Zone Read – Load Option

Zone Read “Load” is a play that consists of the QB reading the Defensive End to decide whether to hand the ball off or keep it himself. The only difference between Zone Read and Zone Read “Load” is that in “Load,” there will be a backfield player that lead blocks for the QB if the QB does decide to pull it.

The benefit of this play is that if the defense “squeeze scrapes,” the offense will be able to handle it. A “squeeze scrape” or “scrape exchange” is when the DE gives the QB a pull read, but then a LB flows over the top, enabling the defense to go after both the RB and the QB at the same time. With “Load,” a lead blocker will be able to get outside and block that LB if he is to scrape over the top.