The Triple Option is an OFFENSE—Flexbone is a FORMATION
TRIPLE OPTION
The TRIPLE OPTION is an American football scheme. There are multiple ways to progress the football with the triple option. The triple option is based on the option run, but uses three players who may run with the ball instead of the two that are used in the standard option run.
The triple option forces defenses to worry about multiple running options on a single play. The Quarterback makes the decision who carries the football. The Quarterback makes this decision during the play.
The QB makes the decision whether to give the ball to the running back (RB) or to keep the ball based on what the defensive end (DE) does. If the DE pinches down, the QB pulls the ball. If the DE runs straight upfield or directly at the QB then the QB gives the ball to the RB.
Fixed running plays complement the triple option. These plays look like the triple option when they start, but utilize traditional blocking. Additionally, they utilize play-action passing.
FLEXBONE
FLEXBONE is an offensive formation in American football that uses a quarterback, five offensive linemen, three running backs, and two wide receivers.
The flexbone formation is a predominant running formation derived from the wishbone formation. This features a quarterback under center with a fullback lined up directly behind the quarterback. There are two smaller running backs called slotbacks aligned behind the line of scrimmage on each side of the offensive line. The slotbacks are sometimes incorrectly referred to as wingbacks. But, in order to be a wingback, there must be a guard, tackle and tight end all on one side of the center on the line of scrimmage and then the wingback off the line of scrimmage (as featured in the unbalanced formation diagram).
Air Force Academy Head Coach Fisher DeBerry was once quoted as saying “we need to be more flexible in the Bone.” Hence, the term “Flexbone” was born.
