---
slug: "pin-and-pull"
title: Pin and Pull
depth_tier: entry
side: OFFENSE
category: Run Game
source_id: "OFF-0098"
created: 2026-05-13
updated: 2026-05-13
canonical: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/pin-and-pull
aliases:
  - pin and pull
  - pin pull
  - outside zone with pull
  - poke and pull
---
# Pin and Pull

## Short Definition

An outside run where the play-side lineman down-blocks inside while a guard or tackle pulls around to lead through the hole—a hybrid of zone and gap principles.

## Definition

Pin and pull is an outside run concept that combines a down block by the play-side lineman with one or two pulling linemen leading through the hole at the edge. The play-side lineman—typically the play-side guard or tackle—blocks down inside to pin an interior defender, while the linemen outside of him pull around the down block to the perimeter, where they lead through the hole and block the playside edge defender and any secondary defenders in the alley.

The combination creates a clean alley to the perimeter through geometry rather than pure athleticism. The down block occupies the interior defender who might otherwise penetrate and disrupt the pull path. The pullers arrive at the edge with a running start and positional advantage over defenders who are reacting rather than attacking. The running back follows the pulling linemen to the perimeter and makes one cut to the open lane.

Pin and pull has become increasingly common in modern NFL offenses as outside zone and RPO packages proliferated—it attacks the perimeter with a different blocking rhythm than outside zone, which relies on stretch and cutback rather than pulling linemen arriving at a defined point. A defense that aligns and reacts to stop outside zone can be attacked by pin and pull from the same formation and same personnel, since the pre-snap look is identical.

The concept works particularly well with athletic pulling guards who can reach the edge quickly and linebackers who over-pursue on outside zone flow. The down block holds or redirects the inside defenders, the pullers get to the second level, and the running back has a defined lane to the open field.

## Example

"Same formation as outside zone, same backfield. But watch the guard—he doesn't step lateral, he pulls around the down block. That's pin and pull. The defense reads outside zone flow and gets hit with pullers arriving at the edge instead."

## Common Confusion

Pin and pull is often described as an outside zone variant, which is accurate in terms of the ball's destination—the edge—but its blocking mechanism is a gap scheme element. The down-blocking lineman is pinning a defender inside (zone principle), while the pulling linemen are creating a specific point of attack at the edge (gap principle). The hybrid character is precisely what makes it schematically distinct from standard outside zone.

## Related

- outside-zone
- pull
- counter
- power-run
- gap-vs-zone-scheme
- jet-sweep

---
Source: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/pin-and-pull