Zone blocking is a technique in American football that is a simple and effective scheme for creating lanes for running plays.
In a zone blocking scheme, fleet-footedness and athletic ability trump size as desirable qualities in offensive linemen. Coordination and technique matter more than muscle in implementing a successful scheme because defensive linemen are often double-teamed at the point of attack. In this blocking scheme which takes much from the Veer blocking system, creating movement on the defensive line is more important than opening a specific hole in the defense.

Are you getting zone blocking and chop blocking confused?



Zone blocking - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Did you read the article?

All zone blocking is creating movement on the defensive line is more important than opening a specific hole in the defense.

That's like saying the 3-4 should be illegal because 4 linebackers cause more of an injury risk to running backs...

Yea I read it

The linemen of some teams that use zone blocking schemes have been criticized for their penchant for cut blocking the knees of defenders, sometimes away from the play. Cut blocks are illegal when a defensive player is engaged by another offensive player. Although some consider the technique unsportsmanlike because of the risk of serious injury, when taught and applied correctly it is a very effective tactic. In fact, some defensive players employ the technique to eliminate blockers so other defenders can make the tackle.

cut blocks = chop blocks

If you would have read it you would have read this:



cut blocks = chop blocks

That is not correct. A cut block is a legal block aimed at a defensive players legs, prefferably his thighs. A chop block on the other hand is illegal and consist of on guy blocking a defender high while the other guy blocks him low. This is also commonly referred to as a "high-low" and carries a great risk of injury.

Here is a good example of a chop-block:
Chop Block - YouTube

This is a good example of a cut block. You can see the center moving towards the defender but never engaging him. It leaves the LG blocking the DT, a perfctly legal block.
OL Drills - CUT Blocking Beispiel 1 (RG anschauen - GAPS sind OK) - YouTube


And lastly is a pretty good clip of Zone blocking.
Zone Blocking with Double Teams - YouTube

Zone blocking don't have to incorporate cut blocks at all. The U15 team I coach run a lot of zone and in our age group cut blocks are banned. Zone blocking is basically just about angles and point of attack. Cut blocking is however easily utilised and very effective in this scheme, especially on the backside of a play which often opes up enormous cut back lanes. Cut blocks are generally frowned upon by defensive players but IMO a great way to balance out the fact that defenders are allowed to grabb and pull with their hands.

Yea I didn't think a chop block was legal.