t Campbellsville University, we have run the triple option as a steady diet since 1988.

For the first seven years we were in a wishbone formation and for the last four years we have run the triple option out of the I formation. We have been very successful in running the triple option. We have been nationally ranked rushing, seven out of the 11 years. At Campbellsville University we run three types of triple option.

Diagram 3

Put Some Option in Your Offense

Diagram 1

back still is able to pitch the ball off the next defensive man to appear.

Diagram 4

Mid-Line Option: In the mid-line option the quarterback will open up 90 degrees and we will dive the fullback off the hip of the center. Our first reading in this option is the first man heads up to the outside of the guard on the line of scrimmage. If the defensive man we are reading steps across the line of scrimmage the quarterback will give the ball to the fullback (Diagram 1). If the defensive man we are reading steps down the line of scrimmage the quarterback will pull the ball and continue down the line of scrimmage to the inside shoulder of the second read (pitch read), which is the next man on the line of scrimmage.

Diagram 2

Inside Veer Option: In the inside veer option, the quarterback will open up 45 degrees and we will dive the fullback off the hip of the guard. Our first reading in this option is the first man heads up to the outside of the tackle on the line of scrimmage. If the defensive man we are reading steps across the line of scrimmage, the quarterback will give the ball to the fullback (Diagram 4). If the defensive man we are reading steps down the line of scrimmage, the quarterback will pull the ball and continue down the line of scrimmage to the inside shoulder of the second read (pitch read), which is the next man on or off the line of scrimmage.

Eric Graves Receivers Coach Campbellsville University Campbellsville, Ky.

Diagram 5

To make the second read the quarterback is looking for the defensive man to turn his numbers towards him. This is the key for the quarterback to break down and pitch the ball to the tailback (Diagram 2). It is the responsibility of the tailback to maintain the proper pitch relationship (five yards away and two yards behind the quarterback). If the pitch read penetrates deep into the backfield or feathers down the line of scrimmage the quarterback will turn up the field (Diagram 3). The tailback must keep his pitch relationship because the quarter-

To make the second read, the quarterback is looking for the defensive man to turn his numbers towards him. This could be a defensive end in a five front (Diagram 5) or a linebacker in a four front (Diagram 6). This is the key for the quarterback to break down and pitch the ball to the tailback. It is the responsibility of the tailback to maintain the proper pitch relationship (five yards away and two yards behind the quarterback). If the pitch read penetrates

Proceedings 77th AFCA Convention 2000

Diagram 6

Diagram 9

Diagram 13

Diagram 7

Diagram 10

Diagram 14

Diagram 8

Diagram 11

deep into the backfield or feathers down the line of scrimmage the quarterback will turn up the field (Diagrams 7 & 8). The tailback must keep his pitch relationship because the quarterback still is able to pitch the ball off the next defensive man to appear. Outside Veer Option: In the outside veer option, the quarterback will open up 45 degrees and take an additional step at the 45 degree angle and we will dive the fullback off the hip of the tackle. Our first reading in this option is the first man heads up to the outside of the end on the line of scrimmage. If the defensive man we are reading steps across the line of scrimmage the quarterback will give the ball to the fullback (Diagrams 9 & 10). If the defensive man we are reading steps down the line of scrimmage the quarterback will pull the ball and turn up the field to the inside shoulder of the second read (pitch read), which is the next man to appear (this man could be a linebacker or a defensive back). To make the second read the quarterback is looking for the defensive man coming directly towards him. This is the key for the quarterback to break down and pitch the ball to the tailback (Diagrams 11 & 12).

Diagram 12

This read may need to be a quick one due to the linebacker or defensive back coming hard. It is the responsibility of the tailback to maintain the proper pitch relationship (five yards away and two yards behind the quarterback). If the linebacker or defensive back takes a bad pursuit angle or feathers down the line of scrimmage the quarterback will keep the ball (Diagrams 13 & 14). The tailback must keep his pitch relationship because the quarterback still is able to pitch the ball off the next defensive man to appear. Coaching Points: The mid-line option and inside veer option are two perfect plays that work well with a speed option. You can fake the dive to the fullback and get to the outside fast. The fullback dive will freeze the linebackers and allow the

quarterback and the tailback to get on the corner. To us it is important to base block on the speed option instead of option block because we are not reading the interior defensive lineman. The fullback is to roll over looking like he has the ball and turning inside to freeze the linebackers to stop the inside out pursuit. It is very important for the guard to maintain a consistent split in the inside veer option and the guard and tackle to maintain a consistent split in the outside veer option. The reasoning is the fact that the fullback will be diving off the outside hip of the guard and the tackle and it needs to be a consistent path so the quarterback will be able to make a ride and read at the same time. It is very important for the quarterback to bring the ball to his chest after the fullback ride to be ready to make a quick pitch if necessary. Repetition and timing is critical to the success of the option. It is not a play that can be thrown in your offense at the last moment.

Keep football a safe game with concentrated efforts toward proper techniques.

Proceedings 77th AFCA Convention 2000