3 Complementary Plays To The Wishbone Triple Option

The wishbone triple option play is the base play within the greater wishbone triple option offensive philosophy. As its name indicates, it is actually three plays in one. There is a dive option to the fullback, a quarterback keep off-tackle option, and a halfback option pitch play to the perimeter of the field. Triple option teams almost exclusively use this option play over and over again and, in most cases, it has become a very productive offensive force. However, at some point during a game, it does become necessary to “change it up” in order to keep the defense guessing. It is at this point in a game when the triple option complementary plays should be put into the game plan. Here are three triple option complementary plays that can be used at any time during a game.

Base Play: Wishbone Option, Triple Right
(See Diagram 1)

This play is the base play of the wishbone triple option series of plays.

Execution: the quarterback is lined up directly behind the center. The fullback places his down hand exactly two yards behind the QB’s feet. The two halfbacks are split behind the fullback with their feet two yards behind the fullback’s feet and their bodies aligned directly behind the offensive guards.

At the snap, the QB places the ball into the mid-section of the fullback whose aiming point is the middle of the offensive guard’s butt. During this “mesh”, the QB reads the first defensive down lineman in the B-gap to the outside (called the Dive Key). In Diagram 1, the Dive Key is the defensive end (circled). The QB will give the ball to the fullback every time unless the dive key player comes down both hard and flat on the fullback.

If that happens, the QB is to disengage from the mesh and immediately attack the Pitch Key player (the next defensive player out from the dive key). In Diagram 1, the Pitch Key is the cornerback (in the square). The QB should be thinking, “I will run for a touchdown every time unless the pitch key player turns his outside shoulder towards me.” If the pitch key does turn his outside shoulder towards the QB, he should look and then pitch the ball to the trailing pitchman. If the pitch key player’s shoulder does not turn towards the QB, he should take the ball up field and score.

At some point in the game, the defense will undoubtedly adjust to the triple option’s intricacies and make some changes. It is at this point, the offensive coordinator should implement some triple option complementary plays in order to off-set the defense’s attempts to stop the rushing game.

Complementary Play #1: Wishbone Open, F Triple Right, Z-Reverse
(See Diagram 2)

This play should be run exactly like the base triple play. The only differences in this play are the blocking assignments and the role of the Z receiver.

Execution: It is imperative that this play be run to “look” exactly like the base triple play. The beauty of this strategic tactic is to show the defense nothing different as this play gets underway. This will avoid a “tip off” which could give the defense a decided advantage. The play begins with a very quick QB-FB mesh (no long mesh ride) followed by the QB taking the ball parallel along the line of scrimmage towards his supposed “pitch key.”

Note, however, that both the dive and pitch keys are blocked on this play and therefore, the QB does not have to read either of these defenders. The key to this play is the athletic ability of the “Z” receiver who, with the snap, runs a track between the lead back (#4) and the pitch man (#2). The QB pitches the ball to the Z receiver who then takes the ball to the periphery and follows his blockers to the seam and runs for the touchdown. This play could be devastating to any defense once the offensive team has lulled the defense to sleep by repeatedly running the base triple play over and over again. The counter action on this play will leave the defense stunned, as they will be “cheating” to the play side as the feigned triple option play appears to be unfolding. This complementary play is designed for the second half of a game after the building blocks of the triple option have been thoroughly established.

Complementary Play #2: Wishbone Open, Double Counter Option Left
(See Diagram 3)

Using counter plays that feed off of the success of any base play has always been a favorite of many great football coaches in the past. The double counter option play is no different as it feeds off of the success of the base triple option play.

Execution: The play begins with the QB reversing out and performing a quick mesh with the FB. The play appears to be heading towards the right side of the field (See Diagram 1) as the entire backfield all take their lead steps in that direction. After completing the fake handoff to the FB, the QB reverses his direction and heads towards the pitch key (the DE). Note: it is very important that the offensive left tackle “scrapes” the pitch key before he continues on to his main blocking assignment, the Will linebacker. This “scrape” will delay the attack of the DE on the QB. After making his read, the QB either takes the ball off tackle or pitches the ball to the trailing HB.

Complementary Play #3: Wishbone Open, Z-Slant Corner
(See Diagram 4)

This play also takes advantage of the defense’s preoccupation with trying to stop the base triple play.

Execution: The QB opens up and does a quick QB-FB mesh which should, in theory, keep the linebackers at bay since they will be reading a triple option run play once again. The two HB’s run their assignments like they would in the base triple play. The Z receiver also appears to be headed towards the SS in order to carry out his block during the base triple.
However, once the Z receiver runs his slant pattern towards the SS, he will immediately change direction and go for a corner pass. The beauty of this play is that whether or not the SS decides to follow the Z receiver, the worst-case scenario would be a one-on-one coverage situation on your best receiver downfield. This is a win-win situation. It is imperative that all five linemen stay within a yard of the LOS or else this play will undoubtedly be called back due to an illegal player downfield penalty.

I hope that this article has given you something to ponder while you strive to achieve a very successful offensive strategy. Though these complementary plays have all be devised to be run out of the wishbone offense, the “theory” that is behind the formation of these plays is universal.

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