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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
Triple Option Lt is a true option run play out of Shotgun Split Offset with 20 personnel, built to attack the edge to the left side. The QB reads the mesh point with the dive back first, then the pitch back on the perimeter, giving you three phases of decision making on a single snap: dive, keep, or pitch. This is a pure run play with no pass option attached, and the primary read progression is dive key first (crashing DL or DT), then the edge defender or contain player for the keep versus pitch decision.
Defensive Reads
Key the defensive end or outside linebacker assigned to the play side edge, since he is the primary conflict defender the QB is reading for the pitch decision. Watch for scrape exchange technique from linebackers, where the play side backer stays home on the QB while a second defender flows to the pitch man, which shuts down both the keep and pitch lanes. If the defense shows a hard crash call from the DL with the edge defender squeezing down immediately at the snap, expect the QB to pull and keep rather than pitch outside. User controlled defenders spying the QB or sitting in the alley are the biggest threat to this play, since a disciplined user can eliminate both the keep and pitch options. Look for defenses that flow hard to run support with safeties crashing down pre-snap, since that overcommitment leaves the perimeter pitch lane wide open once the dive and keep are read correctly.
Usage Tips
Attack the play side edge defender pre-snap and identify whether he is crashing hard inside or staying home to contain, since that read dictates your keep or pitch decision immediately after the snap.
Use this against base 4-3 or 3-4 fronts where the defense has not shown option discipline, because a lot of ladder defenders will bite on the dive fake and open up the perimeter pitch lane.
Sequence this with Mtn Triple Option Rt and Read Option earlier in a drive so the defense has to respect both direction tendencies, then hit Triple Option Lt when you see them overcommitting to the right side flow.
Best called on early downs like first and ten or second and short where defenses are still playing base run fits instead of dime or nickel packages built to stop the pass.
Pair this with Mtn PA Flood or PA F Slide out of the same formation to keep defenders honest on run fits, since option looks paired with play action punish linebackers who key run too fast.
