Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn Triple Option Rt is a shotgun run play out of the Split Slot Offset set that runs true option football to the right side. The diagram shows the QB taking the snap and reading down the line with a pitch option to the trailing back while the line blocks down at the point of attack, forcing the defense to declare on the dive, QB keep, or pitch. This is a run-only design with no route concept, and the primary read progression is dive key first, then edge defender for the QB keep versus pitch decision.
Defensive Reads
Watch the defensive end or edge rusher assigned to the QB, since his leverage tells you whether the dive, keep, or pitch will hit first. Man coverage on the trailing back is a green light for the pitch since he will be isolated in space with a lead blocker. Zone defenses that spill the play outside can be beaten by keeping it up inside on the dive read if the linebackers overpursue to the edge. User-controlled defenders flying downhill on the snap are the biggest threat to this play, so if you see a defender leave his zone assignment early, hit the opposite option quickly before he recovers. Stacked boxes with an extra linebacker or safety cheating down kill this play since the numbers advantage on the perimeter disappears.
Usage Tips
Run this out of shotgun on early downs when linebackers are showing run fits with two backs still stacked, since option football punishes aggressive downhill linebackers who crash the dive.
Check the edge defender pre-snap: if he is sitting wide and squeezing hard, plan to pull the ball and attack the alley yourself rather than forcing the pitch read.
Pair this with Mtn RPO Peek Swing and Mtn RPO Peek Stick from the same set so the defense has to respect both the option keep and the quick pass game off similar formation looks.
Use this on second and short or first and ten to keep defenses honest, then counter with Inside Zone Lt or HB Off Tackle once the defense starts crashing hard on the option keys.
Avoid calling this against defenses stacked with extra defenders in the box, since the numbers advantage disappears and the pitch lane gets clogged fast.
