option football fundamentals

8/4/2019 Option Football Fundamentals

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Option Football Fundamentals

Mark Cannon


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What is The Option?

Simplest definition A play during whichthe offense observes the defense and

modifies its attack appropriately.


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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


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Option Realities

Reading both the dive read and the

pitch read on the same play opens up

the offense for potential big plays as t

hedefense 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.


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LGLT RTRGC

Where Does the Option Start?


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LGLT RTRGC

Three Types of Option

Dictated by Fullback path

QB

FB

Midline DiveDiveVeer/G Veer/G


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Offensive Line Techniques

LGLT RTRGC

5 4 4i 3 2 1 Shade 0 Shade 1 3 54i 42

It is extremely valuable if all players can articulate how the defense is lining up.

This is especially true forQuarterbacks and Offensive Linemen.


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OffensiveLine

Basics, Terminology and

Coaching Points


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Offensive Line Splits

The wider the better for running plays

Wider splits create natural running lanes

Tighten down slightly for passing plays

LGLT RTRGC TETE

1.5 3 1.5 3 1.5 31.5 33 5 3 5


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Offensive Line Techniques

LGLT RTRGC

5 4 4i 3 2 1 Shade 0 Shade 1 3 54i 42

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.


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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 anywherefrom your inside shoulder to your outsideshoulder.

OVER: Linebacker lined up from your inside

shoulder to your outside shoulder

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


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Offensive Line Blocking Calls

Double-Teams

RTRGC TE

Charlie George Tom

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.


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Cross Blocks - Cardinal

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

RTRGC RTRGC RTRGC


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Cross Blocks - Gray

Gray: Cross block between Guard and Tackle.



RTRGC RTRGC RTRGC


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Cross Blocks - Tan

Tan: Cross block between Tackle and Tight End.



RTRGC RTRGCTE TE


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Gap Blocking - Apex

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

RTRGCLT LG TETE


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Offensive Line Pass Blocking

Play-Action - Hinge

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.

RTRGC

LT

LG


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Offensive Line Pass Blocking

Drop-Back or Pocket Passing

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.

RTRG

C

LT

LG


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Fullback


Coaching Points


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LGLT RTRGC

Fullback Paths

QB

FB

Midline DiveDiveVeer/G Veer/G


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Option Targets

Midline- Straight up the Centers back

Dive- Outside hip of the Guard

Veer- Inside hip of the Tackle


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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.)


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Tips to Good Fullback Play

Use a stance with weight forward to allow for thequickest 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 ifhe wants you to keep it.

Stay low with yourhead up, it sells the option

and keeps you quick. Step straight to your target with your play side

foot first.


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HalfB

ack(s)


Coaching Points


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Halfback Option Rules

Always, always, always maintain theproper 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 divemesh or ten yards down field. Be ready.

Once you get the ball pitched to you, getto the corner.

Cutting back inside will only get you tackled.


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Tips to Good Halfback Play

Use a balanced stance to allow formovement in any direction.

Eliminate any false steps coming out ofyour 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


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Quarterback


Coaching Points


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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.


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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.


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Tips to Good Quarterback Play

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

Use a balanced stance for quick movement inany direction.

Eliminate any false steps coming out from undercenter.

Your footwork is key to success. Dont let it get

sloppy. With proper footwork, youll be ready to pitch

immediately upon clearing the mesh.


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When to Implement the Option

Typically, QBs under the age of 13 or 14 will notbe able to effectively make the dive and pitchreads on the same play.

For 11 and 12 year-old teams, you are better offrunning 32/33 (for the dive) and 36/37 (for theoutside option.)

For 8, 9 and 10-year old teams, skip the optionaltogether. Use the formations, but keep it

simple (dives, leads, etc.) For all ages quicker offensive linemen aremore important than bigger linemen. Dont befooled by size.


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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 orG option, the read shifts to 4 or wider.

Pitch read: End man on the Line of Scrimmage

(LOS)


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RT

RG

C

Dive/Midline Read Identification

Rule: First DL in a 3 or wider

RT

RG

C

RTRGC


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RT

RG

C

G (Veer) Read Identification

Rule: First DL in a 4 or wider

RT

RG

C

RTRGC


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RTRGC

Pitch Read Identification

Rule: End Man on LOS

Exception:When EMLOS is Dive read.

The OLB/SS is the pitch read

RTRGC RTRGC

= Dive read = Pitch read


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Sample Option Plays vs.

Defenses


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

NG DTDE DE

LBLBLB

S

F

C C

FL

Midline Option vs. 4-3 variant

WR

Cardinal or

Charlie

Backside

Cut block


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

NG DTDE DE

LBLBLB

S

F

C C

FL

Dive Option vs. 4-3 variant

WR

Charlie (if

necessary)

Backside

Cut blocks


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

NG DTDE DE

LBLBLB

S

F

C C

FL

Veer or G Option vs. 4-3 variant

WR

Charlie (if

necessary)

Backside

Cut block

Tan


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

Midline Option vs. 4-4

WR

Backside

Cut block


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Full Playbook


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Formations


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

FL

WR

LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TE RTRGC

FL

WR

I-Right

I-Left


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TE RTRGC

FL

WR

LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

FL

WR

Slot Right

Slot Left


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

FL

TE

LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TE RTRGC

FL

TE

Tiger Right

TigerLeft


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LGRT

FB

HBQB

TE RTRGC

FL

WR

LGRT

FB

HBQB

TERTRGC

FL

WR

Tight Trips Right

Tight Trips Left


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LGRT

FB

HBQB

WR RTRGC

FL

WR

LGRT

FB

HBQB

WRRTRGC

FL

WR

Trips Right

Trips Left


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LGRT

FB

HBQB HB

RTRGC WRWR

LGRT

FB

FL

QB

WR RTRGC

FL

WR

Ace

Twins


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LGRT

FB HBQB

WRRTRGC

FL

WR

LGRT

FL HB

QB

WR RTRGC

FB

WR

Five Wides Right

Five Wides Left


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LGRT

FB HBQB

TERTRGC

FL

WR

LGRT

FBHB QB

TERTRGC

FL

WR

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

Brown Slot Left

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


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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


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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


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

10 Trap vs. 4-4

WR

11 Trap vs 5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

FL

11 Trap vs. 5-3

WR

12 Counter vs 4-4


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

12 Counter vs. 4-4

WR

13 Counter vs 5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

FL

13 Counter vs. 5 3

WR

14 Counter-Trap vs 4-4


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

14 Counter Trap vs. 4 4

WR

15 Counter-Trap vs 5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TE RTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

FL

15 Counter Trap vs. 5 3

WR

16 Counter-Option vs. 4-4


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

16 Counter Option vs. 4 4

WR

17 Counter-Option vs. 5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TE RTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

FL

17 Counter Option vs. 5 3

WR

18 Counter-Reverse vs. 4-4


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TE RTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

8 Cou e e e se s

WR

Tighten split down to

2 yards from TE


5 yards from Tackle.

Crack on OLB/DE

19 Counter-Reverse vs. 5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

FL

WR


2 yards from TE


5 yards from Tackle.

Crack on OLB/DE

22 Lead vs. 4-4


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

WR

23 Lead vs. 5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

FL

WR

24 Blast vs. 4-4


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

WR

25 Blast vs. 5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TE RTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

WR

FL

26 Power vs. 4-4


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

WR

27 Power vs. 5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TE RTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

FL

WR

28 Sweep vs. 4-4


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

WR

29 Sweep vs. 5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TE RTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

FL

WR

30 Midline Option vs. 4-4


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB S

F

CC

FL

WR

31 Midline Option vs. 5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

FL

WR

32 Dive vs. 4-4


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

WR

Backside Cut block

Flow

33 Dive vs. 5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TE RTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

FL

WR

Flow

Backside Cut Block

34 4-4


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

WR

35 5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

FL

WR

36 4-4


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

WR

37 5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

FL

WR

38 4-4


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

WR

39 4-4


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

WR

4-4


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

WR

4-4


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

DT DTDE DE

LBLBLB LB

F

C C

FL

WR

5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

FL

WR

5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

FL

WR

5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

FL

WR

5-3


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LGRT

FB

HB

QB

TERTRGC

NG DTDT DE

LBLBLB

DE

F

C C

FL

WR

option football fundamentals

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