What is a Triple Option Offense?
The triple option offense is a complex and multifaceted attack strategy employed in American football, specifically at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. This offense is characterized by its use of options and misdirection to confound defenders and create advantageous throwing and rushing opportunities for the offense. In this article, we will delve into the core principles, features, and benefits of a triple option offense, shedding light on its mechanisms, strengths, and common schemes.
What sets it apart
Unlike traditional offense, the triple option rejects the assumption of a traditional quarterback-positioning, with the option for the quarterback to give up the ball to another teammate. Option is about choice. Each snap presents the quarterback with an array of possibilities:
• Three options: Keep (running with the ball), Pitch (lateraling to the backside flanker), or Run an option pass (decided by the quarterback based on the defensive alignment).
• Play-action misdirection**: False motion and receiver routes to deceive defenders about the actual play-action (e.g., giving an appearance of a quarterback sprinting for a rushing gain).
Contents
Situational Play-Calling in the Triple Option
The triple option offense excels at adaptability, with coaching adapting play-calling according to the situation:
• Strong sides: In situations with momentum, score, and crowd noise, the Pitch (lateraling the ball to the flanker) is often an effective counter against overload defenses.
• Third-and-long: A strong emphasis is placed on executing the Keep, minimizing the potential for interceptions by reducing passing attempts under duress.
• Late-game scenarios: Coach opts for a more balanced play-calling, interchanging Keep and Pitch opportunities.
Offense’s Ability to Set Formation
Unlike traditional offenses, where wide receivers run predetermined routes, the triple option attack prioritizes the formation :
• Zone option: Each receiver performs specific actions (e.g., blocking or creating rub) to free up either a running back or wide receiver.
• Calfire option: Formation shifting creates misdirection; quarterbacks read defenders’ assignments.
Position Responsibilities
Coaches tailor position assignments for optimal effectiveness:
Quaterback (QBT):
• Make the initial read identifying the strongest defensive line pursuit.
• Create decisive action, either through sprinting or pitching, with the primary goal being misdirection.
• Calm and controlled decision-making: Assess defenders’ alignments before making the final option (Keep, Pitch, Pass).
Running Backs (RB):
• Flexibility is key: Each RB learns specific roles: option lead, pitch runner, or scrambled runner.
• Read block: Trust instinct to follow the blocks.
Wide Receivers (WR):
• Blocking skills: Assign and execute key blocks on downfield targets.
• Route creation: Consecutive routes ensure defenders maintain zone coverage.
• Stem responsibilities: Focus on creating opportunities for runs (e.g., stretching coverage).
Curtain Call: Analysis & Conclusion
The triple option offense combines read-and-react decisions with disruptive play-action design, making it an elite opponent for opposing defenses. Coaching adaptability, creative personnel assignments, and flexibility yield a strong foundation. Embracing the unpredictability of triple option decision-making, both coaches and athletes can craft a versatile strategy that can exploit defensive mismatches and miscommunication.
This multi-faceted strategy leaves opponents grappling with various attack vectors:
• Blitz penetration: Double threats (Run and Pitch/Pass) create ambiguity; defenders can’t adequately attack both simultaneously.
• Man coverage: Discombobulating defenders force hesitation, rendering them prone to mistakes.
• Blitz vulnerability: False momentum creates opening for exploiting aggressiveness (e.g., a fake blitz reveals, then quarterback pitches, the ball to the wide receiver).
When executed effortlessly, with synchronized execution, the triple option offense embodies a comprehensive force, difficult to pin down. The triple option defense’s strength stems from creating numerous possibilities and forcing an "either/or" conundrum on the defenders – an attack that confuses, and occasionally, perplexes.
Whether in gameplanning, scouting reports, or team meetings, grasp the core essence of a triple option attack, and prepare to master one of football’s most effective and multifaceted attacking strategies.
