Blowing the Top of the Coverage with Four Verticals and Triple Option Pass
January 13, 2014
Defenses cannot sacrifice pass coverage for run support when they face the Triple Option; however, many still do.
Utilizing the Triple Pass when the safety flies up on Triple/Midline is the #1 constraint and makes the safety pay for his aggressiveness.
Four verticals gets the extra receiver involved and stresses out ALL coverages.
The following is how to take advantage of teams who refuse to cover their zone when defending the Triple Option.
Triple Pass Right v. 4-4 (Split) Defense.
Versus ONE safety defenses, the Playside Receiver and Playside A run verticals.
The Quarterback stares down the safety from the time he gets out of the huddle and throws over the safety’s head UNLESS the safety backpedals at the snap–if so, the Quarterback throws the ball into the lawn (Playside Receiver).
The Offensive Line slides away from the call, the B-back blocks the 1st threat off the Playside Tackle and the Backside A runs the pitch route and kicks out the first threat off the B.
The Backside Receiver runs a 17-yard drag.
Triple Pass v. 4-3 Cover 2
Versus TWO safety defenses, the Playside Receiver runs a SKINNY POST and the Playside A runs a WHEEL.
The Quarterback stares down the safety from the time he gets out of the huddle and throws over the safety’s head UNLESS the safety backpedals at the snap–if so, the Quarterback throws the ball into the lawn (Playside A).
The Offensive Line slides away from the call, the B-back blocks the 1st threat off the Playside Tackle and the Backside A runs the pitch route and kicks out the first threat off the B.
The Backside Receiver runs a 17-yard drag.
Four Verticals vs. one-high safety. Both Receivers run fades, the Offensive Line slides away from the call, both A-back’s run verticals; however, if the middle of the field is open, the Playside Receiver runs vertical for seven yards and posts into the middle of the field. The Quarterback has a five-step drop and throws to the open A-back. The B blocks the 1st threat off the Playside Tackle.
Vert Right versus Two-High Safeties.
Trips Vert Right.
The Quarterback will throw the ball to the Middle Receiver here.
The Offensive Line slides away from the call, both receivers run fades, the Playside A runs a vertical because the Middle of the Field is closed, and the B-Back blocks the 1st threat off the Playside Tackle.
The Quarterback 5-step drops and throws the ball to the Middle Receiver.
Trips Right, Vert Right Backside. This is designed to isolate a weak cornerback on a wide receiver. The ultimate one-on-one matchup is right here.
Over Brown Right, Vert Right. If the Defense does not want to bring an extra man over to the OVER side, walk the backside A-Back up, walk the Middle Receiver back, and run four verticals.
Throwing the football vertically is why Paul Johnson commands $3 million/year as Georgia Tech’s Head Football Coach.
Vertical completions in the Triple Option Offense is where the money is. Spend your practice time here.
Triple Option Football Academy — Online Education for Coaches
