Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Speed Option out of Pistol Wing Flex Close is a true option run play with the QB reading the edge defender while the HB runs parallel to the pitch relationship, staying tight to the QB before releasing outward for the toss window. The diagram shows the backfield action flowing hard to the right (offense's left tackle side flexed away), with the frontside blocking the perimeter and the QB keying the first unblocked defender off the edge. This is a pure run play designed to attack outside contain and beat over-pursuing defenses that crash hard on the QB or squeeze the option too early, with the primary read being the edge defender: pull if he takes the QB, pitch if he sits on the HB.
Defensive Reads
Watch the edge defender or DE/OLB assigned to the option side before the snap, if he is sitting wide and disciplined he is coached to play the pitch, if he is crashing hard he is taking the QB. Man coverage with no extra run support at the second level is vulnerable since the option stresses horizontal grass before defenders can react. Scrape exchange linebackers who diagnose option quickly and stay square can shut this down, especially if they are user-controlled and mirror the QB's path. Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells with safeties reading run fits fast will rally hard once the pitch relationship shows, so pitch the ball early rather than letting the HB drift. Blitz packages that send extra defenders off the edge on the option side beat this play before it develops, so check the alignment for stacked EDGE rushers pre-snap and consider audibling away.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a hard count to bait the edge defender into showing his hand before the snap so you know whether to key pull or pitch immediately after the snap.
Attack defenses that are running fast flow or aggressive edge defenders who consistently crash upfield, since Speed Option punishes overzealous contain.
Pair this with Wide Zone and HB Zone Wk from the same set so the defense has to respect inside zone reads before you hit them with the option look out of the same personnel and formation.
Best called on early downs (1st and 10, 2nd and short) when you have run support and want to establish tempo, since a blown read against a stacked box can lose yards.
If the defense shows a heavy box with linebackers crashing downhill immediately, check to a play-action shot like PA Boot Lt or PA Flood to make them pay for over-committing.
