Running Backs: Inside Zone Read Progression

with EJ Barthel,
Carolina Panthers (NFL) Coaching Assistant;
former College of William & Mary Recruiting Coordinator & Running Backs Coach;
former Howard University Running Backs Coach;
under Barthel in 2018, Howard led the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in rushing with 192.8 yards per game

In order to run the ball well, mastering the inside zone is paramount for your offensive approach. Additionally, your running backs must possess great vision in order to get the most out of each play.

William & Mary running backs coach, EJ Barthel, takes you through his approach to the inside zone in this video. Coach Barthel includes pre- and post-snap reads, film room breakdowns, and drills that you can adopt to turn your backs into game breaking players.

Aiming Point, Reads, and Film Room

Barthel begins by discussing the aiming point for his running backs in the inside zone. He wants his players to capture the midline, which allows the back to be in position to attack all three areas of the field. Additionally, players must press the aiming point until the last second to get opposing linebackers committed.

Next, you'll discover what Coach Barthel instructs his runners to look for pre- and post-snap. His pre-snap reads include the Fast, Stack, and Slow reads based on where the linebacker aligns. Post-snap reads include Fast Fast Flow, Fast Slow Flow, and Slow Flow. After defining what each read means, Barthel goes in-depth in the film room to provide you specific examples of these reads being utilized in games.

Running Back Drills and Philosophies

Coach Barthel showcases 11 drills that are great for training your running backs to make correct reads while also conditioning them physically to capitalize on making correct reads. Drills included are:

• Aiming Point Path
• Read & React
• Jump Cut Vertical
• Obstacle Drill
• Bag Drill
• Serpentine Drill
• Jump Cut Drill
• Palm Up Drill
• Combo Drill
• 4-Corner Cut Drill
• Bad Ball Drill

In the midst of these drills, Barthel dives into William & Mary's running back philosophy and also throws in some tips for improving ball security while carrying the pigskin.

Your running back could have all the talent in the world, but if they never make the correct read, then their potential will always be suppressed. This video from Coach Barthel will ensure you and your backs know what reads to make while running the inside zone.

43 minutes. 2020.