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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
Triple Option Rt is a true option run play out of Shotgun Split Offset that reads the edge defender to the play side before the QB decides to hand off, keep, or pitch. The offensive line blocks down and seals the interior while the QB rides the mesh with the HB, reading the first unblocked defender to determine whether to hand off or pull and attack the edge with the pitch man trailing. This is a run play built on option logic rather than a straight dive scheme, so the primary read progression is dive key first, then pitch key if the QB pulls the ball outside.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side defensive end or 3 tech first, if he crashes inside on the dive the QB should pull and get to the edge with the pitch. Key the flow of the second level linebackers, if they flow hard to the dive fake the QB has room to keep and turn the corner. Identify whether the defense is in a scrape exchange, this is the primary counter to triple option since it assigns one defender to the dive and another to contain the QB and pitch. Look for an unblocked edge defender sitting outside with contain responsibility, this is the defense telling you they are respecting the option and daring you to hand off. User controlled defenders who sit at the mesh point trying to bait a mistake are the biggest threat, so commit early to your read and execute the pitch quickly if the ball carrier gets cut off.
Usage Tips
Run this against base fronts and light boxes where the defense has not shown extra run support pre-snap because option plays punish defenses that crash hard on the dive without honoring the edge.
Check the defensive end and outside linebacker alignment before the snap since a wide 9 technique or an OLB sitting outside contain usually tells you to keep and pitch rather than hand off.
Use Read Option and Mtn Speed Option from this same set on early downs to condition the defense to respect multiple option looks, then hit them with Triple Option Rt when they start crashing down on one specific option play.
Stick to first and second down and distance where defenses are more likely to sell out against the run rather than drop into a pass heavy shell.
If you see a spy or a defender sitting flat footed at the mesh point, pull the ball immediately and get to the pitch phase before the defense can rally.
