Paul Johnson’s Seven-Step Process on How to Install the Triple Option

June 2, 2016

Paul Johnson has discussed how to install the Triple Option.

In this column, the information provides gives a summary of the rules, installing the Triple Option versus a 4-3 Defense to the shade side, installing the Triple Option versus a 4-3 Defense to the 3-technique side, installing the Triple Option versus a 4-3 Defense versus two, 2is, installing the Triple Option versus a 50 Defense, installing the Triple Option versus a Triple Stack Defense, and installing the Triple Option versus a 4-2 Defense (4-4).

This is the same order Paul Johnson taught the Triple Option to a group of coaches in Colorado.  You can be assured that this is the proper installation progression.

Part One: Install the Rules

Playside Receiver- Stalk Deep Defender (Block for Pitch)

Playside A- Dropstep-Crossover-Block Run Support

Playside Tackle- Easiest Release for Mike 

Playside Guard- Base to Ace

Center- Playside A-gap

Backside Guard- Backside A-gap (Scoop)

Backside Tackle- Backside B-gap  (Scoop)

Backside A- Pitch

Backside Receiver- Cutoff

B- Mesh Track.  1. 1st step at Playside Guard; 2. run through ball; 3. Read block of 1st Defensive Lineman inside the read.

Quarterback- 1. Open and get two steps in the ground; 2. make read; 3. step around; 4. get downhill.

Part Two.  When instructing coaches on the Triple Option Offense, after Paul installs the rules, the next step is to teach the Triple Option versus a 4-3 Defense to the Shade side:

Triple v. 4-3 to shade
PR- Deep Defender
PA- Run Support (#3)
PT- Veer
PG- Base to Ace
C- Veer to Ace
BG/BT- Scoop
BA- Pitch
BR- Cutoff
Q- Veer 1, Pitch 2
B- Veer Path
*If the Center can base-reach the shade, the Playside Guard has the Mike and the Playside Tackle veers outside and has Mike to Free Safety

Georgia Tech Head Football Coach Paul Johnson’s Teaching Progression on the Triple Option: Part Three 

When instructing coaches on the Triple Option Offense, after Paul installs the Triple versus a 4-3 to the shade side, the next step is to install the Triple Option versus a 4-3 to the 3-technique side:

If the Guard can base the 3, Coach Johnson wants the Tackle to go right to the Mike.  When this occurs, the B-Back stays inside the 3-technique.