Pitch Key

Common option counting says #1(dive read) is the first man from B gap out(this would include a 4i). #2(pitch read) then would be the next man outside. Vs. a stack (a la 5-3) you would count the man closest to the LOS first then the stacked LB. BTW I count inside-out some count outside-in. Hope this helps.

Tiger:

We played a 4-4 team that gave us a 1 and 5 tech (to our Trips side) and we were running veer as either a give or keep. They started lining the Mike LB in the guard-tackle gap and bringing him in B gap. We went ahead and blocked him with the PST. As you explained above, would your QB try to read him in that case and pitch of of the DE? We really like to take a big split when we get a 1 and 5, but our PST has to be able to protect his inside gap...unless we're reading that blitzing LB.

OptionCoach,

What formation do you run out of (ISV)?

Coach Easton

Coach, why don't you read the Belly?

Interesting thought coaches. I guess we never really considered reading our belly play because we were so successful with it. We did add midline the last couple of years and considered that to be our option play. By calling who gets the ball on our inside, outside, belly keeper, and belly counter, we were able to determine where we were going to attack the defense. But like I said, even though we blocked it a few different ways, teams could realy read our guards and determine who was going to get the ball.

I am going to run the midline belly play along with midline this season. It depends on who my QB turns out to be. If it's the better of the two athletes, I'll probably run more midline.

The other reason that I haven't committed myself fully to the option in the past is the fear in the back of my mind of fumbles and misreads. I have now told myself that we are going to run a variety of options and we are going to run them correctly. I must have confidence in the kids and not fear what might happen but be excited about what might happen.

Another question for you experts in the option. What do you like to run in short yardage and goal line situations? Can you stay in the double slot look? Do you have to adjust to more of a power look?

Thanks for all of your help. You guys give me confidence that the changes that I am making will benefit our team.

Our quick passing game last season was excellent because of the information that I took from you guys at this site. Our quick hitch was an EXCELLENT play for us. It was virtually unstoppable if the QB and WR ran it correctly. We did have 2 interceptions on the play, but the first one the WR slipped and fell. The second one the DB knew it was coming and broke on it on the snap. Other than those two instances, it worked like a charm!

Coach O

ACK27,

Totally agree with your post. My point was simply: Don't call it a belly OPTION if you are prederterming it,
because it then no longer is an OPTION. A kid gets to college that runs the option, and he is confused because what he knows as the belly option no longer includes a predertermined read and as a QB he is now made to understand that the Belly Option must be read. A small point to some, but as a life long QB coach I have found miniscule points like this can create problems. Just my opinion as always.

Coach Easton

Bpolson,

Perhaps it had been better if I had not gotten in on this thread. Best of luck in all your option preparation for the upcoming season that will be here before you know it. Option football is GREAT football!

Coach Easton