How 4-3 Defenses Attack the Triple Option–And How it Doesn’t Really Matter
July 19, 2014
This is how 4-3 defenses, especially at the college level, attack the Triple Option:
This version of the 4-3 Defense is the most common alignment utilized versus Division-1 Triple Option colleges over the last 10 years.
These defenses love to run the Mike over the top to the shade side. They believe that they can get the extra player on the pitch.
The issue is three-fold for these defenses.
1- The “Slip” call takes care of the Mike running over the top.
Triple versus 4-3 with Slip Call
2- Zone Dive to take advantage of the Mike running over the top.
Zone Dive.
PR- Deep Defender
PA- Fold
PT- Base
PG- Base to Ace
C- Veer to Ace
BG/BT- Scoop
BA- Pitch
BR- Cutoff
Q- Veer Steps–Give
B- Veer Path
3- Quarterback Follow to have a lead blocker running through the uncovered gap.
Follow v. 4-3
So, as you can see, the 4-3 doesn’t give the defense an advantage versus the Triple Option.
About the Author
Two State Semifinalists, A State Finalist, and a State Champion in Texas have Come out of Dr. Cella’s Triple 
Option Football System Over the Last Four Years
Triple Option Football Academy Owner, Dr. Lou Cella, is a Sports Performance Specialist, and a 19-year coaching veteran of the college and high school level.
Over the last four years, Dr. Cella assisted in the turnaround of numerous high school football programs through his triple option-based camp system. Just months after Dr. Cella served as camp director,Cashmere (WA) and Timmonsville (SC) went to the state semifinals, Bayfield (CO) went to the state championship game, and Falls City (TX) won their first regional and first state championship in school history.
In addition, Hereford (MD), Johnson (NJ), Lakewood (SC), Petaluma (CA), Piedra Vista (NM), Poland (ME), Riverwood (GA), San Benito (CA), Seminole County (GA), and Temple City (CA)posted drastic turnarounds just months after Dr. Cella served as their camp director.
Dr. Cella is currently conducting empirical research entitled “Utilizing the 80-20 Rule to Improve Football Coaching Performance.” He possesses four degrees with an A.S. in Education, a B.S. in English, a M.Ed in Information Technology, and a Psy.D in Psychology, Sport Performance Psychology (2014).
Both the American Football Sports Science-Mental Conditioning Academy and the Triple Option Football Academy are governed by AFSSMCA, LLC. At the heart of the American Football Sports Science-Mental Conditioning Academy (AFSSMCA) and the Triple Option Football Academy is the mission to lead the high-performance football environment through sports science and mental conditioning coaching practices.
