Playbooks
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Breakdown
Speed Option out of Shotgun Trips Slots Close is a pure perimeter run play built to attack the edge with numbers. The QB and HB mesh in the backfield with the QB reading the play-side defensive end, either keeping the ball on the edge or pitching to the HB depending on how that end plays it. The play-side tackle and tight end release upfield to set the edge while the trips receivers occupy coverage, giving the ball carrier a clean option lane outside the box.
Defensive Reads
Key the play-side defensive end pre-snap, if he is a contain-focused edge player he will crash the QB and force an easy pitch read to the HB. Watch for a user-controlled linebacker spying the option, since a disciplined spy can blow up both the keep and pitch options simultaneously. Defenses in a 46 or heavy Bear front with extra defensive line stack the box and take away the natural running lanes, making this play risky against run-heavy fronts. Look for corners playing off in zone coverage on the trips side, since that alignment often signals a defense selling out to stop the option with an extra man in the box. If the defense shows Cover 3 or Cover 4 with safeties rotating down late, the edge defender is more likely to sit and read rather than crash, forcing the QB to make a quicker option decision.
Usage Tips
Attack defenses that are light in the box or showing man coverage with no extra run support since the trips alignment forces defenders out wide before the snap. Use the flick or L1/LB button to pitch the ball manually if you see the read defender crashing hard down the line, do not always trust the CPU mesh logic in tight spots. Best run on early downs or in short yardage to keep defenses honest, especially after showing Inside Zone or HB Sweep from the same formation to condition the defense to expect interior runs. Pair this with 61 X Choice or Divide as play-action complements from the same set so linebackers respect the option action and bite on run fakes. Against fast flow linebackers, pull the ball and cut it back inside once the edge defender commits outside, since the option action can create natural cutback lanes.
