BASIC Option Responsibilities

Honestly, one of the simplest ways of getting it done is stated very well by coach Mountjoy in his post on Bear Bryant's Common Sense Rule. In general, I always tell my players on in a 44--DL needs to take care of the dive. If the dive back is coming at your gap, obliterate him. Next man tries to make the QB a smear on the field, and the pitch is taken by LB's--in the G the Free should be running the lane hard as well.

In the 44 that I used to run (we didn't run a robber coverage, just straight C3 or C1) we had our OLB get after the pitch man (assuming OS veer), DE had dive, and ILB had to scrape to QB (was tough, but can be done if he is quick on his reads).

ROBBER gives much better run support from F/S than Cover 3. You change up option responsibilites: The F/S can take pitch, with OLB taking QB (along with a ILB) = this is best if #2 arc releases to block), or the OLB can take pitch, with F/S taking QB (along with a ILB) = this is best if #2 blocks inside..

If any questions - PHONE me at 804-378-0116 (up to 10 PM/EDT). This takes too much time to explain adequately typing!!!!!!!!!

GREAT VIDEO that shows much of this is the C.W. Post video (DVD) on DEFENDING THE OPTION.


PS:
From the best defensive coach I ever knew - Paul "Bear" Bryant:

"COMMON SENSE OPTION RULE":

IN EACH DEFENSE A PLAYER IS ASSIGNED A PECIFIC PART OF THE OPTION. THEN ADD TO THEIR RULE

THE WORDS "OR THE FIRST MAN TO SHOW WITH THE BALL". THUS, IF I AM A DEFENSIVE END WHOSE

MAIN RESPONSIBILITY IS QUARTERBACK ON THE OPTION, MY RULE IS "QB, OR THE FIRST MAN THAT

CHALLENGES ME WITH THE BALL". BY DOING THIS SHOULD A BLOCKING SCHEME OR PLAY CAUSE OUR

OPTION COVERAGE TO BREAK DOWN AT A GIVEN POINT, PLAYERS SHOULD BE READY TO MAKE THE

NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS.


PS: There are no "WHAT-IF'S"! This applies to all defenses & all type options!!!

Almost like "Sky" coverage out of C2

I think Cover 3 is horrible if you want your corners to cover the pitch man.

I was just looking for Basic option responsibilities out of Cover 3 not better things to do.

Thanks and I agree with both of you coaches. I wish my boss did.

I ran the Robber schemes, Sky/cloud schemes in college but my boss loves cover 3.

I am in the camp where if I can get guys who are not covered or have guys flying behind him, to get them into the play wheter its the OLB or safety running down hill.

I am also in the camp that believes the OLB has pitch man and the ILB has to get his ass to the QB at D gap to the strong side. OLB has pitch man, ILB has dive at B and Whip has QB on the weak side.

If I am wrong in thinking this, please explain!!!!!!!!!!!! Really... I want to hear the other theories on option responsiblities out of a G3 scheme.

Thanks for your input.

allisojh,

Run the system your hc wants you to run. Trust me. I was in the same situation this season. My HC's views/schemes were not sound, in my opinon. But he was the HC and was the one paid to make that decision. I tried to put my two cents worth in, and sometimes he took my ideas, sometimes not. We got our tails kicked around all season.

It doesn't matter, frankly, what you do with your assignments. Be on the same page, and teach the techniques needed to allow those players to be as successful as possible. I do think, though that your scheme thoughts are sound. The CB should never be a primary run support man out of a C-3 in my opinion. I also think that it is not a good idea to ever have a ILB as a primary dive responsibility on option, but he has to be able to make good, fast reads. This can be done at the HS level, and yes you need coaches who are compent. But it does not take more time, just quality drills and good use of your individual time during practice.

I have run the veer for several years, and the teams that I hate going against are the teams that keep my tackles from getting to the second level along with a GATA attitude. That is what defense is all about. get these kids reading instantaneously and coming hard downhill to thier responsibility.

JR,

I am in agreement with doing what I am told. Its his ship, he is Captain and I will coach it up the best I can.

I was looking to see what other coaches thought about it. Maybe I am missing something he is doing.

Thanks again.