Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Shock H Option is an option route concept out of the Shotgun Box Y Off set built around the H back (slot TE/RB) working an option route against man or zone coverage. The backfield alignment holds the defense with a play action or option run look while the H back reads the defender leverage, breaking outside on off coverage or settling in on tight man technique. This is primarily a man beater since the option route lets the H back counter whatever leverage the defender shows, but it also has enough natural spacing to work as a zone beater against soft zone drops. The primary read progression starts with the H back option route, then works to any underneath crossers or the check down out of the backfield if the option is covered.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the slot defender or linebacker responsible for the H back is playing man technique with tight alignment or sitting off in a zone drop Man coverage with no safety help over the top is where this play wins most often since the option route dictates the break point against the defender Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells with disciplined underneath zone defenders can sit on the option route and force a checkdown, so look for that sink before committing Watch for user controlled lurk defenders sitting in the middle of the field, since a smart human defender can jump the option route if the quarterback stares it down Blitz packages that bring extra pressure off the edge or through an A gap can disrupt the timing of this play, so check protection or hot route the option route into a quick outlet if you diagnose a heavy blitz look
Usage Tips
Watch the linebacker or slot defender leverage before the snap, if he is playing inside shade the option route should break outside, if he is playing outside shade break it inside for an easy pitch and catch
This play shines on third and short to third and medium since the option route naturally creates a high percentage completion against both man and zone
Use hot routes to convert outside receivers into quick hitches or slants if you see Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells rolling hard to the option side
Pair this play with Quick Unders or Quick Short Post from the same set to keep the defense guessing between quick game concepts and the option read
If the defense starts jumping the option route after a few reps, sequence into Counter Y or Inside Zone from Box Y Off to keep run fits honest and set up the option again later in the drive
