Ride and Decide

Hey Coach Campbell,

Can you explain your meaning of "replacing the read" as you have lost me on that one? Thanks for your time in advance, coach. I know our terminiology is different, but can't grasp what you mean here.

My meaning of "following the OL surge downhill" is just that. The OL explodes off the line, keeps their legs driving, drive their assignments back off the ball (downhill) and the QB is right up in there on their butts.

This is a good topic, sure hope we can get other coaches to weigh in on it. I know you love talking offensive line play. I will look forward to your reply, coach.

Coach Easton

Coach Campbell - I have your video series on installing the I offense - option game, passing game, running game, and overview. They have been very helpful. However, I would like to see more film strictly on your option game if at all possible. Please let me know what I would have to do for this, if it is possible. Thanks.

The one thing you might stay away from is attacking the outside number which would allow the defender to stretch the option play out. Coach Campbell

CUI,

I too enjoy debating the pros and cons of all the different techniques. That is the reason most of us are on the forum here, IMO. When you can have an intelligent exchange of ideas, questons, etc. and they are conducted with class and not a bunch of malarkey, that is what makes a good board to me. I am in my 3rd year now here at JCFB and because of my health problems can no longer be active on the field coaching after 42 years of having done so. This is my way of keeping my hand in and staying current with the latest methods and techniques, while attempting to help anyone I can become a beter coach. I appreciate you, coach.

Coach Easton

OPtion Coach,

Appreciate your input, coach. Was curious as to how you treat a midline or ISV read that dictates pull while still in the PSL? Do you just bypass the reaching back to the mesh then, or what?

Coach Easton

Hey Coach,

Thanks for your explanation. Another question, why would you ride the midline LONGER when reading the 3 tech instead of the ISV when your reading a 4i-4-5 tech? Yes, PSL= PRE SNAP READ.

I understand what we call a pee fake or flash fake when we read pull in the PSL, AS YOU STATE, that is sound. I enjoy talking option with you!

Coach Easton

Tiger:

I wouldn't say we ride the midline longer when we're reading the 3 tech than we do the 4 or 5 tech for the IV because we're reading in both of those cases. But when we run midline toward a shaded nose or 2i (and our QB knows its a pull before the ball is snapped) we still have to ride it in order to get the play to time up right. Sometimes our QB gets in a hurry and wants to pull it and get going, which is fine on the IV against the 4i, but he's not waiting on a lead blocker.

This last year we ran midline more from a trips formation than the "I" and its much quicker with our TB lined up as a tight slot. He can pull it faster and go when we're in trips.

We're going to make a switch to split backs for next season, and even though I'm excited about the how I think split backs can/will improve certain aspects of our option (and passing game), I'm worried about whether midline will be as effective. I'm going to get the line marker out tomorrow and get my backfield together and try it. Up to this point, split back midline has been possible in theory only. We'll see how it looks...

Coach, thanks so much for your help these last couple of years.
I'm going right now to look for my copy of a televised game of Lee vs. Raines, back when Corky was at Lee and Raines ran the bone.
My question, and my reason to coming to this post, I have a really fine fullback and a QB that passes well.
But I don't want to run option with him. I know this sound nuts, but I want to run the dive option with this fullback and then let my QB keep with a blocker. Do you have anything in your "big bag of tricks" that might get me going in the right direction, or do I need to forget it.
I run just about anything out of any formation that I can get to work after all these years, so formations don't scare me.
Thanks in advance, David.

HEY DAVID,

With 25 years or more experience that you have under your belt, you know you have to go with what you feel comfortable with. BUT, in this instance will offer my opinion as you asked me for it. It sounds crazy to me, coach. The dive back (FB) can carry the mail, let him do it. The QB is a good passer, why take the chance of getting him beat up by running the ball as a major part of your scheme? My recommendation, Coach, taking for granted you have the other personnel to make it go, would be to go with a one back set and let the FB run the ball (inside/outside zone, counter, power, etc.) and then whatever formations you like to throw out of, get your passing game ready. Now this is provided the FB is more than just a straight ahead power runner. If he can hit the c gap and turn the corner with speed, then I would work on that aspect of your game. But, if your not going to run the option with him, just to say if he isn't getting the ball to have your QB run all night with a lead blocker, doesn't appeal to me at all. Sorry I couldn't be more supportive! With your experience of the competiton in Florida, I'm sure you will work out something a little more viable. Just my opinion as always. What year is the film from? Who was my QB? Are we playing in the Gator Bowl against Lee? Let me know, will you?

Coach Easton