Y Lead Read Option

Watch the backside defensive end pre-snap and post-snap since his crash or contain decision determines the entire play, and a disciplined edge defender who stays home on the QB kills this concept. Identify if the defense is in a heavy run front with the linebackers stacked tight, since that clogs the Y lead lane and forces a tougher inside read for the HB. Look for user defenders spying the QB or sitting in the alley, because a spy or a hard edge squeeze eliminates the keep option and forces the ball inside into a loaded box. Check safety depth before the snap, since a safety cheating into the box pre-snap signals the defense is prepared for the run and may be selling out on the zone read. Beware of interior blitzes up the middle that beat the Y lead block to the point of attack, since that disrupts both the give and keep reads simultaneously.