DIAGRAM 1: Midline Option To Twins. We generally run our midline-option series to the tight-end side. But as we change up, we’ll run the option into our twins set. If the defense gives us an angle, we’ll crossblock the twins against the strong safety and the cornerback. This helps set up the reverse and reverse-pass later on.
The twins may have to call off the cross if the SS gets too far inside or blitzes.
DIAGRAM 2: Option Reverse. If a team tries to overplay the option by rolling the free safety over the top to the twins, you can counter with a reverse to the wide receiver. Use the wing back/flanker for the reverse (but you could also use the split end). The TE and the offensive tackle (depending on the defense) secures the backside defensive end. Everyone else blocks like it’s an option play, including the split end who cracks on the SS.
The flanker comes around and takes the pitch instead of the tailback who loses ground and avoids a collision. The reverse back works for his depth and looks for the ball. The TB gets out of the way!
DIAGRAM 3: Option-Reverse Pass. On this play, we usually open up the TE. This prevents the defense from overplaying the option side with the safety over the top. The defense usually gets in a 3-deep look, which allows more room for the receiver on the pass.
The SE starts down to crack, then cuts back out on a corner route away from the safety. On the crack-look, the CB usually steps up. This allows the SE to get behind the CB and run away from the safety. The safety often jumps on the reverse fake and will be late getting over to help.
Everything is run like the option reverse, except now the TB concentrates on the ball and the flanker avoids a collision. After taking the pitch, the TB tosses a pass to the SE. If the secondary locks up in man coverage, the TB runs the ball. The TB must recognize the coverage and run a fade route. Hopefully, the SS will chase the reverse and not cover the pitch.
The quarterback may be able to read that someone is on the pitch and throw it himself, but he’ll almost always have a wide open SE to throw to.
—Johnny Metcalf, Former Head Coach,
Erwin High School, Birmingham, Ala.