Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Triple Option out of Pistol Weak is a true run play built on option football principles, giving the QB a give, keep, or pitch decision based on how the defensive end and force defender play the mesh point. The diagram shows the fullback and pitch back both flowing left with the QB stepping up behind the mesh, while the offensive line down blocks to seal the edge for the read defender. This is a numbers and leverage run scheme, not a man or zone beater in the passing sense, and the primary read progression starts with the first unblocked defender off the edge for the dive, then extends to the pitch key for the QB to decide between keeping it or pitching outside.
Defensive Reads
Watch the defensive end assignment before the snap, if he is crashing hard down the line every snap he is likely to take the dive and open up the pitch lane. Key the alignment of the strong side linebacker and safety, a defense stacking that side is anticipating the option flow and can blow up both the dive and pitch phases. Look for user-controlled defenders spying the QB, since a disciplined spy can eliminate the keep phase and force a low percentage pitch under pressure. This play struggles versus disciplined scrape exchange defenses where the end takes the QB and the linebacker flows to the pitch man, so avoid this call if you see that assignment on film. Blitz packages that bring extra defenders off the edge can disrupt the mesh point before the read even develops, so check for overload pressure looks pre-snap and consider an audible if you see it.
Usage Tips
Use this against defenses that crash hard inside on run plays since the pitch phase exploits overaggressive DTs and MLBs flowing downhill too fast.
Check pre-snap for a light box or a defense that has committed extra defenders to the strong side, since Weak formation naturally shifts the numbers advantage the other way.
Practice your option reads in practice mode so you can consistently identify whether the end is squeezing the dive or staying wide to force a pitch decision.
Pair this with PA Crossers or PA Comebacks from the same Pistol Weak set so defenses that start keying run late get punished by play action off the same look.
Best called on early downs or short yardage when defenses are more likely to sell out against inside runs, since a clean pitch read can turn into a big gain versus overpursuit.
