THE UNSTOPPABLE EXTREME Option Offense is the perfect offense for an underdog. Just like with every good offense, this one incorporates surprise and deception into its scheme.

It is a true four-corner offense in that it stretches the defense both vertically and laterally. Operating out of the shotgun formation, you are putting the defensive backs in a bind because they must decide between sticking with their receiver or releasing to come to the line and defend the option. Either way, you have an answer and the defense ends up with more questions.

For the Unstoppable Extreme Option Offense to be successful, you must pass early to make sure the defense respects this aspect of your game. Plus, by passing, it shows you if any of the defensive backs turn their backs while covering their respective receiver.

To add to the defense’s confusion, they must determine who is responsible for backside containment. Use counter plays to force the defense to assign someone to backside containment, which keeps one less player available to block and gives your offense a numbers advantage.

DIAGRAM 1: Pass To 4. 1 runs a long post pattern to stretch the defense. Also stretching the defense is 3, who is running a vertical pattern. 5 runs a drag route. 2 goes in motion to show the defense the possibility of him receiving a pitch from the quarterback. The QB fakes the pitch to

2, runs to the right, sets up and throws to 4, who is running a comeback route to the sideline. This play is necessary to set up the option.



DIAGRAM 2: Sprint Option. 2 goes in motion and runs the option with the QB. 1 runs the same route as in Diagram 1. 5 crosses to the middle. 3 and 4 run vertical routes. By running this play from the five-receiver set, you are putting a tremendous amount of pressure on the defense.


DIAGRAM 3: With An Ace Back. This play features an ace back behind the QB in the shotgun. 1 runs a deep route heading to the middle of the field. 4 runs the same route just a few yards shallower from the right side of the field. 2, from the left side of the field, also crosses into the middle at a shorter depth than 4. 3 runs a vertical route up the sideline. The QB and the ace back run the option. If you pass in this play, 1 and 2 are the main targets.


Counter Option

DIAGRAM 4: Counter Option. 1, 2, 3 and 4 run the same patterns as the previous play. This time the QB and ace back reverse fields. With 1 and 2 clearing the left side of the field via their routes, so this should be a big gainer for your team. Plus, the defense has to assign a player the role of backside containment after seeing this play, which means your future plays should have one less defensive player to block.


Triple Option

DIAGRAM 5: Triple Option. In this formation the ace back lines up next to the QB. 2 goes in motion to possibly receive the pitch on the option. The right tackle moves to block the middle linebacker. The QB’s read is the left outside LB. If that player moves to tackle the ace back, the QB runs the option with 2. If the left OLB comes across the line of scrimmage to play the option, the QB hands off to the ace back.


DIAGRAM 6: Counter Option 1. The receiver responsibilities are almost identical as the previous play. The only difference is that 1 runs a pattern that ends up in the middle of the field. In this case, if S follows 2 when he goes in motion, the QB calls this counter play so he can run into the now-open space on the left side of the field.


DIAGRAM 7: Counter Option 2. This is another counter option to use as an alternative. Basically, all player responsibilities are the same in Diagram 6, only this time 4 runs a post pattern. 2 still comes in motion but he reverses his field to run the option with the QB.


DIAGRAM 8: Lead Blocker. A similar play to the Triple Option in Diagram 5. 1 runs a vertical pattern. 3 begins a route toward the middle of the field, then runs an out pattern. The tight end is lined up slightly in the backfield and acts as the lead blocker for the ace back. This draws the OLB to play the run and pulls in the deep safety — setting up the passing game for your team. 2 goes in motion and comes around to the other side. The QB then either runs the options with 2 or has 3 open while running his out pattern. 


DIAGRAM 9: Counter Option 3. This play is a counter option off the Lead Blocker play in Diagram 8. 1 and 3 run vertical routes to stretch the defense. The TE is the lead blocker for the ace back who receives a fake handoff from the QB. 2 comes in motion again but stops and reverses his field to run the option play with the QB. This play keys on the safety on the left side of the formation. The fake handoff to the ace back should draw him into the line to play the run, which opens up the option game running to the outside on the left.



DIAGRAM 10: Direct Snap To 3. Really mix up the defense with this play. Have the 3 WRs line up in the shotgun formation with the QB lined up as a back behind him. The direct snap goes to 3. 1 runs a deep post pattern. 2 runs a square-in to the middle. 5 runs a route toward the middle of the field, then breaks to the outside. 4 makes his way to the outside, then runs a vertical route up the right sideline. 3 and the QB run to the right with 3 pitching the ball and the QB having plenty of downfield options at his disposal.


DIAGRAM 11: Shovel Pass. The QB is back in his regular position in the shotgun formation. The ace back is lined up next to him and the rest of the squad is in a four-receiver set. The outside receivers (1 and 4) run vertical routes. The inside receivers (2 and 3) runs to their respective sidelines, then run vertical patterns. Having four receivers go deep opens up the field for your running game. In this case, the running game consists of the QB dropping back to pass but then stopping and throwing a shovel pass to the ace back. The middle of the field should be wide open for the ace back to pick his spot.


Sprint Option

DIAGRAM 12: Sprint Option. This play simulates the Triple Option from Diagram 5. 1 runs a vertical route. 3 and 4 curl into the middle of the field as decoys and ready themselves for blocking purposes. The ace back gets a fake handoff, then blocks. 2 comes in motion prior to the snap. 2 runs the option with the QB around the right side. The right side of the field should be open as the secondary players assigned to 3 and 4 have to move with them. With 1 running a vertical pattern, the safety must chase him most of the time. 3 is in the perfect position to block the safety. Your right OT goes to the second level and blocks the LB, setting up your team for a big yardage play, especially because by this point the defense has to be confused by the different sets, plays, formations and options it already has seen.


By using the pass from four- and five-receiver formations to set up the run, the Unstoppable Extreme Option Offense becomes...unstoppable.