Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Speed Option out of Pistol Ace Double Wing is a pure run play built to attack the edge with the option dynamic between the QB and HB. The diagram shows the QB and HB both stepping laterally toward the play side before the ball carrier arrow bends upfield, indicating the pitch relationship and the option read developing outside the tackle box. With two wing backs and a tight end providing extra blockers, the play is designed to seal the edge and let the QB read the flow of the widest defender before deciding to keep or pitch. The primary read progression is the outermost unblocked defender: if he crashes the QB, pitch to the HB, if he stays wide, the QB tucks and runs downhill.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side defensive end or outside linebacker before the snap, if he is crashing down on run action every play he will get exploited by the pitch phase of this option. Look for safeties rotating down into the box, a stacked front with both safeties near the line signals a run blitz that can outnumber the edge before the option read even develops. Contain defenders who stay disciplined and squeeze the mesh point neutralize both the QB keep and the pitch, forcing a cutback into traffic. Man coverage on the wing backs can leave the edge blocker in a favorable one on one, but zone shells with a flowing linebacker to the play side can string the option out for a loss. User controlled defenders spying the QB are the biggest threat, if you see a defender sitting outside expecting the pitch, keep the ball on the QB run instead.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs when you have numbers advantage on the edge, especially against base 4-3 or 3-4 fronts that are light on defenders outside the tackle. Check the defensive end and outside linebacker alignment pre-snap, if they are crashing hard inside on run downs, this play punishes that aggression by pitching outside. Motion the wing backs pre-snap to confirm man versus zone coverage and to get a free hitter on the edge defender. Pair this with Read Option and Read Option Wk in the same set so the defense cannot key on formation tendencies, alternating the option keys forces linebackers to hesitate. Save this for third and short or second and manageable when you want a low risk gain, since forcing the option read against disciplined defenses can lead to negative plays if the QB and HB timing is off.
