January/February 2025 - 31

A
It may not be as mystical as the
red zone, but it can prove just
as meaningful.
By Kenny Ratledge, contributing writer
sk any football coach, and he'll tell you that
the red zone is the most important area or
zone on the field. He'll also tell you that a
team's success or failure usually depends on how
well it executes in that area.
Many people, and some coaches, fail to realize that
just as many games are won or lost in the " coming out
zone, " the area from the goal line to the 20-yard line on
the offense's side of the field. It may not be as mystical
as the red zone, but it can prove just as meaningful.
Let's explore the mindset of many offensive play
callers and the types of plays they may dial up when
their backs are to the goal line.
Even though we consider the whole area from the goal
line to the 20-yard line the coming out zone, we will
divide the zone into two separate parts - the area from
the goal line to the 10, and the area from the 10 to the
20. These two subdivisions may have a lot of similarities,
but some minute differences have to be understood.
THE 'BACKED-UP ZONE' (GOAL LINE TO THE 10)
The offense's primary goal in this area is to gain at
least one first down, and the benefits are twofold.
Strategically, it's important because it facilitates a punt,
allowing the ball to be launched on the field side of the
goal line rather than the end zone. Quarterback sneaks
are common in this situation, especially if the ball is
butted up against the goal line.
Normally, the offense gives the ball to sure-handed
players. Play selection may favor short-yardage gains
with wedge blocking. Offensive coordinators may select
closed-type formations. In some cases, a wing may add
another gap to the defensive front and stop pressure off
the corner.
Complicated blocking schemes are usually avoided.
Passes will probably be of a low and outside nature.
Passes over the middle are usually avoided because of
the possibility of a big hit or a tipped pass.
However, this also is a prime time to throw long
outside. Some offenses see this as a great time to take a
shot, because the defense has to defend 90-plus yards
of grass. A long pass that is intercepted might be
considered just as good as a punt.
'BACKED-UP ZONE' DEFENSE
Defensive thinking and strategy should limit the
opponent to no more than one first down. Good
defensive tactics in this area include inside line changes
that might come clean and result in negative yardage or
a holding call. Scheme to take away the sneak or at least
make the quarterback slide out to the B gap. Corners
should be drilled to expect a double move - a quick and
go, out and up, slant and up.
The defensive huddle call should incorporate a deep
middle or hole player to ensure over-the-top help and an
advantageous position to field a possible quick kick.
COACHAD.COM 31
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January/February 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January/February 2025

2025 Coaches Survey Results
Ad Index
A.D.ministration
Between the Lines
Built For This
CSCCa Strength Focus
Facility Focus
Football Focus
Football X&Os
Holistic Health
Organizing the Offseason
Product Focus
Product Marketplace
Q&A.D.
January/February 2025 - 1
January/February 2025 - 2
January/February 2025 - 3
January/February 2025 - Between the Lines
January/February 2025 - 5
January/February 2025 - 6
January/February 2025 - 7
January/February 2025 - A.D.ministration
January/February 2025 - 9
January/February 2025 - 10
January/February 2025 - 11
January/February 2025 - 12
January/February 2025 - 13
January/February 2025 - CSCCa Strength Focus
January/February 2025 - 15
January/February 2025 - 16
January/February 2025 - 17
January/February 2025 - Built For This
January/February 2025 - 19
January/February 2025 - 20
January/February 2025 - 21
January/February 2025 - 22
January/February 2025 - 23
January/February 2025 - 24
January/February 2025 - 25
January/February 2025 - 2025 Coaches Survey Results
January/February 2025 - 27
January/February 2025 - 28
January/February 2025 - 29
January/February 2025 - Football X&Os
January/February 2025 - 31
January/February 2025 - 32
January/February 2025 - 33
January/February 2025 - 34
January/February 2025 - A1
January/February 2025 - A2
January/February 2025 - A3
January/February 2025 - A4
January/February 2025 - A5
January/February 2025 - A6
January/February 2025 - A7
January/February 2025 - A8
January/February 2025 - A9
January/February 2025 - A10
January/February 2025 - A11
January/February 2025 - A12
January/February 2025 - A13
January/February 2025 - A14
January/February 2025 - A15
January/February 2025 - A16
January/February 2025 - Q&A.D.
January/February 2025 - 36
January/February 2025 - 37
January/February 2025 - Football Focus
January/February 2025 - 39
January/February 2025 - Holistic Health
January/February 2025 - 41
January/February 2025 - 42
January/February 2025 - 43
January/February 2025 - Facility Focus
January/February 2025 - 45
January/February 2025 - 46
January/February 2025 - 47
January/February 2025 - 48
January/February 2025 - 49
January/February 2025 - Product Focus
January/February 2025 - 51
January/February 2025 - 52
January/February 2025 - 53
January/February 2025 - 54
January/February 2025 - 55
January/February 2025 - Organizing the Offseason
January/February 2025 - 57
January/February 2025 - 58
January/February 2025 - Product Marketplace
January/February 2025 - 60
January/February 2025 - 61
January/February 2025 - 62
January/February 2025 - 63
January/February 2025 - 64
January/February 2025 - 65
January/February 2025 - Ad Index
January/February 2025 - 67
January/February 2025 - 68
January/February 2025 - 85
January/February 2025 - 86
January/February 2025 - 87
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January/February 2025 - 100
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