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AFM Magazine


Blocking for the Triple Option vs. 7 Man Fronts

by: John Gendron
by: Harold Nichols
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To be an effective option team, whether under center or in the shotgun, we feel you need to have a simple system that allows you to identify the Dive Key, Pitch Key and Run Support player from the secondary. We employ a simple one-two-three count system. Not only does this count system identify who the dive key, pitch key and secondary run support player are, it is also used to determine what type of offensive line and perimeter blocking scheme we use. Essentially we have two blocking schemes. When we face 7 man fronts we employ an outside blocking scheme by the offensive line with an arc block by the playside slot. The 3-3 Defense presents a few challenges, but they are readily addressed with this system.

Count System:

Below is our count system. We count from the inside out as follows:

• #1 is the first down lineman in the B-gap out: The Dive Key.

• #2 is the defender outside #1 on the L.O.S. or stacked from a 5 technique out: The Pitch Key.

• #3 is the run support defender outside the tackle box. The playside slot is responsible for identifying who this player is.

• It is also critical to the effectiveness of the Triple Option to be able to determine who the playside linebacker (PSLB) is. We define the PSLB as the first LB over to the inside not in the count.

The following diagrams (1A-F) illustrate who #1 (dive key), #2 (pitch key), and #3 (run support player from secondary) are in conventional 7 man front defenses. Blocking Rules for Triple Option Vs. 7 Man Fronts (3 count) - Outside Blocking Scheme with Arc Block

Playside WR: Block non-run support. Playside Slot: Arc run support. Playside Tackle: Release outside defensive lineman to block PSLB. Playside guard covered? – Make a good decision. Playside Guard: Apply Base rule (Inside, Over, Outside, Nearest LB). Center: Scoop (Possible combo with playside Guard). Backside Guard: Scoop. Backside Tackle: Scoop. Backside Slot: Motion for Pitch. Backside WR: Cut-off back-side corner.
Diagram 1A : 50 Cover 2

Diagram 1B: 50 Cover 4

Diagram 1C: 4-3 Cover 2

Diagram 1D: 4-3 Cover 4

Diagram 1E: 6-1, Cover 2

Diagram 1F: 6-1, Cover 4

Triple Option Blocking Diagrams Vs. 7 Man Fronts – Outside Blocking Scheme with Arc Block (See Diagrams 2A-2F)

Offensive Line Blocking Scheme Vs. 7 Man Front – Outside Blocking Scheme

Playside

When we anticipate a 7 Man Front (3 count) we will call the version of the triple option that will dictate an outside blocking scheme for the offensive line. The playside tackle will release outside to block the PSLB (first linebacker over to the inside not in the count) to the Backside Safety. If the playside guard is covered we give the playside tackle the discretion to release inside. We tell him to “make a good decision.” If there is any threat that a linebacker may run through the B-gap he will release inside. The playside guard in this outside blocking scheme simply applies our Base Blocking rule is Inside, Over, Outside, Nearest Linebacker. This means that if the guard has a 2i, 2, or 3 technique he will block those defenders first. If he is uncovered he will block the nearest LB. (i.e. in a 50 defense the ILB over him. See Diagrams 2A and 2B). Versus a 4-3 defense with a playside shade the center and playside guard can combo to the MLB (See Diagram 2D).

Diagram 2A: 50 Cover 2

Diagram 2B: 50 Cover 4

Diagram 2C: 4-3 Cover 2

Diagram 2D: 4-3 Cover 4

Diagram 2E: 6-1 Cover 2

Diagram 2F: 6-1 Cover 4

Backside

The center, backside guard and backside tackle will seal their playside gap to the Backside Linebacker (BSLB). This will be achieved by all of them scoop blocking. When all three of them execute the scoop scheme properly they will seal their playside gaps to the BSLB, thereby sealing off backside pursuit in the tackle box. The center, backside guard and backside tackle do not know who they will block until after the ball is snapped. It is imperative that no penetration occurs that could interfere with the mesh between QB and FB.

The scoop angle that the backside guard and tackle take will be determined by these rules: 1. If the offensive lineman to your inside is covered, take an angle flat enough to get your backside ear to the playside hip of the defender covering the offensive lineman to your inside. For example: if the backside guard is covered by a defensive lineman, the backside tackle will take an angle flat enough to allow him to get his backside ear to the playside hip of that defensive lineman covering the backside guard. 2. If the offensive lineman to your inside is uncovered, go through the heels of the next down defensive lineman. For example: if the backside guard is uncovered the tackle will go at an angle that will take him through the heels of the next down defensive lineman. When the backside guard and tackle release on their scoop angles, they will make a decision on a step and a half. If they can block a defensive lineman on the first step and a half they will. If someone shows up in their playside gap they will block that player. If not they will continue on their scoop angle to cut off the BSLB.

The center has two kinds of scoops. If he is covered he will execute a tight scoop. He will rub through the defender covering him, deep through the armpit, rib cage and hip of that defender. This will prevent the defender from getting penetration to the playside gap. If the center has a shade he will reach the shade. If the center is uncovered he will execute a wide scoop to seal the playside gap. Like the guard and tackle he is reading on a step and a half. If he does not block anyone on a step and a half, he will climb for the MLB (who may run through the A-Gap) to the BSLB.

7 – Man Front Perimeter Blocking – Arc Block

Remember, when we expect a 7-Man Front (3 count) we will call the version of the triple option that will dictate an outside blocking scheme for the offensive line and an arc blocking scheme on the perimeter. The PSlot and PWR will be responsible for blocking the run support defender (#3) and the non-run support defender. In most cases the PSlot will block the run support player (#3) and the PWR will block the non-run support player. The communication between the PSlot and the PWR is critical, in order for the play to be effective. They must determine which defender is run support and which defender is non-run support.

They will accomplish this by making a ‘coverage call.’ The PSlot will take a pre-snap read and make a decision based on what he sees. If he feels that the defense is in corner support, or what we call ‘Cover 2,’ he will turn to the PWR, and say “Two! Two!” By making a ‘Two call’, the PSlot has indicated that he will block the corner (#3) and the PWR will block the deep safety to the playside. The PSlot works to gain outside leverage on the corner. Once he gains outside leverage he will work off his arc track and cut the outside leg of the corner. The PWR is responsible for the deep safety (non-run support), and will take his best release off of the corner, avoiding contact, and pin the deep safety to the inside.

If the PSlot’s pre-snap read tells him that the defense is in safety support, or what we call ‘Cover 4,' he will turn to the PWR, and say “Four! Four!” By making a ‘Four Call,' the PSlot has indicated that he will block the safety (#3), and the PWR will block the corner (non run-support). The PSlot will arc block the safety, using the same technique described above. The PWR is responsible for the corner (non-run support); he will sprint off the ball and stalk block the corner with slight outside leverage.

It is important to tell the Slots and WRs that their pre-snap read on the coverage will not always be correct. However, they need to understand that there are two defenders on defense that need to be blocked and there are two players on offense to block them. If their pre-snap read is wrong, live with it; never exchange responsibilities on the run!

If high school rules restrict you from cut blocking, this scheme will still work, just tell your slots to block up high.

3-3 Defense

There are rare occasions where the blocking rules for 7-man fronts do not apply. Most notably the 3-3 defense and its variations. The important thing to remember is the count system still holds true. The decisive factor is whether or not it is more effective to arc block #3 or use a load scheme. This will be determined by whether or not #3 is in an arcable position (Diagram 3A and 4A) or if #3 is in an alignment that is more conducive to using a load scheme (Diagram 3B). There are slight adjustments that need to be made with the offensive line versus a 3-3 defense. (See also Diagram 4B)

Diagram 3A: 3-3 3 Deep #3 Arcable

Diagram 4A: 3-3 3 Deep #3 Arcable

Diagram 4B: 3-3 Defense #3 in a Loadable Alignment

Applying Count System to 3-3 Defense

Triple Option Blocking Rules Vs. 3-3 Defense #3 Arcable

Playside WR: Block non-run support
Playside Slot: Arc # 3
Playside Tackle: Release outside defensive lineman for FS
Playside Guard: Base MLB
Center: Scoop
Backside Guard: Scoop
Backside Tackle: Scoop
Backside Slot: Motion for Pitch
Backside WR: Cut-off back-side corner

Triple Option Blocking Rules Vs. 3-3 Defense #3 In a Loadable Alignment

Playside WR: Block non-run support
Playside Slot: Load #3 to FS
Playside Tackle: Release inside defensive lineman for #3 to FS
Playside Guard: Base MLB
Center: Scoop
Backside Guard: Scoop
Backside Tackle: Scoop
Backside Slot: Motion for Pitch
Backside WR: Cut-off back-side corner






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