AN OPTION PITCH that ends up dropping to the ground can be a disaster for your offense. We developed the following drill to help quarterbacks and running backs become more proficient at executing and handling option pitches.
This drill also helps your players work on other aspects of an option attack such as responsibilities for receivers and fullbacks, option timing and downfield blocking assignments.
You’ll need a line-split marker that represents the line of scrimmage and three shield blocking bags. Position a coach with an extra football on the end of the line-split marker to the side where the option will be run. Line up your players as shown on the diagram.
DIAGRAM 1: Combo-Option Drill.
QB3 snaps the ball to QB1 who reads QB2 for a signal to option dive with FB1. If QB1 hands off to FB1, the coach tosses the extra football to QB1 who continues on his option and pitches to the RB(1a).
The receivers and other RBs execute their option blocks by running to their assigned blocking markers and hitting the player holding a shield blocking bag. Each player rotates in line within his position on each repetition.
Flip things around and run the option to the other side once you feel that sufficient reps have been completed.