Playbooks
Midline Triple is a true option run play built off the flexbone triple option scheme, running the midline read through the guard-tackle gap rather than the traditional offtackle path. The blocking scheme is a zone-option combo up front, with the quarterback reading the first down lineman inside the tackle to decide between the give to the dive back and pulling to run the outside option with the wingback pitch. This is a run-only play with no play-action or passing element, and the primary read progression is dive key first, then pitch key on the perimeter defender if the quarterback keeps.
Watch the defensive tackle or first down lineman inside the tackle box before the snap, since his gap alignment tells you whether the dive read will be open or crashed. Identify if the defense is stacked in a 4-3 or 3-4 look with extra linebackers near the box, which signals they are selling out to stop the midline dive phase. Check safety depth and rotation post-snap. If a safety flies down fast to fill the alley, the quarterback needs to pull and pitch immediately to beat the numbers advantage on the perimeter. User-controlled defenders flowing hard to the dive key or sitting on the pitch key can bait you into the wrong option read, so watch for artificial slow-play from human defenders trying to trap the quarterback. This play struggles against disciplined scrape exchange linebackers and aggressive edge defenders who stay home on the pitch key, since they take away both option phases simultaneously. Man coverage shells with blitz packages can be exploited if the perimeter blockers win their assignments, since the numbers advantage on the edge negates extra blitzers coming from depth.
Run this out of Close formation on early downs to establish the option game and force the defense to respect three phases of the play at once.
Check the box count pre-snap. If the defense has six or more in the box, the midline dive read gets tougher to convert, so lean toward pulling and attacking the perimeter with the pitch.
Use your dive key discipline. If the read defender crashes down hard, pull the ball immediately and get moving downhill before the second level linebackers flow.
Pair this with Load Option and Inside Veer Triple Opt in the same drive to keep defenders guessing on which option phase you are attacking, since all three stress a different gap or level.
Mix in FB Zone Dive and Wb Dive on early downs to sell the same backfield action, then come back to Midline Triple once the defense starts keying run fits too aggressively.
Avoid calling this on third and long since it is a low variance run concept that needs manageable yardage to stay on schedule.