Musical Chairs: Packaged Plays and the Evolution of “Option” Football

[Saunders]

"The option play has gained a resurgence in football with the popularity of the spread offense. Relying heavily on the run, option football forces a defense to be disciplined and play their responsibilities. It’s still a very sound way to attack defenses, but requires a commitment to running those base plays over and over. The spread has allowed teams that attack with option and to carry an effective passing attack that utilizes the spread to get the ball to players in space. The zone read and bubble have become a staple for spread option teams as well.

Option is no longer limited to teams who utilize the traditional dive back, pitch back type of runs. Two-in one plays or packaged plays are the new trend in offense that has the stick-draw concept at the forefront of this trend. What teams are finding ways to do is to isolate a defender in space and make him be in two places at once which makes one of those spaces a clean void to attack."

http://smartfootball.com/offen...tball#more-4267

Some cool stuff in here, some of which Beck is introducing, and I expect to see more of it was our offense evolves. I've spent many hours on this site, it's awesome for X's and O's.

 

[Chaddyboxer]

Hey! Saunders is back!

 

[Hoosker]

Cool!

Thanks for sharing, Saunders

 

[I am I]

I know a coach who said, "in high school and college ball, some element of option football should be present in every offense. Run correctly, if even sparingly, requires a team to practice against it and be disciplined every snap; knowing that any play or formation could attack a defense's weakest link and discipline."

That coach was my dad, who was also an alumni and coach of DONU.

When all these teams (TT, Houston, Florida, OU etc) were going to a pass heavy, spread out, air raid in the mid to late 90s he pointed to teams like Kstate, N, FSU, VT as teams who lined up in even fronts and ran dive option, sprint option, and counter option as teams who still could control the clock and yet score from anywhere on the field.

As the option has progressed into a "spread option" (even into the NFL) it still holds true. The more things change...

 

[Count 'Bility]

It's why I say to this day if we'd stayed in the Big 12, we'd be a very VERY good team right now. Bo's style of defense he likes to play is more tailored to defend Big 12 offenses. Sure theyre spread out all across the field, but theyre pass first offenses with pocket type qbs, and, you know 98% of the time it's going to be a pass. Now, sure there are some spreads in the Big Ten, but they are more balanced with running qb's and the option aspect as a big part.

 

[Saunders]

Hey! Saunders is back!

Yup. I was on a bit of a hiatus due to being pissed at how the season ended, traveling for work, and having our second child at the end of December. Now all is well, and I'm ready for spring practice in 10 days.

 

[Chaddyboxer]

Congrats on the new addition!

 

[TAKODA]

Hey! Saunders is back!

Yup. I was on a bit of a hiatus due to being pissed at how the season ended, traveling for work, and having our second child at the end of December. Now all is well, and I'm ready for spring practice in 10 days.

The little one in your avatar looks like they are "ready for some football" Great pic and congrats on bringing in a little husker!

 

[mnhusker]

Thanks for the post, great off-season read. It is a wonderful thing when a team gets the execution and timing down. Tossing top quality skill and line players only makes it more dominating.