Introduction to the Dairy Raid Offense - Inside Zone
This piece was written last February for Badger Notes as part of my effort to introduce the Dairy Raid Offense to a wider offense. I put a lot of effort into these pieces and the accompanying videos, and since they are no longer online I’d decided to re-upload them here. The Dairy Raid Offense is gone, but it’s important to look to the past as we shape the future. Enjoy!
When Phil Longo brought the Air Raid to Wisconsin it evoked images of Mike Leach's high-flying passing attacks at Texas Tech or prolific quarterbacks like Tim Couch lighting up defenses. But the offensive philosophy has undergone evolution from a group of passing plays and an idea of "throwing to open grass". Even traditionally pass-heavy coaches like Leach and Tony Franklin have recognized the importance of balance in their play-calling, moving away from solely relying on aerial assaults to incorporating a more diverse offensive strategy. A newer breed of Air Raid coach understands the core value of the system beyond the playbook and finds new and more efficient ways to achieve the same goals.
And it is this understanding of balance that is how the Badgers can successfully marry the Air Raid concept with traditional Wisconsin values. It starts with having a well balanced rushing attack. A balanced rushing attack stresses the defense east/west, north/south, and creates conflicts of assignment. This can be achieved through using various run schemes, but also building off of the defensive reactions to those schemes.
In the modern spread to run offense there are three basic schemes that most, if not all, teams run. They are the inside zone, the outside zone, and the power scheme. We will begin our deep dive into the Dairy Raid rushing attack by taking a look at the inside zone scheme. It all starts with the philosophy of the scheme. With a better understanding about the philosophy of the scheme we'll break down the rules and how to properly execute the inside zone. Finally we'll take a look the Badgers' use of the inside zone and the wrinkles that Phil Longo uses to expand upon the scheme.
The inside zone's effectiveness lies with creating double teams at the line of scrimmage. This enables the offense to gain leverage both vertically and horizontally. The key to its success lies in the coordination of double teams and the patience of the running back in reading blocks. This scheme's flexibility allows it to adapt to different defensive fronts and provides various options for running lanes, making it a valuable asset in a team's offensive playbook, especially when combined with other complementary plays. Because inside zone is a physical play in nature with the goal of driving opponents off the ball, it's a favorite option for the programs that are recruiting big, physical OL and want to be defined by their ability to impose their will on a game.
Like most run schemes the inside zone is based on a series of rules. The rules create a flow chart in the mind and body of the blockers and ball carriers that creates efficient play. Zone schemes are different than gap schemes as the blockers are looking to block area and not specific players, but those areas are defined by the alignment of the defenders.
While every team might have different specifics, but most follow similar rules. Every player is responsible for the area from their backside shoulder to the playside gap. If there is no player in the assigned gap then the blocker will look to double team on the next closest defender or release to 2nd level. Communication is key for the zone concept to work. After identifying your area of responsibility you need to determine if you are “covered” or “uncovered”. Being covered simply means there is a defender lining up on you on the line of scrimmage and they can be head up or shading either shoulder. Knowing if you are covered or uncovered will determine the angle that your footwork.
Covered
If you are covered with a man directly on you then you will engage him with a basic drive block. If he is just trying to bull rush you straight into the backfield then you need to fight against pressure and attempt to get him off of the line of scrimmage. If he attacks a shoulder or gap then it is your responsibility to stay with him and again prevent penetration long enough for your double team to come and help you.
If you are covered to the playside you will step first with your playside foot flat between the legs of the defender with your foot on a 45 degree angle. Your 2nd step will bring your backside foot up field enough to keep the defender from being able to slant back inside.
If you are covered to the backside then your initial step will be a short quick step with your playside foot for you to be able to hold your ground. If the defender tries to cross your face this will allow you to maintain balance and recover.
Uncovered
If your uncovered your first step will still be a flat step but your foot will be on a wider angle, aiming for the backside shoulder of the man next to you. Your footwork will take you into your gap aiming for the next down man, but if no defender occupies the gap you will look to get up field to cut off any 2nd level pursuit.