Split-Zone RPO

by Coach Jake Franklin

Split-Zone is when the Offensive Line blocks every defender besides the backside DE. That DE who is unblocked is taken care of by the off-the-line H-Back (otherwise known as a sniffer) that comes across the formation to kick him out.

After running Split-Zone a few times, the DE is convinced that he will be blocked by the Sniffer every time he flies across the formation on the snap of the ball. This helps set up an RPO off the play.

In this specific play, the Boundary Outside Receiver comes in motion, and then the ball is snapped when he gets right behind the TE. He comes fast across the formation, giving it a Split-Zone look. However, he does not kick out the DE this time. He cuts underneath him and then escapes out to the flats. The QB then reads the DE that is usually blocked. If the DE freezes, the QB hands it off to the RB. If the DE plays the run, the QB throws it to the Receiver who originally was in motion. This play is a great change-up that will keep defenses guessing.

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Just Play Diagram – Split-Zone RPO

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*Diagram is an original Coach Jake Franklin Content Creation