The Midline Triple Option at Ripon College (Part II)
By Rick Coles
Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach
Following are the rules for midline triple option…
OC – Covered, base. Uncovered, double team backside with off guard.
On G – Block LBer inside. A Gap release to far ILB (”Stack” call) or MLB (“Mike call”). If uncovered, power climb on LB.
Off G – Base. If covered, you will get double team from center.
Off T- Step inside, then hinge back to protect the QB’s back.
On T – block the first LBer inside. B Gap release if On Guard is covered (2I, 2 call), or “Open” call. C Gap release if On Guard is uncovered (no call by guard). Vs. “MIKE” call (4-3), arc on OLB.
FB – exactly like traditional midline to side called. There is a dive read.
On Slot – “Twirl” motion until the FB departs. Turn inside, arc three steps, and block first defender outside the pitch read (inside veer rules if 7 man front).
Off Slot – SIT UNTIL THE BALL IS SNAPPED. At the snap SPRINT through pitch-back path and achieve and maintain pitch relationship.
On SE – block exactly the same as inside veer to your side.
QB – First man on LOS from 2I out is the dive read. Next man is the pitch read. Steps and mesh with FB are EXACTLY the same as traditional midline to side called. If pull read, attack the next man and read for pitch.
Following are diagrams of midline triple option vs. various fronts.
Diagram below shows the play vs. a 3-4 defense –
The diagram below is vs. a 4-3 defense. Again, the “twirl” motion slows secondary fill. It freezes the MLB, allowing less inside-out pursuit if the play gets to the perimeter.
The following diagram is vs. a 4-4. This is a great play vs. 4-4. Most even front teams will shade their front to the field vs. a balanced offensive formation. This makes it difficult to run inside veer to the field. Midline triple, reading the 3 tech for dive and the 5 tech for pitch, gives you a triple option play to the field vs. shade even fronts.
I hope this article gives you some ideas for your triple option offense. If I can be of any assistance, please contact me by email at colesr@ripon.edu, or by phone at 920-748-8773.
