scoop block

Offense

also: scoop · backside scoop

A backside combination, usually center and guard, that cuts off a defender the play is running away from. The block that keeps backside pursuit from ruining a zone run.

Offense

scoop block, the backside cut-off combination

Two adjacent linemen on the backside work together to cut off a down defender aligned playside of them, with one of them eventually coming off to a linebacker. It is a combo block run at a bad angle on purpose, because on the backside of a zone play every defender is aligned somewhere the blockers have to get across to.

It is what keeps a backside defender from running the play down from behind, which is the most common way a well-blocked zone run turns into a three-yard gain.

Also calledbackside scoop
Not to be confused withcombo block, reach block

Where you will hear it

  • inside zone
  • outside and wide zone
  • any zone running scheme

Related terms