what type of option

sounds like you want to install the load and lead options. I think they would add to your offense, and since they are mostly zone schemes anyway, they should be easy to learn.

I would think that the option would help you as well. If the kid can run, then it wouldn't make sense to not use that aspect of his ability. He can get hurt sitting in the pocket just as well, so I don't think you should worry about that too much. If you are ahead in some games, you may want to be cautious about running the types of plays were he is more likely to run. Lead and speed option are two good options in which the QB doesn't usually do the running, so they might be good choices

Coach, you,re right I want to run speed and lead (option off of the EMOL or the force). I just feel that to run the triple and be good, you have to spend most if not all of your time on it.Also what are your rules for the two options I listed above (particularly the frontside)?

Coach Jim- If you're zone blocking, just block it like outside zone. The tight end needs to make sure that he doesn't block the contain player (pitch key). If the contain player (pitch key) is aligned on him, he will trey combo with the tackle to the linebacker. Why try to reinvent the wheel when you don't have to?

757575- Question #1- See above. I hope that answers the question.

Question #2- 5X1 (some coaches like 4X1, but I found that if you teach 4X1, the pitchback ends up getting too close a good portion of the time. High school kids like to get close in the pitch relationship instinctively, so I recommend teaching 5 yards away from the QB and 1 yard behind the QB).

Question #3- Well it's pretty simple. "Keep the ball unless the pitch key attacks you directly." That's how I teach it. The pitch is usually the last resort in option football.

I hope this helps, and I do agree with you stating that you must dedicate a lot of time to the triple. But, the triple is difficult to stop, and eliminates the need for blocking two defenders. This allows your offensive line to double team and down block at the point of attack instead on base blocking, which in my experience, is hard to get an offensive lineman who can base block everyone that he faces. If you would like to discuss this further, please let me know.

Coach, I would like to make one quick observation on the time aspect of the option. If you were going to play triple option football as your base O, I would agree you would have many hours to dedicate to it in practice. IMO, if you are going to add to your zone scheme, option would not take up as much time as you think.

With a few very simple drills you can work on your pitch relationship issues and discover on your own what will work best by simply looking to see what "looks" best on the field

Your biggest time will be spent on your handoff read, which again can be handled with a couple drills that do not take a great deal of time and that the kids love to run because they look cool while they are doing them,

Mesh can cause hours of frustration for a coach. I have struggled with getting kids to mesh until I read in the ""installing the option" here on JCFB's site, about the step and point technique for the mesh, very simple, works incredibly well and you will find the ball ends up with your back or your QB like it should and not on the ground.

I can send you some great drills if you are interested on the above mentioned items if you like,

Be careful, you may find yourself running oiption first and then zone for more success, we did and have had incredible seasons ever since

Coach DBfannnwis
I would love those drills sent to me as well. I am in the process of adding the triple in our offense and am seeking any information that I can get.
cmarsell@mail.ircsd.org
Thanks very much