In this Madden Strategies breakdown for Madden Guides, we take a look at different types of run blocking schemes that are found in Madden and in real football. We focus in on 3 types, big on big block, trap blocking, and zone blocking.
Run Blocking Schemes: Big-on-Big Blocking
The first run blocking scheme we show is Big-on-Big Blocking. This style of run blocking taught in when kids start learning to the play the game. The offensive linemen up and the defender across from them on the first level is the one they are assigned to block. If there is no defender lined up across from them, they look block to the 2nd level, which are generally linebackers. This type of run blocking scheme is still used on all levels today in real football and also in Madden.
In the image above, we show what big on big blocking assignments look like.
Run Blocking Schemes: Trap Blocking
The second of run blocking schemes we show in Madden is trap blocking. To run plays that use this type of run blocking scheme is the Power O and Counter plays. There are few run plays from the Gun formations that use a form trap blocking. One Gun run play that comes to mind is 45 Quick Base. To be able to use trap blocking effective, the pulling guards need to have the speed and acceleration move quickly and to take advantage of an overly aggressive defenses.
The main key to success to running trap plays is the ball carrier must keep his on eye on the pulling guard as he is the one that is going to create the hole for the ball carrier to run through. The ball carrier must wait for to get to the hole he is designed to go through. If the ball carrier out rush the pulling guard, chances are the run play isn't going to be successful. If the ball carrier waits on the pulling guard to go through the hole, the ball carrier can follow him through and look for daylight on the 2nd and 3rd levels.
In the image above, we show what blocking would like like when running a counter play to weak side of the offensive line.
Run Blocking Schemes: Zone Blocking
The final run blocking schemes we show is zone blocking. This run blocking scheme is widely used in all aspects on the offensive side of football in today's game. Teams like the Redskins and Texans are perfect examples of teams that use zone blocking as their main means to move the ball on the ground. One of the reasons teams use zone blocking they don't need great offensive linemen to take advantage of it.
There are four run types of zone blocking schemes that can be found in football videos games. They are Iso, Inside Zone , Stretch, and Outside Zone. Iso zone blocking is a mid-line form of zone blocking. Inside Zone is designed for the runner to run between the A and B gap and where the offensive linemen want push vertical to push the defenders backwards. . The Stretch and is designed for the runner to look top run between the C-D gaps. The Outside Zone is also designed to get the offensive line to move lateral. The run blockers are taught to pin the defenders inwards. The runningback can either get to the edge or look to turn up inside if he sees an open running lane.
The key to running from anyone of these zone blocking scheme is the runner must have a defensive read player. For example when running the stretch play, the defensive end to side of the ball is being run is the key defensive player to read. If he takes an outside rush angle, then the runner would want to cut back inside. If the defensive end takes an inside rush angle, then the runner would want to go outside.
In the image above, is example of the what zone blocking might look like when running a stretch run play.
Madden Guides Tip: To be able able to make reads and cuts when running plays with zone blocking, you should first master big-on-big blocking first before getting into zone running.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully after reading this Madden Strategies breakdown of different types of running blocking schemes, you will get a better understanding of how they work in Madden and in real football.
