Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Read Option is the zone read run play out of Shotgun Trips HB Wk with 10 personnel. The diagram shows the QB and HB crossing in the backfield with the read option mesh point (red and yellow crossing arrows) while the offensive line executes zone blocking up front. The three trips receivers and single WR are not shown running routes here, meaning this is a pure run design that relies on the QB reading the play side defensive end to decide between keeping the ball or handing it off. Primary read progression starts with the mesh point: QB reads the unblocked EDGE defender first, then works to the hole vision if he pulls the ball.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side defensive end pre-snap, if he is crashing hard down the line every snap he is a strong option key you can pull against. Count the box, if the defense has stacked six or more defenders in the box with linebackers creeping up, this run gets stuffed and you should bail to a pass concept from the set instead. Look for user-controlled defenders spying the QB, a spy or contain defender eliminates the keeper threat and forces the handoff read every time. Check safety depth, if both safeties are rotated to the trips side pre-snap the backside is often left thin for the option keeper lane. Man coverage on the perimeter with no extra run support means the corners are occupied, so an EDGE defender who bites on the handoff opens a big keeper lane.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and only run this into light boxes with six or fewer defenders in the run fit.
Use the trips side to bait the defense into rotating coverage away from the run fit, then attack the weak side A or B gap.
If the defense shows an aggressive EDGE crash every snap, pull the ball consistently on the option key since the perimeter will be soft.
Pair this with Pitt Z Streak or PA WR In from the same formation so defenders cannot sit on run keys once you have shown Read Option a few times.
Best used on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and short) when defenses are more likely to run base fronts instead of dime packages that outnumber the box.
