Mastering the Gridiron: A Comprehensive Guide to Defending the Triple Option Offense

The triple option is a unique and challenging offensive scheme in football, known for its reliance on deception, precision, and disciplined execution. Rooted in the Veer system, it presents a formidable test for defensive coordinators at all levels. This article delves into the intricacies of the triple option, exploring effective strategies and techniques to neutralize its effectiveness.

Understanding the Triple Option

The triple option is a system predicated on the Veer System. The triple option, in its various forms (flexbone, spread option, wishbone), shares similarities with spread offenses, but operates primarily under center. The success of the triple option lies in its ability to force defenders to make quick decisions, creating opportunities for the offense to exploit defensive vulnerabilities. The offense aims to gain 3.5-4 yards per play for 3 plays and then get a new set of downs.

Key Components of the Triple Option

At its core, the triple option involves three potential ball carriers on each play:

The Fullback (B-Back): Typically aligned directly behind the quarterback, the fullback is often the initial read and a primary target for a quick dive play.
The Quarterback: The quarterback is the decision-maker, reading the defensive alignment and determining whether to hand off to the fullback, keep the ball and run, or pitch it to the slot back.
The Slotback/Wingback (A-Back): Positioned outside the fullback, the slotback is the recipient of the pitch, providing a perimeter threat.

Formations and Variations

The triple option can be run from various formations, including the flexbone, wishbone, I-form, and even shotgun. Each formation offers unique angles and blocking schemes, requiring defenses to be adaptable and well-prepared.

The Veer System

Bill Yeoman is often credited with the Veer system. The system works very effectively when executed well. it allows the offense to burn a lot of the clock and keeps the defense on the field to fatigue them. It can also be a very good offense for a team that is overmatched athletically and physically. When it is not executed to a T, problems can arise from mis-communication, most frequently resulting in fumbles or big losses of yardage. The Veer offense can be run out of many different formations. The shotgun (Arizona, Ohio State), the I-Form/Power-I/Maryland-I, the wishbone, and the flexbone, (a variant that Fisher DeBerry took from the wishbone) just to name a few.

The Read

Before the snap the QB (as well as the FB in most situations) will read the defense and see how they are setting up. This is where it is important for the QB/FB and SB’s to be on the same page. If they see the same thing in the defense, the potential for a big play is pretty high because there is likely a lapse in the defense. The QB takes the snap and then must again read the defense very quickly to see where the defense is attacking from and where the holes are. If there is a hole up the middle (blitzes from the OLB’s and the DE’s), the QB can either hand the ball off to the FB, or he can keep it himself for a QB Isolation/Draw play. If the pressure is up the middle, the QB will then stay in front of the SB coming from the weak side, while using the SB he is running towards as a lead blocker. The QB must then read the defense for a third time in deciding whether to keep the ball and how long, and when (if at all to pitch it to the SB behind him). Executing this can be very difficult because often times the QB and SB may not be in the right place at the same time, which can lead to a fumble or a big loss of yardage.

Defensive Strategies to Combat the Triple Option

The best way to defend the triple-option is to take away something that the offense does. When you limit the number of things that the offense does, it makes it much, much easier to anticipate what they are doing it, as well as where it will be run. The key to defending the triple option lies in assignment football, discipline, and a clear understanding of each player's role.

Prioritizing the Dive

It doesn’t really matter what it is that you take away. It can be the dive or the pitch, but I would recommend the dive. The FB dive also sets up the entire offense. If there is no threat for a play to go up the middle, it means the tackles can spread out, the middle linebacker(s) can rove, and the ends can just move outside. The best way to stop the dive is to get the linebackers into the holes in the middle, and control the line of scrimmage. The defensive linemen are going to have to maintain gap discipline and trust that the other guys are doing their job. As the ball is snapped, the defensive tackles have to win the line of scrimmage and cannot get pushed back. The ends have to move toward the middle and force the play to go to the outside as well. This makes the linebackers and the secondary make a decision to attack the middle of the field or play the pitch.

Assignment Discipline: The Cornerstone of Success

Each defender must have a specific responsibility on each play and stick to it. Focus on stopping the dive. Play the quarterback. Cover the pitch.

Maintaining gap integrity is critical against the triple option. Offensive linemen in option schemes are skilled at creating movement and exploiting defensive gaps.

The triple option relies on precise timing and execution. By disrupting the offense’s rhythm, defenses can force mistakes. Disrupting the Mesh Point: The mesh point, where the quarterback decides whether to hand off or keep the ball, is a critical moment.

Defensive Line Techniques

Defensive Ends: Their main priority against the option attack will be to make help contain the fullback and ensure that he does not get the ball. If it is a FB dive, they go to the ball and help the tackles make a play. The end position is so difficult against the option because of the sheer number of things that they are accountable for on one play. On the snap, they have to get a leg up on the line of scrimmage to either get the FB or get to a position where they force the QB to show his hand before he is ready to. This means, either make the QB commit to the run, make a pitch, or make a big hit on the QB to blow up the play on the backfield. This takes excellent footwork, speed and strength to do correctly. The body has to be in a position to stop the QB in his track, the speed is used to beat the tackle/TE off the line, and the strength is to get off blocks and hopefully make the tackle. Another option is to let the defensive ends read the play, and the “joker” type sets that Jay Sawvel has run in the past will help do this. If he wants to drop the defensive ends back in a QB Spy type defense, this is also an acceptable way to help the ends read the play better. Taking a 2-3 step drop into a shallow zone will give the DE a better chance of seeing where the play is going and help sniff it out in any way possible.
Defensive Tackles: One of the primary purposes of the NT against the option is to blow up the FB dive, and or hit the QB. If the play goes to the outside, they should try to get off their blocks and go in pursuit of the ball. They also need to dominate the line of scrimmage and try to push the center/guard that is on them back on his feet to cause more confusion in the backfield.

Linebacker Play

The linebackers have a difficult job as well on the field. They read the play and react from what they see. Their eyes should always be on the guards to see how they react. If they pull in to a trap option, they can follow and get extra bodies there. If they see the FB get the ball (which is very difficult because of the amount of bodies in the backfield), they should swarm there and try to jam up the middle. If nobody on the offensive line charges, (i.e the guards take the d-tackle across from them, and the tackles take the ends) the linebacker must look for a gap near where the ball is and swarm to the ball. If the guards pull, the linebackers have to go with them because that is where the ball is headed (unless it is a misdirection play, in which case, the linebackers will not be at fault there).

Secondary Support

The safety that is not in coverage just finds the ball and goes to make tackles. This could lead to another big tackle day. The corners obviously cover the WR if there is one lined up across from them. Their primary goal is to get off the blocks to help make a tackle or make the QB pitch the ball. At least 2-3 times the corners will be alone out there with the QB or the RB after the ball has been pitched and they will have to make a play or it will be a big play.

Defensive Schemes and Alignments

The defensive alignment you choose against the triple option depends on your personnel and the opponent’s tendencies.

4-3 Defense: Provides a strong front to stop the dive while maintaining perimeter integrity.
3-4 Defense: Adds flexibility with an extra linebacker, making it easier to adjust to motion and unbalanced formations.
4-2-5 Defense: Ideal for teams facing triple-option offenses that incorporate spread principles. The extra defensive back provides speed and coverage versatility.

Key Defensive Philosophies

Rub to Dive: Whether you are a 3-4 or 4-3 team you must rub to dive. You're defensive tackles in a 3-4 or your defensive ends in a 4-3 must try to collision the tackles and not allow them to free release to the next level. Keep the OT off your LB!
Read the Slots: LB and secondary should read the slots. Teach near/to far slot read concepts. In the triple option, the slots take you to the play 95% of the time. Arc release, true triple, inside release midline with no pitch threat. Imperative that you teach your OLB and Safeties to read slots. High motion vs quick motion, high motion where ball is snapped behind qb is usually rocket toss series. Twirl Motion: Trap or counter option back your way are the 2 most common plays you will see with twirl but they can essentially run anything with twirl.
Less is More: The best coaches against the triple get bored in the game because the game plan is simplistic. You don't need a ton of calls. Switch the responsibilities up, feather at times, fast play at others and mix in a few cross charges, but you don't need that many different calls.
Get Lined Up to Heavy and End Over Formations: Have your checks in and your automatic calls. You should have specific rules to these formations.
Take Advantage of Some Motion Blitzes and Stunts: Use your CB in the run game by pressing or possible bringing him at times with the motion. Hard to block a CB fire in the triple. The SE won't block him and the slot is forced to kick him out if anything. A Very effective pressure!
Understand That Option Teams Throw the Ball to Score: Be sound in your coverage but you really don't need to focus on underneath zones with your LB's. My opinion LB's read pass, add in to the pressure. Option teams throw vertically, underneath zones are not often threatened.
As a Defense I Want the Ball Pitched: I do everything in my power to string it out and get the ball pitched vs triple teams. I force the pull as often as I can and get the ball out on the edge where are speed takes over and runs it down.
Responsibilities: Make sure everyone understands their job. Dive player, qb player and pitch player. Try to get a plus 1 when you can. What I mean is if you're de/dt is rubbing for dive and they do their job, your LB should be on a path to the QB. That means your safety can play qb to pitch with your OLB playing pitch. You are getting a half man defender added.
Understand Flexed Sets: They run these condensed sets to try to get the ball out on the perimeter.
Understand the #'s and How the Blocking Will Develop Off Their Counts on the Perimeter: Very important to understand the system and how it operates. Who they will read for dive, will load block at times and pitch off the perimeter.
Work Your Cut Drills in Practice!
Movement and Stunts Have Their Purpose: You can move on the interior to try to give different looks. Teams have lined up head up and moved or show a 3 tech and 2i and move the other way. All have merit. It can play games with the dive key and cause confusion at times for the QB.

Preparation and Practice

Preparation is critical when defending the triple option.

Option offenses often telegraph their intentions through formation and motion.
Understanding how the offensive line blocks in the triple option is essential.
Option offenses often rely on a few key players to make the system work.

Effective practice drills are essential for preparing your defense.

In-Game Adjustments

Even the best game plan requires in-game adjustments.

Option offenses frequently use motion and shifts to create mismatches or confuse defenders.
Option teams often use counter plays to exploit overaggressive defenses.
While assignment discipline is critical, showing the same look on every play can make your defense predictable.

Mental Fortitude and Leadership

Defending the triple option requires more than just physical preparation-it demands mental toughness and leadership.

Leaders must emphasize the importance of discipline and execution during pre-game meetings.
Effective communication is essential during the game.
Win or lose, take time to reflect on the game and learn from the experience.

Analyzing Offensive Tendencies

A way to anticipate what the offense is going to do is to see what the center and the guards do. If the guards pull out for a trap play (where they become a lead blocker), this opens a hole where the guard will move, but it also changes the point of attack for the offense. If the defense reads the play incorrectly and does not see the guard trap, or does not stay at home when the guard does, it gives a numbers advantage to the offense.

The Passing Game

Option teams throw to hit the big play after they lull you to sleep.

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