Option Play - Football Playbook

DESCRIPTION
The option play creates uncertainty as to who and where the ball will go. Seen more often on the high school and college levels, this play works well with a quarterback that can run the ball like a running back. The option allows for flexibility and the ability for the quarterback to control the running attack - the quarterback can be hand off to the fullback for a dive, turn the ball upfield for the end sweep, or pitch it out to the half back. The quarterback reads the defense and decides the direction of the ball. The offensive line battles with straight ahead blocking.

BLOCKING SCHEME
The blocking scheme for the option is straight ahead blocking. In some situations where the play is a dive, the center and guard will double team the nose guard to help clear out a path for the full back. The outside linebacker or defensive end is left alone. The action of the outside defensive player will determine the direction of the play.

THE BACKFIELD
The job of the full back is to run the dive portion of the option. If they do not get the ball, they must do their best to sell a fake to the defense. Making the defense bite on that fake will help the quarterback and half back beat the defense to the outside corner. The role of the halfback is to run to the outside and be ready to receive a pitch from the quarterback. Their path is ran in a "questionmark" type shape to give the quarterback a better angle when the ball it pitched. It also allows the halfback to run in a forward direction when the ball is pitched.

THE QUARTERBACK
In order for the option to be successful, the quarterback must first check the defensive line to see if the dive play is available. If the quarterback decides If the quarterback identifies a defense formation that the offensive line can open up, then ball goes to the full back. If the quarterback does not hand off the ball, then he must sprint along the line of scrimmage and read the outside linebacker.If the linebacker maintains outside containment and covers the half back, then the quarterback must turn the ball upfield. If the linebacker tries to stop the quarterback, then the quarterback must pitch out to the half back.

It is critical for the quarback to make the correct decision as the play develops. An incorrect read can result in a big loss of yardage. An interception can also result if the quarterback makes the wrong decision and pitches the ball.

SUMMARY
The option play requires good running skills from both the backfield and the quarterback. The quarterback MUST be able to read the defense and decide when to pitch or keep it upfield. Due to the uncertainty of the ball direction, all the line can do is block straight ahead. However, the line must make sure that they continue driving for the entire play, as a pitch to the outside takes longer to develop than a dive play.

Many high school and college teams like the option play because it gives an opportunity for the quarterback to make decisions on their own. This play can cause a lot of trouble to some teams because the uncertainty of the ball direction does not allow a defense to predict the play. Likewise, a bad decision by the quarterback can easily result in loss of yardage or a turnover.

I LEFT DIVE OPTION STRONG

I RIGHT DIVE OPTION STRONG

I LEFT 36 TRAP

I RIGHT 37 TRAP

I LEFT 35 BLAST

I LEFT 34 BLAST

I RIGHT 35 BLAST

I RIGHT 34 BLAST

I RIGHT 36 POWER

I RIGHT 37 POWER

I LEFT 38 PITCH TRAP

I RIGHT 39 PITCH TRAP