Inside the Helmet - The Inside Zone Part 2

The Mesh Point

Note that the QB stands square to the LOS at the snap (something Vick could never get down - a simple thing like stance) and, unless he chooses to throw quickly, he opens up with a hop-step to be at a right angle to the line taken by the RB. The second step by the RB will normally hit right where the QB’s near foot was originally placed. This insures a tight mesh point. The RB makes a pocket with his arms and the arm closest to the QB will always be the top arm. This sounds trivial but it’s not. You don’t want the RB’s elbow knocking the ball out or the RB reaching or stretching or fishing for the ball; it has to be right there. 

For those who want more, here's Chip: Chip on the IZ.

 As you can see, the ball is right there. As a result neither the QB nor the RB has to look for the ball.  

If the play incorporates a read option, the QB will either give it to the back or pull it, depending on the read, but whether there’s an option or not, the linemen don’t care. They don’t look back or try to read the RB; they block for an IZ to the playside. 

We’ll come back to the playside/backside in a bit.