Which statement about offensive line blocking on run plays is true?

• A. Blocking assignments are fixed and never change with the play.
• B. The center never participates in pass protection.
• C. Power runs never use guards pulling.
• D. On many run plays, the interior line uses zone or gap blocking to create running lanes.

Answer: (D)

On run plays, the interior line often uses zone or gap blocking to carve out running lanes. Zone blocking means the linemen work to zones in the direction of the play, stepping and moving as a unit to create a seam rather than target a specific defender. They read how the defensive front flows and open a running lane by collapsing the linebackers’ angles with coordinated movement. This approach is flexible against different fronts and relies on the line’s collective movement to form a crease for the ball carrier.

Gap blocking is another common interior technique, where each lineman is responsible for a specific gap. The goal is to seal one gap and allow the ball carrier to cut into another, often with a guard or even the center pulling to kick out a defender and widen the lane. Both methods are used to generate space rather than relying on a single, fixed blocker.

That’s why this statement is true: the interior line uses zone or gap blocking on many run plays to create the running lanes. Blocking assignments aren’t fixed to a single defender from play to play; the line adjusts to the defense’s look. The center does participate in pass protection, and power runs frequently involve guards pulling to lead the play, not staying static.