IT’S TIME TO COMBINE the great equalizers of the passing game and option football. To accomplish this, we like to use a no-back set in our passing game.

This offense reduces the number of defensive fronts that you will see and forces the defense to show its hand on most of their blitz schemes.

When linebackers see a no-back set they deepen their alignments, the secondary is thinking pass and the defensive linemen are charging hard up the field rushing the passer.

To take the pressure off the short passing game, we have developed a running game that:
1.    Controls the pass rush.
2.    Helps with offensive tackle vs. defensive tackle mismatches.
3.    Is good against man coverage.
4.    Simplifies the offensive blocking.
5.    Takes advantage of what the defense gives you.

The no-back set spreads the defense so thin, that it creates some tremendous running lanes.

Shuffle Pass
The First Option

We have developed a triple option using a shuffle pass as the first option. This eliminates the jammed mesh point that a crashing defensive end can cause. This also decreases the chance for a fumble on the first option, because a dropped shuffle pass is an incomplete pass.

This option also neutralizes a squatting DE who steps back to read the quarterback. Plus, it protects your QB by eliminating the need for him to run directly at a larger DE to execute the pitch.

QB, Receiver Responsibilities
The QB will sprint out from his shotgun set, which looks like a sprint-out pass. The “pitch” receiver will bubble toward the sideline, which looks like a bubble screen pass.

This play is not quickly identifiable and can be run to the strong side or weak side of our offensive formation.

Offensive Line Responsibilities
The offensive line will block down or check blitz and fold at the point of attack. The other offensive linemen will block away. The center, backside guard or tackle is responsible for the defender over the shuffle receiver, depending on the defensive alignment.

Execution
The shuffle receiver will sprint to the down block behind the line of scrimmage on the snap.
The pitch receiver will run his bubble-screen route and stay behind the LOS until the QB crosses the LOS. He will then trail down field in a pitch position.

The other play-side receivers will charge off of the LOS, setting up for the bubble screen.
The QB will sprint to the play side from his shotgun position, bowing back slightly. If the last man on the LOS charges up field, the QB will shuffle pass to the backside receiver who is sprinting underneath.

DIAGRAM 1: Vs. 5-2

DIAGRAM 2: Vs. 4-3: If the last man on the LOS stays, waiting for the shuffle, the QB continues to sprint, turning up field.

If this happens and the defender over the pitch receiver comes off him and attacks the QB, the QB will pull up and throw the bubble screen.

DIAGRAMS 3,  4: If you see man coverage with no one deep, use motion and don’t use the pitch.


DIAGRAM 5: Vs. Man Coverage

Create Mismatches
Use the no-back formation to gain advantages, reduce the number of defensive packages, simplify offensive blocking schemes and to spread the defense thin. Then by adding the shuffle option, you have made the defense responsible for option assignments as well.

You now have a play that helps control the pass rush and is a legal pick play for man coverage.