Playbooks
Load Option is a triple option run out of the Flexbone that pairs the fullback dive with a load block from the wingback, giving the quarterback a true give, keep, or pitch progression. The blocking scheme flows the offensive line down to the play side while the wingback arcs out to lead block for the pitch phase, taking on the force defender so the quarterback can attack the edge if he pulls the ball. This is a run heavy option play, not a pass concept, so the primary read is the QB reading the first down lineman for the dive give and then reading the alley defender for the keep or pitch decision.
Watch the alignment of the defensive end and outside linebacker pre-snap, if they are crashing hard down the line they are keying dive and leaving the edge open for the pitch. Look for a safety cheating down into the box, this signals the defense is loading up to stop the option and you should expect an extra defender at the dive or keep phase. Post-snap, track the force defender or force player, if he stays wide and squeezes the QB he is taking away the keep, meaning the pitch to the wingback should be live. Nano blitzes or edge pressure packages can disrupt the mesh point before the QB can make his read, so respect any pre-snap blitz indicators like linebackers creeping to the edge. User controlled defenders sitting on the pitch key can jump the wingback route, so if you see a user flowing hard outside pre-snap, keep the ball on the dive or keep phase instead.
Run Load Option on early downs like first and second and short to medium distance where defenses are not yet forced to play pure pass shells.
Check the box count pre-snap and if the defense stacks the box with an extra defender, be ready to pull and attack the edge instead of forcing the dive read.
Pair this with FB Dive and Midline Triple in the same drive to keep the defense honest on both interior dive keys and outside pitch keys, making it harder for defenders to sit on one option phase.
Use the wingback load block as your eye guide, if he blocks down cleanly on the force defender that is your green light to pull and pitch.
Mix in Inside Veer Triple Opt as a changeup so the defense cannot key on the fullback dive action every snap.