attack.

By understanding the fundamental principles, focusing on proper technique, and learning from successful implementations, you can create a dominant run game that keeps defenses on their heels.

Remember that success with these schemes requires commitment, attention to detail, and continuous refinement.

As you implement Wide Zone and Duo into your offense, be patient and persistent. With time and practice, these concepts can become the foundation of a highly effective and efficient offensive system.

By combining the horizontal stretch of Wide Zone with the vertical push of Duo, you’ll create a multi-dimensional run game that can adapt to various defensive looks and personnel groupings.

This versatility will not only improve your rushing attack but also open up opportunities in the passing game through play-action and RPOs.Ultimately, the key to success with Wide Zone and Duo lies in thorough preparation, precise execution, and the ability to make in-game adjustments.

By mastering these concepts, you’ll be well on your way to developing a dominant run game that can serve as the cornerstone of your offensive strategy.