Option Football Fundamentals
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Option Football Fundamentals Fundamentals Mark Cannon
What is The Option?
Simp Simple lest st defi defini niti tion on ± A play play duri during ng w hich the offense observes t he defense and modifies its attack appropriately. appropriately.
What is The Option?
Simp Simple lest st defi defini niti tion on ± A play play duri during ng w hich the offense observes t he defense and modifies its attack appropriately. appropriately.
Key
Points
RulesRules-gov govern erned. ed. Improv Improvisa isatio tion n = turno turnover ver Alw Always ays outnum outnumbe berr defe defens nse e at poi point nt of of attack (POA.) ± 3 offensi offensive ve players players vs. 2 defenders defenders,, etc.
Repe Repeti titi tion on,, Repet Repetit itio ion, n, Repe Repeti titi tion on ± Practice Practice real really ly does does make perfe perfect ct
You¶ll ou¶ll never never be consis consisten tently tly succes successfu sfull using the Option as a ³gimmick´ play
Option Realities Reading bot h the ³dive read´ and t he ³pitch read´ on the same play opens up the offense for potential big plays plays as t he defense will finds t hemselves short defenders at t he point of attack. Usin Using g ³ma ³man´ n´ or ³ba ³base se´´ blo block ckin ing g tec tec hniques eliminates most most of the advantages of an option attack.
Where Does the Option Start?
LT
LG
C
RG
RT
Three Types
of Option
Dictated by Fullback pat h Veer/´G´
Dive
LT
Midline
LG
C
QB
FB
Dive
RG
RT
Veer/´G´
Offensive Line ³Techniques´ 5 4 4i LT
3 2 1 LG
Shade
0
C
Shade
1 2 3
4i 4 5
RG
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¶ TE
1.5¶ ± 3¶ LT
1.5¶ ± 3¶ LG
1.5¶ ± 3¶
C
RG
1.5¶ ± 3¶
3¶ ± 5¶
RT
TE
Offensive Line ³Techniques´ 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: G AP, ON, OVER ± G AP: Play side gap ± ON: Defensive lineman lined up anyw here from your inside s houlder to your outside shoulder. ± OVER: Linebacker lined up from your inside shoulder to your outside s houlder Think, ³Who is most dangerous play?´ Then block him!
to t his
Offensive Line Blocking Calls Double-Teams Charlie
C
George
RG
RT
Tom
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
C
RG
RT
C
RG
RT
C
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
C
RG
RT
Gray: Generally,
C
RG
RT
C
RG
RT
Cross block between Guard and Tackle.
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
C
RG
Tan: Generally,
RT
TE
C
RG
RT
TE
Cross block between Tackle and Tight End.
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
TE
LT
LG
C
- Apex
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
RG
RT
LG LT
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 QB¶s 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
LT
Midline
LG
C
QB
FB
Dive
RG
RT
Veer/´G´
Option Targets Midline- Straig ht up the Center¶s back Dive- Outside hip of the Guard Veer- Inside hip of the Tackle
Fullback Option Rules You are t he 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.
Don¶t pull t he ball away from t he QB. You are not a decoy. If you¶re not tackled, then you block someone ( LB, FS, etc.)
Tips
to Good Fullback Play
Use a stance wit h weight forward to allow for t he quickest exit possible. Always have your inside elbow up w hen you are in the ³mesh.´ Keep moving, the QB will push the ball into your stomach if he wants you to keep it. Stay low wit h your head up, it sells t he option and keeps you quick. Step straig ht to your target wit h your play side foot first.
Half Back(s) Basics, Terminology and
Coaching Points
Halfback Option Rules Alwa Alway ys, alw alway ays, s, alw alway ays s main maintai tain n t he proper pitc h relationship with the QB ± 5 to to 7 yards yards apart, apart, slightly trailing t he QB. Expect the
ball at anytime.
± The pitch can come immediately imm ediately after after t he dive mesh or ten yards down field. Be ready.
Once you ge get t he ball pitched to you, get to the corner. ± Cutting back inside will will only get get you you tackled.
Tips
to Good Halfback Play
Use Use a bala balanc nced ed stan stance ce to allo allow w for for movement in any direction. Eliminate any false steps coming out of your stance. ± For For man many y, a t hree-point ree-point stance helps eliminate this problem.
Always ru run t he option (or any variations) as if you know you are getting t he ball. No one player s hould ever bring you down
Quarterback Basics, Terminology and
Coaching Points
Quarterback Option Rules Prior to t he snap, quickly find your dive read. ± Look to bot h sides so you don¶t give it away. Besides, the other side may be t he better c hoice.
You never know if you don¶t look.
Don¶ Don¶tt worry orry about bout t he pitch read, he¶ll be there when you get t here. Don¶t be be af afraid to to c hange the play to the same play on t he other side.
Quarterback Option Rules, cont. Never bow or bend your angle down t he line. ± After t he mesh, find the end man on t he line of scrimmage. Attack his inside shoulder to make him commit ASAP.
If t he play breaks down, keep t he ball, turn up field and get what yardage you can ± Never pitc h when outnumbered.
Tips
to Good Quarterback Play
Study t he 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. Don¶t let it get sloppy. ± With proper footwork, you¶ll be ready to pitc h immediately upon clearing t he mesh.
When to Implement the Option Typically, QBs
under the age of 13 or 14 will not be able to effectively make t he dive and pitc h reads on the same play. For 11 and 12 year-old teams, you are better off running 32/33 (for t he dive) and 36/37 (for t he outside option.) For 8, 9 and 10-year old teams, skip t he option altogether. Use the formations, but keep it simple (dives, leads, etc.) For all ages ± quicker offensive linemen are more important t han bigger linemen. Don¶t be fooled by size.
Running the Option First Step ± Identify your two basic reads Dive read: First defensive lineman lined up in a ³3´ technique or wider ± Linemen inside a ³3´ tec hnique are blocked or ³was hed 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 ³4´ or wider.
Pitc h read: (LOS)
End
man on the Line of Scrimmage
Dive/Midline Read Identification Rule: First DL in a ³3´ or wider
C
RG
RT
C
RG
RT
C
RG
RT
G
(Veer) Read Identification
Rule: First DL in a ³4´ or wider
C
RG
RT
C
RG
RT
C
RG
RT
Pitch Read Identification Rule: End Man on LOS Exception: When EMLOS
is ³Dive´ read.
± The OLB/SS is the pitch read
C
RG
RT
C
= Dive read
RG
RT
C
= Pitch read
RG
RT
Sample Option Plays vs. Defenses
Midline Option vs. 4-3 variant
F Cardinal or Charlie
S LB
LB
LB
C
C DE WR
RT
NG LG
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB Backside
Cut block
FB HB
Dive Option vs. 4-3 variant
F Charlie (if necessary)
S LB
LB
LB
C
C DE WR
RT
NG LG
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB
FB Backside
Cut blocks
HB
Veer or ³G´ Option vs. 4-3 variant
F Tan
Charlie (if necessary)
S LB
LB
LB
C
C DE WR
RT
NG LG
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB Backside
Cut block
FB HB
Midline Option vs. 4-4
F C
C LB
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB Backside
Cut block
FB HB
Full Playbook
Formations
I-Right WR
RT
LG
C
RG
RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
I-Left TE
FL
RT
LG
C QB
FB HB
RG
RT
WR
Slot Right TE
RT
LG
C
RG
RT
WR
FL
QB
FB HB
Slot Left WR
RT FL
LG
C QB
FB HB
RG
RT
TE
Tiger
Right TE
RT
LG
C
RG
RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
Tiger Left TE
FL
RT
LG
C QB
FB HB
RG
RT
TE
Tight Trips
Right TE
RT
LG
C
RG
RT
WR
HB
QB
FB
Tight Trips Left WR
RT FL
HB
LG
C QB
FB
RG
RT
TE
FL
Trips
Right WR
RT
LG
C
RG
RT
WR
HB
QB
FL
FB
Trips Left WR
RT FL
HB
LG
C QB
FB
RG
RT
WR
Ace WR
RT
LG
HB
C
RG
RT
WR
HB
QB
FB
Twins WR
RT FL
LG
C QB
FB
RG
RT
WR
FL
Five Wides Right WR
RT
LG
FB
C
RG
RT
WR
HB
QB
FL
Five Wides Left WR
RT FL
HB
LG
C QB
RG
RT
WR
FB
Blue I-Right (Brown/Blue = Shotgun variation) WR
RT
LG
C
RG
RT
TE
FL
QB
FB
HB
Brown Slot Left WR
RT
LG
C
RG
HB
QB
FB
RT
TE
FL
Brown = Shotgun, FB on the right side, HB opposite or in appropriate position for t he formation Blue = Shotgun, FB on the left side, HB opposite or in appropriate position for t he formation
Offensive Numbering System 10 Series ± Misdirection and Counters 20 Series ± Powers,
Leads,
etc.
30 Series ± Option Plays 40 Series ± Play-action rig ht 50 Series ± Play-action left 60 Series ± Drop-back passes
Running Play Names 10/11
Trap
30/31 Midline Option
12/13 Counter 14/15 Counter-
Trap
32/33 Dive (Predetermined give)
16/17 Counter-Option
34/35 Dive Option
18/19 Counter-Reverse
34-
20/21 Iso
36/37 QB Option (Predetermined outside option)
22/23
Lead
24/25 Blast 26/27 Power 28/29 Sweep
G/35-G
Veer Option
38/39 Speed Option
10 Trap vs. 4-4
F C
C LB
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
11 Trap vs. 5-3
F
C
C LB
DE WR
LB
DT RT
LB
NG LG
C
DT RG
RT
DE TE
FL QB
FB HB
12 Counter vs. 4-4
F C
C LB
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
13 Counter vs. 5-3
F
C
C LB
DE WR
LB
DT RT
LB
NG LG
C
DT RG
RT
DE TE
FL QB
FB HB
14 Counter-Trap vs. 4-4
F C
C LB
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
15 Counter-Trap vs. 5-3
F
C
C LB
DE TE
LB
DT RT
LB
NG LG
C
FL QB
FB HB
DT RG
RT
DE WR
16 Counter-Option vs. 4-4
F C
C LB
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
17 Counter-Option vs. 5-3
F
C
C LB
DE TE
FL
LB
DT RT
LB
NG LG
C QB
FB HB
DT RG
RT
DE WR
18 Counter-Reverse vs. 4-4
F
C
C LB
LB
DE TE
FL
LB
DT RT
LG
DT C
RG
LB
DE RT
WR
QB
FB Tighten
split down to
2 yards from TE
Tighten
HB
split down to 5 yards from Tackle. Crack on OLB/DE
19 Counter-Reverse vs. 5-3
F
C
C LB
DE WR
LB
DT RT
LB
NG LG
C
DT RG
RT
DE TE
FL QB
FB 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
C LB
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
23 Lead vs. 5-3
F
C
C LB
DE
LB
DT RT
LB
NG LG
C
FL QB
FB HB
DT RG
RT
DE TE
WR
24 Blast vs. 4-4
F C
C LB
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
25 Blast vs. 5-3
F
C
C LB
DE TE
FL
LB
DT RT
LB
NG LG
C QB
FB HB
DT RG
RT
DE WR
26 Power vs. 4-4
F C
C LB
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
27 Power vs. 5-3
F
C
C LB
DE TE
LB
DT RT
LB
NG LG
C
FL QB
FB HB
DT RG
RT
DE WR
28 Sweep vs. 4-4
F C
C LB
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
29 Sweep vs. 5-3
F
C
C LB
DE TE
FL
LB
DT RT
LB
NG LG
C QB
FB HB
DT RG
RT
DE WR
30 Midline Option vs. 4-4
F C
C S
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
31 Midline Option vs. 5-3
F
C
C LB
DE WR
LB
DT RT
LB
NG LG
C
DT RG
RT
DE TE
FL QB
FB HB
32 Dive vs. 4-4
F C
C LB
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
Flow
DE RT
TE
FL QB Backside Cut block
FB HB
33 Dive vs. 5-3
F C
C Flow
DE TE
LB
LB
DT RT
LB
NG LG
C
DT RG
DE
RT
FL QB
FB HB
Backside Cut Block
WR
34 4-4
F C
C LB
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
35 5-3
F
C
C LB
DE WR
LB
DT RT
LB
NG LG
C
DT RG
RT
DE TE
FL QB
FB HB
36 4-4
F C
C LB
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
37 5-3
F
C
C LB
DE WR
LB
DT RT
LB
NG LG
C
DT RG
RT
DE TE
FL QB
FB HB
38 4-4
F C
C LB
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
39 4-4
F C
C LB
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
4-4
F C
C LB
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
4-4
F C
C LB
LB
DE WR
RT
LB
DT LG
LB
DT C
RG
DE RT
TE
FL QB
FB HB
5-3
F
C
C LB
DE WR
LB
DT RT
LB
NG LG
C
DT RG
RT
DE TE
FL QB
FB HB
5-3
F
C
C LB
DE WR
LB
DT RT
LB
NG LG
C
DT RG
RT
DE TE
FL QB
FB HB
5-3
F
C
C LB
DE WR
LB
DT RT
LB
NG LG
C
DT RG
RT
DE TE
FL QB
FB HB
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