Option Football Fundamentals

Mark Cannon

What is The Option?

Simplest definition A play during which the offense observes the defense and modifies its attack appropriately.

Key Points
Rules-governed. Improvisation = turnover Always outnumber defense at point of attack (POA.)
3 offensive players vs. 2 defenders, etc.

Repetition, Repetition, Repetition

Practice really does make perfect

Youll never be consistently successful using the Option as a gimmick play

Option Realities
Reading both the dive read and the pitch read on the same play opens up the offense for potential big plays as the defense will finds themselves short defenders at the point of attack. Using man or base blocking techniques eliminates most of the advantages of an option attack.

Where Does the Option Start?

LT

LG

RG

RT

Three Types of Option

Dictated by Fullback path
Veer/G Dive Midline Dive Veer/G

LT

LG

RG

RT

QB

FB

Offensive Line Techniques

5 4 4i
LT

3 2 1
LG

Shade

0
C

Shade

1 2 3
RG

4i 4 5
RT

It is extremely valuable if all players can articulate how the defense is lining up. This is especially true for Quarterbacks and Offensive Linemen.

Offensive Line
Basics, Terminology and Coaching Points

Offensive Line Splits

The wider the better for running plays
Wider splits create natural running lanes

Tighten down slightly for passing plays

3 5 1.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 3 3 5

TE

LT

LG

RG

RT

TE

Offensive Line Techniques

5 4 4i
LT

3 2 1
LG

Shade

0
C

Shade

1 2 3
RG

4i 4 5
RT

Some coaches insist that linemen identify how they are being played prior to a play by calling out the number. I think this is an excellent practice. It makes in-game adjustments easy when the guard can tell you he is seeing a 1 and a 4i, for example.

Offensive Line Rules

For basic running plays, powers, counters, leads, etc. the rule is: GAP, ON, OVER
GAP: Play side gap ON: Defensive lineman lined up anywhere from your inside shoulder to your outside shoulder. OVER: Linebacker lined up from your inside shoulder to your outside shoulder

Think, Who is most dangerous to this play? Then block him!

Offensive Line Blocking Calls

Double-Teams
Charlie George Tom

RG

RT

TE

Double-tem block is employed to assist covered player in blocking his man. Uncovered player should initiate contact, allow covered player to control the defender and then release to backer.

Offensive Line Blocking Calls

Cross Blocks - Cardinal

RG

RT

RG

RT

RG

RT

Cardinal: Cross block between Center and Guard. Generally, man blocking down lineman crosses in front of inside man. If both are covered, then outside man crosses in front

Offensive Line Blocking Calls

Cross Blocks - Gray

RG

RT

RG

RT

RG

RT

Gray: Cross block between Guard and Tackle. Generally, man blocking down lineman crosses in front of inside man. If both are covered, then outside man crosses in front

Offensive Line Blocking Calls

Cross Blocks - Tan

RG

RT

TE

RG

RT

TE

Tan: Cross block between Tackle and Tight End. Generally, man blocking down lineman crosses in front of inside man. If both are covered, then outside man crosses in front

Offensive Line Blocking Calls

Gap Blocking - Apex

TE

LT

LG

RG

RT

TE

Apex: All linemen crash down into inside gaps and block forward. Often used in short yardage or goal line situations for dive and sneak plays

Offensive Line Pass Blocking

Play-Action - Hinge

C LG LT

RG

RT

Play-action passes are designed to mimic the option look. To the play side, the center, guard and tackle fire out and are aggressive without going down field. The backside Guard and Tackle fire out one step very aggressive, but then hinge back to protect the QBs back side. Their defenders should be forced around the outside.

Offensive Line Pass Blocking

Drop-Back or Pocket Passing

C LG LT RG RT

Drop-back protection is designed for deeper, slower developing pass routes. All linemen fire out one step aggressive, but then stand their ground to protect the QB. Blocking assignments are based on area, rather than a specific defender.

Fullback
Basics, Terminology and Coaching Points

Fullback Paths
Veer/G Dive Midline Dive Veer/G

LT

LG

RG

RT

QB

FB

Option Targets
Midline- Straight up the Centers back Dive- Outside hip of the Guard Veer- Inside hip of the Tackle

Fullback Option Rules

You are the nastiest, toughest player on the field. No one brings you down by himself. Stay on your track Do not bend your angle. Get through the hole quickly. Dont pull the ball away from the QB. You are not a decoy. If youre not tackled, then you block someone (LB, FS, etc.)

Tips to Good Fullback Play

Use a stance with weight forward to allow for the quickest exit possible. Always have your inside elbow up when you are in the mesh. Keep moving, the QB will push the ball into your stomach if he wants you to keep it. Stay low with your head up, it sells the option and keeps you quick. Step straight to your target with your play side foot first.

Half Back(s)
Basics, Terminology and Coaching Points

Halfback Option Rules

Always, always, always maintain the proper pitch relationship with the QB
5 to 7 yards apart, slightly trailing the QB.

Expect the ball at anytime.

The pitch can come immediately after the dive mesh or ten yards down field. Be ready.

Once you get the ball pitched to you, get to the corner.
Cutting back inside will only get you tackled.

Tips to Good Halfback Play

Use a balanced stance to allow for movement in any direction. Eliminate any false steps coming out of your stance.
For many, a three-point stance helps eliminate this problem.

Always run the option (or any variations) as if you know you are getting the ball. No one player should ever bring you down

Quarterback
Basics, Terminology and Coaching Points

Quarterback Option Rules

Prior to the snap, quickly find your dive read.
Look to both sides so you dont give it away.
Besides, the other side may be the better choice. You never know if you dont look.

Dont worry about the pitch read, hell be there when you get there. Dont be afraid to change the play to the same play on the other side.

Quarterback Option Rules, cont.

Never bow or bend your angle down the line.
After the mesh, find the end man on the line of scrimmage. Attack his inside shoulder to make him commit ASAP.

If the play breaks down, keep the ball, turn up field and get what yardage you can
Never pitch when outnumbered.

Tips to Good Quarterback Play

Study the option and know every assignment for every player on every play.
Ask questions so you understand the concepts

Use a balanced stance for quick movement in any direction. Eliminate any false steps coming out from under center. Your footwork is key to success. Dont let it get sloppy.
With proper footwork, youll be ready to pitch immediately upon clearing the mesh.

When to Implement the Option

Typically, QBs under the age of 13 or 14 will not be able to effectively make the dive and pitch reads on the same play. For 11 and 12 year-old teams, you are better off running 32/33 (for the dive) and 36/37 (for the outside option.) For 8, 9 and 10-year old teams, skip the option altogether. Use the formations, but keep it simple (dives, leads, etc.) For all ages quicker offensive linemen are more important than bigger linemen. Dont be fooled by size.

Running the Option

First Step
Identify your two basic reads
Dive read: First defensive lineman lined up in a 3 technique or wider
Linemen inside a 3 technique are blocked or washed down. Note: Midline Option is generally not run against a play side 2, 1, Shade or 0. On Veer or G option, the read shifts to 4 or wider.

Pitch read: End man on the Line of Scrimmage (LOS)

Dive/Midline Read Identification

Rule: First DL in a 3 or wider

RG

RT

RG

RT

RG

RT

G (Veer) Read Identification

Rule: First DL in a 4 or wider

RG

RT

RG

RT

RG

RT

Pitch Read Identification

Rule: End Man on LOS Exception: When EMLOS is Dive read.
The OLB/SS is the pitch read

RG

RT

RG

RT

RG

RT

= Dive read

= Pitch read

Sample Option Plays vs. Defenses

Midline Option vs. 4-3 variant

F Cardinal or Charlie LB C DE WR RT NG LG C QB Backside Cut block FB HB DT RG RT DE TE FL LB LB S

Dive Option vs. 4-3 variant

F Charlie (if necessary) LB C DE WR RT NG LG C QB FB Backside Cut blocks HB DT RG RT DE TE FL LB LB S

Veer or G Option vs. 4-3 variant

F Tan Charlie (if necessary) LB C DE WR RT NG LG C QB Backside Cut block FB HB DT RG RT DE TE FL LB LB C S

Midline Option vs. 4-4

F C LB LB LB LB C

DE WR RT

DT LG C QB

DT RG RT

DE TE FL

Backside Cut block

FB HB

Full Playbook

Formations

I-Right
WR RT LG C QB FB HB RG RT TE FL

I-Left
TE FL RT LG C QB FB HB RG RT WR

Slot Right
TE RT LG C QB FB HB RG RT FL WR

Slot Left
WR FL RT LG C QB FB HB RG RT TE

Tiger Right
TE RT LG C QB FB HB RG RT TE FL

Tiger Left
TE FL RT LG C QB FB HB RG RT TE

Tight Trips Right

TE RT LG C QB FB RG RT HB FL WR

Tight Trips Left

WR FL HB RT LG C QB FB RG RT TE

Trips Right
WR RT LG C QB FB RG RT HB FL WR

Trips Left
WR FL HB RT LG C QB FB RG RT WR

Ace
WR HB RT LG C QB FB RG RT HB WR

Twins
WR FL RT LG C QB FB RG RT FL WR

Five Wides Right

WR FB RT LG C QB RG RT HB FL WR

Five Wides Left

WR FL HB RT LG C QB RG RT FB WR

Blue I-Right (Brown/Blue = Shotgun variation)

WR RT LG C RG RT TE FL

QB FB HB

Brown Slot Left

WR FL RT LG C RG RT TE

HB

QB

FB

Brown = Shotgun, FB on the right side, HB opposite or in appropriate position for the formation Blue = Shotgun, FB on the left side, HB opposite or in appropriate position for the formation

Offensive Numbering System

10 Series Misdirection and Counters 20 Series Powers, Leads, etc. 30 Series Option Plays 40 Series Play-action right 50 Series Play-action left 60 Series Drop-back passes

Running Play Names

10/11 Trap 12/13 Counter 14/15 Counter-Trap 16/17 Counter-Option 18/19 Counter-Reverse 20/21 Iso 22/23 Lead 24/25 Blast 26/27 Power 28/29 Sweep 30/31 Midline Option 32/33 Dive (Predetermined give) 34/35 Dive Option 34-G/35-G Veer Option 36/37 QB Option (Predetermined outside option) 38/39 Speed Option

10 Trap vs. 4-4

F C LB LB LB LB C

DE WR RT

DT LG C QB FB HB

DT RG RT

DE TE FL

11 Trap vs. 5-3

F C LB LB LB C

DE WR

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB HB RG

DT RT

DE TE FL

12 Counter vs. 4-4

F C LB LB LB LB C

DE WR RT

DT LG C QB FB HB

DT RG RT

DE TE FL

13 Counter vs. 5-3

F C LB LB LB C

DE WR

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB HB RG

DT RT

DE TE FL

14 Counter-Trap vs. 4-4

F C LB LB LB LB C

DE WR RT

DT LG C QB FB HB

DT RG RT

DE TE FL

15 Counter-Trap vs. 5-3

F C LB LB LB C

DE TE FL

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB HB RG

DT RT

DE WR

16 Counter-Option vs. 4-4

F C LB LB LB LB C

DE WR RT

DT LG C QB FB HB

DT RG RT

DE TE FL

17 Counter-Option vs. 5-3

F C LB LB LB C

DE TE FL

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB HB RG

DT RT

DE WR

18 Counter-Reverse vs. 4-4

F C LB LB LB LB

DE TE FL RT

DT LG C QB FB

DT RG

DE RT WR

Tighten split down to 2 yards from TE

HB

Tighten split down to 5 yards from Tackle. Crack on OLB/DE

19 Counter-Reverse vs. 5-3

F C LB LB LB

DE WR

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB RG

DT RT

DE TE FL

Tighten split down to 5 yards from Tackle. Crack on OLB/DE

HB

Tighten split down to 2 yards from TE

22 Lead vs. 4-4

F C LB LB LB LB C

DE WR RT

DT LG C QB FB HB

DT RG RT

DE TE FL

23 Lead vs. 5-3

F C LB LB LB C

DE

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB HB RG

DT RT

DE TE WR

FL

24 Blast vs. 4-4

F C LB LB LB LB C

DE WR RT

DT LG C QB FB HB

DT RG RT

DE TE FL

25 Blast vs. 5-3

F C LB LB LB C

DE TE FL

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB HB RG

DT RT

DE WR

26 Power vs. 4-4

F C LB LB LB LB C

DE WR RT

DT LG C QB FB HB

DT RG RT

DE TE FL

27 Power vs. 5-3

F C LB LB LB C

DE TE FL

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB HB RG

DT RT

DE WR

28 Sweep vs. 4-4

F C LB LB LB LB C

DE WR RT

DT LG C QB FB HB

DT RG RT

DE TE FL

29 Sweep vs. 5-3

F C LB LB LB

DE TE FL

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB HB RG

DT RT

DE WR

30 Midline Option vs. 4-4

F C LB DE WR RT DT LG C QB FB HB S LB DT RG RT LB DE TE FL C

31 Midline Option vs. 5-3

F C LB LB LB C

DE WR

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB HB RG

DT RT

DE TE FL

32 Dive vs. 4-4

F C LB LB LB LB
Flow

DE WR RT

DT LG C QB

DT RG RT

DE TE FL

Backside Cut block

FB HB

33 Dive vs. 5-3

F C
Flow

C LB LB LB

DE TE FL

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB HB RG

DT RT

DE WR

Backside Cut Block

34 4-4

F C LB LB LB LB C

DE WR RT

DT LG C QB FB HB

DT RG RT

DE TE FL

35 5-3

F C LB LB LB C

DE WR

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB HB RG

DT RT

DE TE FL

36 4-4

F C LB LB LB LB C

DE WR RT

DT LG C QB FB HB

DT RG RT

DE TE FL

37 5-3

F C LB LB LB C

DE WR

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB HB RG

DT RT

DE TE FL

38 4-4

F C LB LB LB LB C

DE WR RT

DT LG C QB FB HB

DT RG RT

DE TE FL

39 4-4

F C LB LB LB LB C

DE WR RT

DT LG C QB FB HB

DT RG RT

DE TE FL

4-4

F C LB LB LB LB C

DE WR RT

DT LG C QB FB HB

DT RG RT

DE TE FL

4-4

F C LB LB LB LB C

DE WR RT

DT LG C QB FB HB

DT RG RT

DE TE FL

5-3

F C LB LB LB C

DE WR

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB HB RG

DT RT

DE TE FL

5-3

F C LB LB LB C

DE WR

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB HB RG

DT RT

DE TE FL

5-3

F C LB LB LB C

DE WR

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB HB RG

DT RT

DE TE FL

5-3

F C LB LB LB C

DE WR

DT RT LG

NG C QB FB HB RG

DT RT

DE TE FL