In the thrilling realm of college football, the option play stands as a dynamic and multifaceted offensive weapon. This enigmatic play beguiles opponents with its inherent deception, offering a tantalizing blend of power and finesse. When executed with precision, the option play can shred defenses, creating gaping holes for ball carriers to exploit. Comprising a series of calculated decisions and intricate footwork, the option play demands both mental agility and physical prowess. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of the option play in college football, exploring its strategic nuances and guiding you towards mastering this formidable offensive maneuver.
The option play’s essence lies in its ability to keep the defense guessing. By presenting multiple threats, the offense forces the defense to react, creating opportunities for the ball carrier to find open space. Traditionally, the option play involves a quarterback, a running back, and a lead blocker. The quarterback reads the defensive alignment and makes a split-second decision whether to hand off the ball to the running back, keep it himself and run, or pitch it to the lead blocker. This element of unpredictability makes the option play a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Executing the option play effectively requires a high level of coordination and timing. The quarterback must possess excellent decision-making skills and the ability to make quick reads. The running back and lead blocker must work in unison, creating a wall of protection for the quarterback while simultaneously setting up potential running lanes. Moreover, the offensive line plays a pivotal role in providing a stable foundation for the play to develop. With meticulous execution, the option play can become a potent weapon in any college football team’s arsenal, tearing through defenses and propelling offenses towards victory.
Understanding the Basic Concept of Option Plays
Option plays are a fundamental part of college football, providing offenses with an element of deception and unpredictability. They involve the quarterback giving a blocking assignment to one or more defenders, while simultaneously reading the reaction of the defense and making a decision on whether to hand the ball off to a running back or keep it himself.
Key Components of Option Plays:
- The Read Key: This is the defender or defenders that the quarterback is responsible for reading. The quarterback’s decision on whether to hand off or keep the ball is based on the actions of the read key.
- The Handoff: If the read key is not in a position to make a play on the running back, the quarterback will hand off the ball.
- The Keep: If the read key is in a position to make a play on the running back, the quarterback will keep the ball and run with it himself.
- The Pitch: Some option plays involve the quarterback pitching the ball to a trailing running back instead of handing it off.
- The Blocking Scheme: The offensive line and other eligible receivers are responsible for blocking defenders to create running lanes for the running back or quarterback.
Blocking Schemes for Option Plays
Option plays in college football rely heavily on blocking schemes to create running lanes for the ball carrier. Several blocking schemes are commonly used in option plays, each with unique techniques and assignments. Here’s an in-depth explanation of three essential blocking schemes:
Inside Zone Blocking
In inside zone blocking, the offensive line blocks in a diagonal fashion, creating a running lane inside the tackle box. This scheme involves:
- The center blocking down on the nose tackle.
- The guards blocking down on the defensive tackles.
- The tackles blocking linebackers inside the tackle box.
- The fullback or tight end blocking the play-side linebacker.
Inside zone blocking provides good protection for the quarterback and creates a running lane in the interior of the offensive line.
Midline Zone Blocking
Midline zone blocking is similar to inside zone blocking, but the offensive line blocks straight ahead instead of diagonally. This scheme involves:
- The center blocking down on the nose tackle.
- The guards blocking the defensive tackles straight ahead.
- The tackles blocking linebackers on their respective sides.
- The fullback or tight end blocking the outside linebacker on the play side.
Midline zone blocking is effective against even and odd fronts, providing good protection for the quarterback and creating running lanes both inside and outside the tackle box.
Power Blocking
Power blocking is a double-team blocking scheme that involves two offensive linemen blocking the same defender. This scheme is designed to create a powerful running lane by driving the defender off the line of scrimmage. Power blocking involves:
- The center and guard double-teaming the nose tackle.
- The tackle and guard double-teaming the defensive tackle on the play side.
- The other tackle sealing the outside linebacker.
- The fullback or tight end blocking the outside linebacker on the non-play side.
Power blocking is an effective scheme for creating a large running lane for the ball carrier, particularly in short-yardage situations.
Pitching and Option Keeper Responsibilities
The option play is a staple of college football, and it can be a very effective way to move the ball down the field. But in order for the option to be successful, it is important for the quarterback and option keeper to have a good understanding of their responsibilities.
Pitching
The quarterback is responsible for pitching the ball to the option keeper. The pitch should be made with a firm grip and a quick motion. The quarterback should also aim the pitch at the keeper’s chest, so that the keeper can easily catch the ball and run.
Option Keeper
The option keeper is responsible for reading the defense and making a decision whether to keep the ball or pitch it back to the quarterback. The keeper should make this decision based on the position of the defenders and the location of the ball. If the keeper keeps the ball, he should run with it as hard as he can. If the keeper pitches the ball back to the quarterback, he should do so with a firm grip and a quick motion.
The following table summarizes the responsibilities of the quarterback and option keeper:
| Position | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Quarterback | Pitch the ball to the option keeper |
| Option Keeper | Read the defense and make a decision whether to keep the ball or pitch it back to the quarterback |
Reading the Defensive Front and Adjusting Accordingly
Comprehending the defensive alignment is crucial for a successful option play. Here’s a detailed examination of how to read the defensive front:
4. Analyzing the Defensive Line
The defensive line is the first line of defense and the most challenging to read. Here’s a breakdown of their potential alignments:
| Alignment | Implication |
|---|---|
| Even front | Balanced with an equal number of players on each side of the center |
| Odd front | Centered on the center with an odd number of players |
| 4-3 defense | Four down linemen, three linebackers |
| 3-4 defense | Three down linemen, four linebackers |
| 5-2 defense | Five down linemen, two linebackers |
Based on the defensive line alignment, the quarterback can determine possible blitzes, coverage schemes, and run options. Understanding the defensive line formation is vital for making accurate reads and adjusting the option play accordingly.
Play Action Pass Options
There are three types of play action passes: naked, rollout, and dropback. When using naked play action, the quarterback runs around without a lead blocker or receiver. Rollout action has the quarterback run forward with some sort of lead blocker (either a fullback or running back) before throwing it downfield. Dropback is much like naked play action, but the quarterback drops back five to seven steps before pulling up to throw.
Here is a detailed breakdown of each type of play action pass option:
| Play Action Pass Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Naked | The quarterback runs around without a lead blocker or receiver. |
| Rollout | The quarterback runs forward with some sort of lead blocker (either a fullback or running back) before throwing it downfield. |
| Dropback | The quarterback drops back five to seven steps before pulling up to throw. |
Counter Options from the Shotgun Formation
The shotgun formation is a popular offensive formation in college football, and it can be used to run a variety of option plays. The most common type of option play from the shotgun formation is the counter option, which is designed to attack the defense’s edge. The counter option is a two-back system, with the quarterback taking the snap from the shotgun and reading the defensive end before deciding whether to hand off to the running back or keep the ball and run himself.
Key Blocking Assignments
The blocking assignments for the counter option from the shotgun are as follows:
- The center blocks the nose guard.
- The guards pull and block the defensive tackles.
- The tackles block the defensive ends.
- The tight end blocks the outside linebacker.
- The running back takes the handoff and runs behind the blocks.
- The quarterback either hands off to the running back or keeps the ball and runs himself, depending on the defensive end’s reaction.
Reading the Defensive End
The quarterback’s key to the counter option is the defensive end. If the defensive end crashes down on the running back, the quarterback will hand off the ball. If the defensive end stays outside and contains the running back, the quarterback will keep the ball and run himself. The quarterback must make this decision quickly and decisively in order for the play to be successful.
Variations of the Counter Option
There are several variations of the counter option, including:
- The mid-line counter, which is run out of a three-back set.
- The power counter, which is run out of a two-back set and is designed to create a crease for the running back.
- The zone counter, which is run out of a one-back set and is designed to attack the defense’s zone coverage.
The counter option is a versatile and effective play that can be used to attack a variety of defenses. With good blocking and execution, the counter option can be a big play for any college football team.
Utilizing the Read Option for High-Impact Plays
The read option, a staple of modern option offenses, presents defenses with a multifaceted threat. Its core concept involves the quarterback reading the defensive end and handing off or keeping the ball based on his reaction. This deceptive play can create explosive gains and keep defenses guessing.
7. Triple-Option Variation
This variation adds another layer of complexity to the read option. The running back has three choices: take a direct handoff, pitch the ball to the quarterback, or keep it himself. The quarterback reads the defensive tackle and decides whether to hand off to the running back or keep the ball and run. This variation allows for even more confusion and potential big plays.
Table: Triple-Option Variation Options
| Read | Quarterback’s Decision | |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Handoff | Defensive tackle inside | Hand off to running back |
| Pitch to Quarterback | Defensive tackle outside | Keep the ball and run |
| Keep the Ball | Defensive tackle unblocked | Hand off to running back |
The triple-option variation provides numerous options for the offense, making it difficult for defenses to predict and stop. It can lead to big plays if the quarterback and running back execute their reads and decisions effectively.
Defensive Strategies to Counter Option Plays
8. Zone Blocking and Gap Control
Zone blocking is a key component of the option offense, as it allows the offensive linemen to create running lanes for the ball carrier. To counter this, defenses must employ gap control techniques that prevent the linemen from opening up those lanes.
One way to do this is to use an "over" or "under" technique, where the defensive lineman aligns either inside or outside of the blocker’s intended gap. The lineman then uses his leverage to try to control the blocker and prevent him from moving him out of the gap.
Another technique is called "stunting," where the defensive linemen move around before the snap to try to create confusion and disrupt the blocking scheme. Stunting can be effective if it forces the linemen to adjust their blocks, but it can also be risky if it results in the linemen getting out of position.
By using gap control techniques, defenses can make it more difficult for the option offense to create running lanes and gain yards.
| Defensive Tactic | Description |
|---|---|
| Over/Under Technique | Defensive lineman aligns inside or outside of the blocker’s intended gap and uses leverage to control the blocker. |
| Stunting | Defensive linemen move around before the snap to create confusion and disrupt the blocking scheme. |
Game Planning and Preparation for Option Offense
9. Zone Blocking Techniques
Zone blocking is a fundamental aspect of the option offense, enabling blockers to control multiple defensive players within designated areas.
Key Zone Blocking Techniques:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Block-Down | Blocker steps forward and hits the defender in the chest, forcing him down and out of the running lane. |
| Cut-Block | Blocker quickly lowers his body and cuts at the defender’s feet, tripping him and opening the running lane. |
| Reach-Block | Blocker extends his arm and engages the defender’s shoulders, controlling him and pushing him away from the runner. |
| Pivot-Block | Blocker steps forward and rotates his body, blocking the defender’s path while maintaining contact on the outside. |
| Seal-Block | Blocker positions himself between the runner and the defender, preventing the defender from pursuing the runner. |
Proficient zone blocking requires effective communication, coordination, and timing among the offensive line. By mastering these techniques, the offense can create running lanes, protect the ball carrier, and deceive the defense.
Coaching Tips for Effective Option Execution
To effectively execute the option in college football, coaches can follow these tips:
1. Establish a Strong Quarterback-Running Back Relationship
Communication and trust between the quarterback and running back are crucial. The quarterback must make quick decisions and the running back must read the blocks and adjust accordingly.
2. Practice Regularly
Running the option effectively requires consistent practice. Players need to develop instincts and timing to make the correct reads and blocks.
3. Create a Variety of Options
Mixing up the option play with different formations and motions can keep defenses guessing and make it harder to stop.
4. Keep Defenses Honest
Run the ball effectively to force the defense to respect the run. This will open up the passing game and make the option more effective.
5. Use a Lead Blocker
A lead blocker can create a hole for the running back by taking out a defender before the play even begins.
6. Block Down on the Backside
Offensive linemen should block down on the backside of the play to push defenders away from the hole.
7. Read the Defensive End
The quarterback should read the defensive end’s position to determine whether to hand off or keep the ball.
8. Be Patient
It takes time to develop a successful option attack. Don’t get discouraged if the offense does not immediately achieve success.
9. Adjust to the Situation
No two plays are the same. Coaches and players must be able to adjust the option play based on the defensive formation and the game situation.
10. Block the Line of Scrimmage
All offensive linemen must play with great power and leverage to block the defense and create running lanes for the ball carrier. This includes maintaining proper gap integrity, double-teaming where necessary, and driving the defenders off the line of scrimmage.
| Offensive Lineman | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Left Tackle | Block the defensive end or outside linebacker on the left side |
| Left Guard | Block the defensive tackle on the left side and assist with the center |
| Center | Snap the ball and block the nose tackle or middle linebacker |
| Right Guard | Block the defensive tackle on the right side and assist with the right tackle |
| Right Tackle | Block the defensive end or outside linebacker on the right side |
How to Run Option in College Football
The option is a play in which the quarterback has the option to hand the ball off to the running back or keep it himself and run. It is a very effective play when executed correctly, and it can be a great way to gain yards and score points. Here are the steps on how to run option in college football:
- The quarterback takes the snap from the center and reads the defense.
- If the defense is lined up to stop the run, the quarterback will hand the ball off to the running back.
- If the defense is lined up to stop the pass, the quarterback will keep the ball and run.
- The running back will block the defensive player who is trying to tackle the quarterback.
- The quarterback will then run around the running back and try to gain as many yards as possible.
The option is a very effective play when executed correctly. It can be a great way to gain yards and score points. However, it is important to note that the option is a risky play. If the quarterback makes the wrong read, the defense can score a touchdown.
People Also Ask
How do you read an option in college football?
The quarterback reads the defense to determine whether to hand the ball off to the running back or keep it himself and run. If the defense is lined up to stop the run, the quarterback will hand the ball off to the running back. If the defense is lined up to stop the pass, the quarterback will keep the ball and run.
What is the difference between a read option and a zone read?
A read option is a play in which the quarterback reads the defense to determine whether to hand the ball off to the running back or keep it himself and run. A zone read is a play in which the quarterback reads the defense to determine whether to hand the ball off to the running back or keep it himself and run. The difference between the two plays is that in a zone read, the running back is responsible for blocking a specific defensive player.
What is the best way to defend against the option?
The best way to defend against the option is to play disciplined football and stay in your gaps. It is also important to be able to read the quarterback’s eyes and body language to determine whether he is going to hand the ball off or keep it himself.
