Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Speed Option out of Shotgun Y Trips Offset is a true option run play with the QB and HB attacking the edge together, as shown by the pitch relationship where the HB mirrors the QB before the ballcarrier arrow cuts vertical downfield. The offensive line flows laterally to seal the edge and get hats on second-level defenders, opening a read for the QB to keep or pitch based on the flow of the play-side defensive end. This is a run play designed to attack defenses that over-commit to the box or crash hard on the edge, punishing overaggressive DE and OLB fits.
Defensive Reads
Key the play-side defensive end first, if he sits and reads instead of crashing, the QB should pitch immediately to the HB. Watch the play-side OLB depth, a linebacker sitting too far inside opens a running lane for the QB keep. Diagnose the coverage shell pre-snap, single-high safeties often mean an extra run defender in the box which can shut this play down if unblocked. Look for user-controlled defenders flying downhill off the snap, since Speed Option punishes overpursuit with the pitch read to the edge. Against disciplined scrape exchange defenses that maintain their option assignments, this play loses value and should be replaced with an inside run.
Usage Tips
Use Speed Option on early downs in run-heavy personnel to keep defenses honest against the trips look. Check the play-side DE and OLB alignment before the snap, if they are crashing hard down the line every play, this is your counter to make them pay on the edge. Pair this with RPO Read Y Flat and RPO Bubble Y Pop from the same set so defenses cannot sit on the option keys without opening up quick throws. Against fast-flow linebackers, pull the ball and cut upfield immediately since the alley will be soft. Mix Speed Option in with HB Dive and Outside Zone from Y Trips Offset to keep the defense guessing between inside and outside run fits.
