35 Under 35 Presents | Base Fundamentals for Offensive Line: Inside Zone | Arthur Ray, Howard
February 21, 2025
Arthur Ray Jr. is currently the Offensive Line Coach at Howard University. Before joining Howard, Ray served as an Offensive Quality Control Coach at the University of Arkansas. His prior coaching experience includes time on the staff at Northwood University and coaching high school football in Illinois. Ray began his coaching career following a successful tenure as an offensive lineman and was recognized as a member of the 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.
Teaching Progression
Coach Ray employs a five-drill progression to instill the fundamental techniques for executing Inside Zone plays. Starting with a stance-and-start drill, the progression focuses on three core drills: the Footwork Drill, the Base Drive Drill, and Combos.
Footwork Drill
Teaching Points:
- Gain ground with every step.
- Ensure the second step is down quickly.
- Maintain a strong duck-walk or power-walk stance.
- Drive feet into the ground with force.
Base Drive Drill
Teaching Points:
- Initiate the strike on the second step.
- Unload hips and drive feet upon contact.
- Keep the strike tight by rubbing ribs with the arms.
- Execute the drill from either a two-point or three-point stance.
Combos
Center-Guard Combo
Guard Technique:
- Trigger step to initiate movement.
- Use the down shoulder to align the block.
- Engage with the same foot and same shoulder.
- Strike the defender to create movement.
Center Technique:
- Utilize a gallop technique to approach the defender.
- Target the near number first, then the far number.
Guard-Tackle Combo
Guard Technique:
- Execute the trigger step effectively.
- Engage using the down shoulder.
Tackle Technique:
- Target the near number first, then the far number.
Combos with Movement
Coach Ray concludes his progression with the Combos with Movement drill. Similar to the static combo drills described above, this variation introduces defender movement, requiring the offensive line to adjust and react in real-time.
Video Demonstration
The accompanying video demonstrates Coach Ray teaching the Footwork Drill, Base Drive Drill, and Combos.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
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Arthur Ray Jr. is currently the Offensive Line Coach at Howard University. Before joining Howard, Ray served as an Offensive Quality Control Coach at the University of Arkansas. His prior coaching experience includes time on the staff at Northwood University and coaching high school football in Illinois. Ray began his coaching career following a successful tenure as an offensive lineman and was recognized as a member of the 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.
Teaching Progression
Coach Ray employs a five-drill progression to instill the fundamental techniques for executing Inside Zone plays. Starting with a stance-and-start drill, the progression focuses on three core drills: the Footwork Drill, the Base Drive Drill, and Combos.
Footwork Drill
Teaching Points:
- Gain ground with every step.
- Ensure the second step is down quickly.
- Maintain a strong duck-walk or power-walk stance.
- Drive feet into the ground with force.
Base Drive Drill
Teaching Points:
- Initiate the strike on the second step.
- Unload hips and drive feet upon contact.
- Keep the strike tight by rubbing ribs with the arms.
- Execute the drill from either a two-point or three-point stance.
Combos
Center-Guard Combo
Guard Technique:
- Trigger step to initiate movement.
- Use the down shoulder to align the block.
- Engage with the same foot and same shoulder.
- Strike the defender to create movement.
Center Technique:
- Utilize a gallop technique to approach the defender.
- Target the near number first, then the far number.
Guard-Tackle Combo
Guard Technique:
- Execute the trigger step effectively.
- Engage using the down shoulder.
Tackle Technique:
- Target the near number first, then the far number.
Combos with Movement
Coach Ray concludes his progression with the Combos with Movement drill. Similar to the static combo drills described above, this variation introduces defender movement, requiring the offensive line to adjust and react in real-time.
Video Demonstration
The accompanying video demonstrates Coach Ray teaching the Footwork Drill, Base Drive Drill, and Combos.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
