Must Have RPO's! Intro to RPO's

Option is Gold

RPO’s are one of, if not the greatest ways to make the defense be accountable for every threat on the field. They have to account for the run and the pass hence what RPO stands for “Run Pass Option”. For some of you reading this article the RPO’s are nothing new and you will be familiar with all the plays presented. Some may be new to football and want to incorporate RPO’s in your offense. I hope you get some ideas out of this article. My goal with every article is to invoke thought into your offense and what you can do to improve your offense. I am always looking to improve mine. Anytime I read an article, attend a clinic, or watch a video, my goal is to get one thing out of it. No matter how big or small. So anyhow, I will stop rambling and lets get into it.

I won’t go into great detail into each RPO. This will merely be an introduction to plays that are staples in our offense. But if you do not get anything out of the plays, let it be this one thing. All quick game in your passing game is an RPO. Yes, all your quick game can be tagged to any of your run plays. If it’s an inside run like I have illustrated below, than you can run an RPO to both sides. If you are running more of a sweep or stretch than you may only have the RPO to backside of the run play.

Quick Screen

Bubble

Double Slant

Slant & Seam

Slant & Bubble

Snag & Quick Out

All Hitch

Post Curl & Quick Out

All the RPO’s just like your run game and passing game should build on one another. For example in your run game you always have a counter to your base run play. Same with your RPO’s. Biggest coaching point I can make is Throw It! Don’t waste valuable practice time on RPO’s if you are not going to throw it in the game.

Now, when you do throw it there is two plays I didn’t include in the illustration and it is bubble and go and quick and go. If you throw the RPO a couple of times it is a great set up for these two plays. It works at all levels. But if you are currently coaching at the 7th grade-JV level, then those two plays will probably be one of your best “big plays” or explosive play. Well, don’t quote me on that. That was just from my experience, especially with my B teamers. If you have never called offense for the B team before you are in for a treat. That is for another article.

I hope you got and idea or two. Thank you all for reading! Please like, share, and comment.