Pistol Option Offense: Zone Read

with Chris Klenakis,
Vanderbilt Offensive Line Coach;
2025 FootballScoop Offensive Line Coach of the Year;
Kennesaw State Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach in 2023;
Liberty Offensive Line Coach in 2022;
South Alabama Quality Control Analyst in 2021;
Louisville Tight Ends/Offensive Line Coach from 2014 to 2018, Co-Offensive Coordinator in 2016;
Iowa State University Offensive Line Coach in 2013;
Arkansas Offensive Line Coach from 2010 to 2012;
Nevada Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach from 2004 to 2009;
Central Missouri Offensive Coordinator in 2003;
Southern Miss Offensive Coordinator from 2000 to 2002;
Nevada Assistant Coach/Offensive Coordinator from 1990 to 1999;
Churchill County (NV) HS Head Coach from 1987 to 1989;
2x Nevada HS Coach of the Year;
was the first Offensive Coordinator in D-I history to coach an offense that led the nation in rushing and passing during his career;
as a college OL coach, has developed 24 NFL offensive linemen;
as an Offensive Coordinator, developed Lamar Jackson (Louisville) and Colin Kaepernick (Nevada) into elite, dual-threat quarterbacks;
the 2009 Wolf Pack squad featured three different 1000-yard rushers - the only school in NCAA history to do so

The Pistol Zone Read is truly dynamic when two things happen: the mesh between the quarterback and running back is seamless, and the offensive line is able to get double teams up front and effectively slide to the linebackers. In this video, Coach Chris Klenakis offers clear and straightforward instruction on these two concepts to help any coach install the Pistol zone read.

Pistol-Specific Blocking Schemes

Coach Klenakis details multiple ways to get the quarterback a lead blocker using a tight end, a tackle, a wing back, or an extra back out of the backfield. He diagrams the use of motion to creatively bring blockers to the point of attack. Klenakis defines a variety of simple and logical terminology that can be easily transferred to any coach's system.

Coaching the Quarterback and Running Back

Position-specific principles for quarterback and running back play are thoroughly summarized. Footwork, landmarks, and key coaching points for each position are outlined. The importance of the quarterback/running back mesh is clearly detailed and heavily stressed through the use of extensive game film.

The Offensive Line

Effective double teams up front make the Pistol Zone Read work. Footwork and the intricacies of the double team are thoroughly explained. Coach Klenakis also diagrams the zone read versus a variety of troublesome fronts to show you how to take care of down men as well as linebackers.

Throughout the video, Coach Klenakis uses relevant game film, as well as a white board to specifically illustrate the backfield action, backfield mesh, and offensive line blocking needed for success.

This video is a must for anyone interested in gaining a firm understanding of the Pistol Zone Read. Offensive coordinators, backfield coaches and offensive line coaches will walk away with a firm grasp of how to effectively teach the backfield action and line play of the Pistol zone read.

50 minutes. 2020.