Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn Orbit Load Option is an option run play out of Shotgun Doubles Y Off with orbit motion sending a receiver across the formation before the snap to load the edge as a lead blocker. The diagram shows the QB reading the option path with the ball carrier stretching outside while the motion man arcs ahead to seal the edge defender, giving the QB a pitch or keep decision. This is a run-based option scheme designed to attack overpursuing defenses and force a defender to be wrong on the edge, not a dropback pass concept. Primary read progression is the QB reading the force defender (contain man) to decide whether to keep it up inside or pitch to the trailing back on the perimeter.
Defensive Reads
Key the edge defender or force player immediately after the snap since the QB is reading him for the keep or pitch decision. If the defense shows a hard scrape exchange with the linebacker replacing the edge defender, the pitch lane will likely be shut down, so expect the QB to keep it inside. Watch for a fast flowing linebacker crashing down on motion, which signals the defense is selling out to stop the edge and leaves the inside cutback lane open. A user-controlled defender spying the QB or sitting outside contain can take away both options, forcing a negative or minimal gain. Defenses in zone coverage with numbers to the play side (like Cover 3 buzz or Cover 4 with an overhang) tend to defend this better than man coverage teams that get caught in the motion adjustment.
Usage Tips
Use the orbit motion pre-snap to identify if the defense is playing assignment football or if linebackers are flowing hard with the motion, which tells you if the edge will be soft. This play thrives against aggressive fronts and defenses that crash down hard on inside zone or jet sweep looks, so mix it into your play-calling after running Jet Inside Zone or Zone Fake Jet to keep defenders honest on flow. Attack base 4-3 or 3-4 fronts with wide edge defenders who get up the field too fast, since the pitch read exploits over-aggression. Best used on early downs (1st and 10, 2nd and medium) when you want a manageable gain and to keep the defense guessing between run and RPO looks from this same formation. Pair this with RPO Zone Peek or RPO Peek Slant from the same set so the defense cannot sit on run keys without opening up peek routes over the middle.
