Defending the option

Coach,

In our DALLAS 42 (4-2-5) we do not assign the FS to run support. Verses what you have outlined, the CB's would roll up hard with inside leverage and play bump and run. Our TIGER BACKS (twin strong safties that you probably call LB's) ALWAYS HAVE THE # 2 RECEIVERS ON EITHER SIDE AND PLAY THEM ROLLED UP HARD WITH INSIDE LEVERAGE. In your example the # 2 would be the TE. Our Tackle is in a 7 and we move the TIGER BACK to the LOS in a 9 tech. The TIGER BACK HAS PITCH ON THE OPTION AND CONTAIN ON THE SWEEP AND FLATS ON THE PASS. But, against an option team he is coached to shiver the TE, don't let him out, read and react (provided the TE is the # 2 receiver).

The FS remains in the middle of the field until he is forced to help in the pass defense, or until the runner comes across the LOS at which time he closes on run support.

Coach Easton-TIGER ONE

You will be OUTNUMBERED on most TRIPLE OPTIONS if you do not use the F/S in run support. That is why 8 man front teams like "ROBBER", & 7 man front teams like "QUARTERS" - so the Safety(s) can get into fast run support.

This is too BROAD A GENERAL TOPIC. So much depends on WHAT option(s) they run; what formations they run them from; your BASE defensive thoughts; WHO you want to run the ball (least threat of DIVE/QB/PITCH); etc. TOO MUCH to discuss TYPING.

If you would like to PHONE me at: 804-378-0116 - perhaps I can help!

We see very little option to the TE side but will see quite a bit to the split end or weak side from various formations. Since it is impossible for inside backers to distiguish between inside and outside veer we play assignment football vs. any option. Assignments would only change if we were blitzing and swapping responsibilities such as blitzing outside backer to C gap and Jetting end up field. Then DE and OBer would swap.

DE will close and tackle dive back or whatever shows(QB if Speed Option and no Dive Back). Inside Backer to play side upon reading option will immediately angle up to LOS and take QB. We work hard on this and drill this using rip tech to get by the block of the OT. We tell him to think of the OT as a hog on ice and there is no way he should be able to block him. This is one of the keys. Inside Backer away from play will play hard inside dive to Str A gap 1st then work laterally to get into pursuit. We attack the pitch immediately with the Outside Backer and tell him to take a shot on that back even if he does not have the ball.

Yes, we do involve the FS. He must 1st play dive pass to the TE. Once the pass threat is gone then he is taught to work through the entire play, if we miss an assignment up front he should be there to make the tackle and not give up the big play.

This has worked well for us. When we have had trouble it is usually a DE not cloing and tackling the RB on an outside veer. We see mainly outside veer to the weak side. Much more difficult to run that play to the TE side.

Coach Williams

The back's aiming point is different - you CAN tell the difference (EASILY on Split Back Veer)!

In my experience it is much more difficult to defend the option when the offense runs a combination of inside/outside veer. If they were running only inside veer then the ILB playside could attack the dive and the DE take QB. The ILB to backside of play could then lateral run and also take QB late.(Instead of playing hard dive into Str A) If the offense blocks the end then the QB is forced wider. Once the outside veer becomes a part of the equation then the ILB playside has no time(in my opinion) to differentiate between the two. If he does not go right now he will get cut off by the OT. We teach our playside backer to scrape and take QB on all options, once he reads the QB on an option path he is gone looking to rip by the down block of the OT. Too much margin for error in trying to differentiate the two; makes it much simpler to play all options the same way.

On another note; I have taken your advice and my plan this year is too play more tight man free. In the past we have been willing to give up some quick dinks. Summer team camp is next week, 1st official practice August 4th and then we open against a conference rival in Lucas Oil Stadium on August 23rd. Should be fun.

Thanks
Coach Williams

Coach Williams,

Agree that runnig the ISV and OSV is a must if your going to run the veer. Also always threw in a healthy dose of lead loads!

Coach Easton-TIGER ONE

In VEER offenses - outside veer presents different problems than inside veer, & cannot be played exactly the same!!! In a 4-4 this is especially true.

@ 4 yds. deep - ILBers (I have been coaching vs. VEER OFFENSES since the middle 1960's) CAN read a wide path or tight path by near back. We do THIS always - not just vs. veer teams (our ILBers can read the difference between the Inside & Outside ZONE plays this way also).

I have very limited typing time. I would be GLAD to discuss via phone up to 10 PM/EDT (804-378-0116). I have some thoughts on the subject that would help you.

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As an option offensive mind, I look for people who want to try to defend both inside and outside option plays the same way. If they are trying to do that, we have them...if they are going to be able to be successful, they have to pursue like crazy, which leaves our counter/misdirection game wide open. But, if you think about it, the option play is extremely effective because it puts defenses in the same bind that you are feeling right now. The entire premise of the option play is to force the defense to make a decision and then see to it that the decision is wrong. In my mind, the key to defense is to find that handful of plays that your opponent runs best and/or most often and shut those down as best you can. If a team is able to beat you using plays that are not their "bread and butter," I think you have to tip your hat.

The Option game does several things it spreads the defense, makes them defend entire field, and makes people play responsibility football. Being an option coach who runs the veer one thing we see alot of is defensive schemes playing inside 4 i's on the tackles to prevent the inside veer release, this would be a scheme you would want to practice as worse case scenerio. Coach Campbell

MY POST ABOVE APPLIES TO THE ISV, OF COURSE.

Coach Easton-TIGER ONE