What AI Says About Defending the Triple Option

August 12, 2024

Defending the triple option requires a combination of proper alignment, assignment, and technique. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Assignment Football: Each defender must understand their specific assignment and responsibility.
2. Keying the Quarterback: Defenders should focus on the quarterback’s movements and decisions to anticipate the play.
3. Playing the Dive: Defenders should be prepared to stop the fullback dive, often with a nose tackle or defensive tackle.
4. Playing the Pitch: Defenders should be prepared to react to the pitch man (slotback) and pursue laterally.
5. Playing the Quarterback: Defenders should be prepared to tackle the quarterback if they keep the ball.
6. Support and Pursuit: Defenders should provide support and pursue the ballcarrier to prevent big plays.
7. Discipline: Defenders must maintain discipline and stay in their assigned gaps to prevent the offense from exploiting them.
8. Adjusting to Motion: Defenders must adjust to the offense’s motion and shifts to maintain proper alignment and assignment.

Some common defensive strategies against the triple option include:

1. Triple Option Key: A defensive scheme that assigns a specific defender to key the quarterback and make the initial tackle.
2. Dive-Pitch-Quarterback (DPQ) Technique: A technique where defenders focus on stopping the dive, then the pitch, and finally the quarterback.
3. Option Bracket: A defensive scheme that uses two defenders to bracket the pitch man and prevent him from getting to the edge.
4. Load and Support: A defensive scheme that loads up the box with defenders to stop the dive and provides support to the pitch man.

These are just some of the basics, and defending the triple option requires a lot of practice and game planning to execute effectively.