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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
Speed Option out of Shotgun Slot Left is a straightforward option run with the QB reading the play side edge defender while the HB flares outside as the pitch man. The diagram shows the QB and HB attacking the same side in tandem, with the QB carrying the ball upfield and the HB stretching wide behind him, ready to receive the pitch if the QB commits to keeping the defense honest. There is no route combo here since this is a pure run play designed to attack the perimeter, relying on the offensive line to seal the interior while the QB and HB create a numbers advantage on the edge. The primary read progression is simple: attack the alignment of the unblocked defensive end or outside linebacker, keep if he crashes down on the QB, pitch if he stays outside to take away the QB run.
Defensive Reads
Watch the defensive end or outside linebacker on the play side, if he sits and reads the option instead of crashing, the QB should pitch immediately to the HB in space. Check for extra defenders stacked in the box pre-snap, a heavy box with six or more defenders signals the defense expects run and could bring extra pursuit to the edge. Identify if the defense is running contain or spy assignments on the QB, since disciplined edge defenders that stay home on the QB take away the keep and force the pitch read every time. Look for cornerback or safety rotation to the play side, quick rotation down into the run fit can add an extra body to the edge and clog the option before it develops. Beware of nano blitz packages that send an extra rusher untouched off the edge, this can disrupt the timing of the option before the QB can make his read.
Usage Tips
Use Speed Option on early downs or short yardage situations where defenses are stacking the box for run support but leaving the edge defender in conflict.
Check the defensive end and outside linebacker alignment pre-snap, if they are crashing hard on run plays in previous snaps this is the perfect counter since the QB can pull and pitch immediately.
Pair this with Read Option and Y Lead Read Opt Rt in the same set to keep defenders guessing on option keys, forcing them to respect both the edge and interior run threats.
Avoid calling this against aggressive user-controlled defenders who consistently spy the QB, since a disciplined spy can shut down both the keep and pitch options.
Sell the fake hard on HB Slip Screen after running Speed Option a few times, since defenses that overplay the edge run will be vulnerable to the delayed screen action.
