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Executing the Double Option Run From Any Backfield Set

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by Paul Anthony Markowski, Fullbacks Coach
SimonFraserUniversity

     In general, I consider myself a proponent of the option running game. Specifically, I am a convert to the triple option running philosophy. I say “philosophy”, since I truly believe that the triple option is not just another play. Rather, it is an offensive mindset.   The triple cannot be installed in one day, nor can it be used as a “change-up” during a game. It is truly an offensive system that must be practiced every day with countless repetitions in order to truly master all of its intricacies. Having said that, this article is not about installing the triple option run into different backfield sets.  Rather, it outlines how the double option can be successfully installed into any backfield set, regardless of the head coach’s offensive philosophy. Unlike the triple, the double option run is much easier to both teach and execute. It can be installed just as easy as any “regular” play can and the learning curve is very minimal. This article will explain how the double option run play can be installed in three-back, two-back, single-back, and even an empty backfield set.

Three-Back Set

 

     Traditionally, option teams have run their offense from three-back sets (especially the triple). The wishbone, T-formation, Maryland I, and more recently, the flex bone, are all great backfield sets from which the double option can be run.   Diagram 1 shows the double option being run to the right side of the field from the wishbone.

Assignments:
BTE: Punch DE, to LB, to Safety.
BOT:  Base DT.
BOG: Double on NT and maintain.
C:  Double on NT, to LB.
POG: Double DT, possibly to LB on inside stunt.
POT: Double DT, possibly to LB scraping to outside.
PTE: Inside contain on LB.
QB: Fake to FB, run along LOS and attack inside leg of unblocked DE; decide on pitch or keep.
FB: Make good fake towards crack of POG; if tackled, great job; if free to block, go to outside LB, then safety.
PHB: Block CB.
BHB: Get in a 5 x 5 pitch relationship with QB; run behind blockers.

Two-Back Set

 

     Two-back sets are great to use for the double option run.  The FB fake can still be utilized while, because only one HB is needed (instead of two as in the wishbone), defenses must respect the possibility of a more deadly passing attack. Diagram 2 shows the double option being run out of a Pro-offensive set

Assignments:
X: Run off corner.
BOT: Double DT and stay.
BOG: Double DT to BLB.
C: Base NT.
POG: Double DT and stay.
POT: Double DT to PLB.
PTE: Seal FS.
Z: Stock Corner.
QB: Fake to FB, run along LOS; read unblocked DE; keep or pitch to HB.
FB: Make good fake; if not tackled, go to LB to SS.
HB: Get in 5 x 5 pitch relationship with QB; run up field and score TD!

One-Back Set

 

     Running the speed option from a Quads offensive set is one of my personal favorites.   Traditionally, a quads formation is more of a passing formation than a running one so the element of surprise cannot be overstated. Diagram 3 shows the double option from a typical Quads formation.

Assignments:
X2: Run off corner.
Z2: Motion across formation; on snap, block backer to safety.
BOT: Reach DT.
BOG: Double NT to BLB.
C: Double NT and stay.
POG: Double DT and stay.
POT: Double DT to PLB.
Z: Stock block corner.
X: PLB to safety.
QB: Attack inside thigh of unblocked DE; run up field or pitch to HB depending on read.
HB: Maintain a 5 x 5 pitch relationship with QB; run up field and score a TD!

Empty Set

 

     Five-wide is considered the ultimate pass formation. Always remember though, just like in war, deception is the key to winning a football game. Diagram 4 shows a typical 5-wide formation with the double option run .

Assignments:
X2: Run off cornerback.
Z2: Sprint to 3rd level safety (tough to do but possible).
BOT: Base DT.
BOG: BLB.
C: Base NT.
POG: Double on DT; stay.
POT: Double on DT to PLB.
Z: Stock cornerback.
X: Stock FS.
QB: Attack unblocked DE and read movements; either keep and run up field, or pitch to trailing HB.
HB: Motion to get into pitch relationship with QB; maintain relationship; if given the ball, run to daylight!

 





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