Different Ways to Run Speed Option
American Football Speed Option
Everything option is a preference of mine. Speed Option will hold a special place in my heart. If you asked the old head coach of Carrizo Springs Don Tate what his favorite play was, he would say “speed option”. If you asked him what his go to play was on 3rd and long was, he would say “speed option”. It is a great play that you can build off of. Spreads the defense out horizontally, and forces them to account for 2 run threats. Like I’ve said before, I believe the highest percentage pass to complete is the lateral pass aka the pitch.
Below are illustrations of 4 different formations and 3 different blocking schemes.
The first two blocking schemes are inside zone out of empty and a formation similar to pro. The first one you have the fake orbit motion by the RB. The second illustration is the same blocking scheme. But the Y is coming across as an extra blocker. If the DE goes up the field he inserts and blocks for the QB. If the DE squeezes he will go around and try and look for anybody coming from the inside to block for the pitch man. The TE may never get there by the alignment illustrated. You can always cheat him in so he can get to his assignment.
The third option play is out of pro and it is outside zone away. The Y is arc releasing to block for the pitch back. If no one comes than the Y goes to the third level looking for any safety. You can always double the right guard and right tackle up to the back to make sure he is picked up in the case that the QB keeps it. The 4th is out a 2 back set and is power blocking scheme. The RB blocking rules are very similar to the Y’s rules in the 3rd illustration. The RB is looking inside out, and then looking for any third level defender if no one shows.
QB is the point guard of the play. He will attack the outside shoulder of the DE. The instant the DE gets width or goes up the field than he should immediately plant his foot and go straight up the field. He cannot slow play it or continue outside with the DE because the wider the QB goes, the wider the DE goes, the better the chance the DE can make a play on both the QB and the pitch man. The QB can utilize the fake pitch to see what the DE does to help the decision. But it has to be a quick fake. He also cannot slow play it because the LB/Safety can get to the pitch man and it is a dead play. Once he pitches it he is drifting away from the defender towards the pitch man defending himself.
When it comes to personnel aka the types of athletes you have on your offense will determine what formations you like running this out of. Now you may not like it as much out of fear of protecting your QB. But that can be solved with personnel packages (Wildcat) for this type of play utilizing a second RB or WR type at QB. But for piece of mind, the QB DOESN’T have to be a dual threat. Yes it helps greatly if he is! But if he is smart he can pick up an easy 5 yards a pop, and he can protect himself adequately when pitching it.
You will find that speed option isn’t exactly an expensive play as it seems. Many are scared to do a three yard pitch, but are fine with having many incomplete passes or interceptions. Every thing you do is a risk/reward. I find it a good complement to the run game, but also the passing game. If you run orbit motion and they are rolling the safety’s because of the pitch man, then you will find some great play actions to utilize.
As always I hope you got something out of the article. It’s a great complimentary play that can be ran in any situation. Thank you for reading! Please subscribe, like, share, retweet, and leave a comment.