Outside Zone is a perimeter run concept that stretches the defense horizontally, forcing defenders to over-pursue before the running back cuts back inside. It's the horizontal complement to Inside Zone.
Overview
Outside Zone (also called Stretch or Wide Zone) is designed to attack the edge of the defense while maintaining the cutback principles of zone blocking. The offensive line takes wider zone steps, attempting to reach the outside shoulder of defenders and create a running lane on the perimeter.
The running back aims for the outside leg of the tight end or tackle, pressing the edge before cutting back when the defense overflows. This creates a "one-cut" running style where the back presses to the sideline, then makes one decisive cut upfield.
The scheme gained prominence through the same Denver/Shanahan coaching tree that popularized Inside Zone, and remains a staple of NFL offenses, particularly those running the "Shanahan system."
History & Origin
Outside Zone emerged alongside Inside Zone as part of Alex Gibbs's complete zone blocking system in Denver. The scheme was designed to complement Inside Zone by attacking the perimeter while maintaining the same blocking principles. It became famous for creating explosive cutback runs when defenses over-pursued.
Key Principles
- 1Offensive line takes wider zone steps (bucket steps)
- 2Running back presses the edge before cutting back
- 3Reach blocks are essential - get outside shoulder of defenders
- 4Create horizontal stretch to force defense to overplay
- 5One-cut running style: press, cut, go
- 6Backside cutback is always an option
- 7Tight end/H-back kick-out blocks are crucial
When to Use
Outside Zone is most effective against defenses that like to flow hard to the ball. It punishes over-pursuit and creates big-play opportunities when the cutback lane opens. Use it to attack the perimeter and complement your Inside Zone game.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Stretches defense horizontally
- +Creates big-play cutback opportunities
- +Excellent against aggressive, flow-heavy defenses
- +Sets up bootleg and nakeds perfectly
- +Can attack the edge against light boxes
Disadvantages
- −Requires fast, decisive running back
- −More vulnerable to unblocked backside defenders
- −Can be stopped by disciplined gap-sound defense
- −Needs athletic offensive line that can reach block
What Coaches Call It
Different coaches use different terminology for the same concepts.
| Coach | Team | Their Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Shanahan | 49ers | Outside Zone | Standard terminology |
| Gary Kubiak | — | Stretch | Emphasizes horizontal stretch |
| Matt LaFleur | Packers | Wide Zone | Emphasizes wider blocking |
| Sean McVay | Rams | Pin and Pull | Often combined with pulling linemen |
What You Need
Skills and jobs required to run this scheme effectively.
Critical
Play-side linemen must get outside shoulder of defenders
Get head across defender to seal outside. The most athletic OL block, requiring lateral movement and leverage.
RB presses outside before cutting back
Threaten outside to set up cutback. Speed and vision to read blocks.
High
Backside scoop creates cutback lane
Double-team defensive lineman then climb to linebacker. Requires communication and feel for when to release.
Decisive cut after pressing the edge
Make quick decision and hit hole decisively. Burst and decision-making.
Medium
TE seals edge or kicks out force player
Block defensive end from tight end alignment. Leverage and drive.
Matchups
Good Against
- +Aggressive flowing linebackers
- +Over-pursuing defenses
- +4-3 Under front
- +Light boxes
- +Cover 3
Avoid Against
- −Spill/wrong-arm technique
- −Disciplined edge players
- −Speed to the perimeter
- −Bear front
- −Heavy boxes
Installation
What You Need
Prerequisites for running this scheme effectively.
- ✓Fast, decisive running back
- ✓Offensive line that can reach block
- ✓Mobile tight end or fullback for edge
When NOT to Use This
- !Avoid against teams with elite edge speed
- !Not ideal if OL can't reach block consistently
- !Vulnerable to backside pursuit if cutback lanes close
Technical Variations
4 concepts in the Eyes Up playbook use this scheme.
OZ-2-Left
LEFTRUNOutside Zone at 2 man surface blocking scheme - Left
Position Assignments
BLOCKING
Center helps then cuts off A gap pursuit
Back side guard cuts off pursuit, prevents cutback
Back side tackle cuts off pursuit, prevents cutback
Center reaches play side A gap defender horizontally
Guard reaches play side B gap defender horizontally
Tackle reaches play side C gap defender horizontally
CUSTOM
RB presses outside hole, reads cutback lane
QB executes hand off to running back