Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Combo HB Option lines up in Shotgun Doubles Y-Flex with 11 personnel and shows a pass play with an option route tag out of the backfield. At the snap the HB releases into the flat and breaks upfield into an option route that can settle or continue vertically based on the coverage, while the two outside receivers on that side run a vertical route and a dig that sits in behind it, and the far receiver runs a corner breaking route off a vertical stem. The backside receiver runs a comeback style pivot route, giving the quarterback a clear high low option read against zone drops or a natural man beater if the HB gets matched up on a linebacker. The primary read starts with the HB option route against a linebacker or nickel defender, then progresses to the dig sitting underneath the vertical route on the play side.
Defensive Reads
Watch the linebacker or nickel defender aligned over the HB before the snap, if he shows blitz or aggressive run fits the option route will beat him one on one. Key the safety depth on the play side, a deep half safety sitting over the top signals zone coverage and tells the quarterback to work the option route into the void instead of pushing it vertical. User the underneath linebacker to the play side and sit on the dig route, since that route sits right in the intermediate zone that inexperienced defenders leave open. Look for cornerback press alignment on the outside vertical route, if the corner presses and there is no safety help deep, this play can get beat by a jump on the option cut or the comeback on the backside. Disguised blitzes from the slot or an extra rusher off the edge shorten the quarterback's window, so a user controlled spy or blitzer on the HB's option route lane can shut this concept down before it develops.
Usage Tips
Attack Combo HB Option on early downs or third and short when defenses expect a run look out of Doubles Y-Flex, since the HB option route punishes linebackers who bite on run action. Check the pre-snap alignment of the defender over the HB, if it is a slower linebacker in man coverage the option route wins almost every time on the option cut. Against zone coverage, hot route the HB to sit at the sticks and use him as a checkdown while working the dig and vertical combo on the play side for explosive plays. Pair this play with HB Draw or Read Option from the same set to keep defenses honest on the ground, then come back to Combo HB Option once linebackers start crashing downhill. Use motion or a quick pre-snap shift to identify if the defense is in man or zone before locking into your first read on the HB.
