Intro
Below are a list of the most common Option & RPO concepts and terminology in football. I cover what each concept does while adding some key points along with various play images for reference. The list is in alphabetical order, but I will cover Option concepts first then RPOs after that. I use the latest football games like College Football 26 and Madden NFL 26 as a way to organize concepts so what you see below is from the Option Concepts section.
You may see certain words below like A Gap or C Gap. The image below shows what this means which are what gaps between linemen are called. The numbers at the top are positions of defenders which will be covered in future defensive posts. For this post though, the letter gaps matter more. Most run systems try to attack all gaps in some way.
Inverted Veer
Inverted Veer (or Power Read) is a shotgun run concept that reverses traditional option roles, with the running back taking an outside path while the quarterback (QB) keeps to run inside, reading the playside defensive end (DE). It effectively combines power-blocking schemes with the perimeter speed of a sweep. It is designed to create confusion for defensive ends and force them to make a decision against two fast-moving threats.
Key Points
- Roles: The RB runs to the edge (often a sweep or pitch path), forcing the DE to defend the perimeter. The QB reads this DE and keeps the ball for a downhill run in the gap left by the crashing end.
- Blocking: Frequently utilizes “power” blocking, featuring a pulling guard to lead the way for the QB.
- Reads: The QB reads the defensive end on the same side as the running back.
- Give: If the DE sits or stays outside, the RB gets the ball.
- Keep: If the DE crashes inside to take away the dive, the QB keeps and runs outside.
- Origins/Usage: Popularized by coaches like Gus Malzahn (Cam Newton at Auburn) and in spread offenses to utilize athletic, rushing quarterbacks.
Midline Option
Midline Option is a high-efficiency option football play designed to attack the center of the defense by reading an interior defensive lineman (usually the 3-technique or 5-technique) rather than an edge defender. It forces the defensive tackle to react, allowing the quarterback to either hand off to the fullback diving over the center or keep the ball and run through the vacated B-gap. The midline option is highly effective against 4-3 and 3-4 defenses that rely on strong defensive tackle play.
Key Points
- The Read (Key): The quarterback reads the first defender on or outside the playside guard.
- Give: If the defensive lineman (tackle) takes the fullback or scrapes outside, the QB hands off.
- Keep: If the defender crashes inside to tackle the fullback, the QB pulls the ball and runs.
- Blocking Scheme: The offensive line generally ignores the read key, allowing him to be optioned. Instead, they focus on sealing interior gaps and blocking linebackers. The center and backside guard often double-team a nose guard.
- Backfield Action: The fullback takes a direct path to the A-gap (midline), while the quarterback replaces the read defender.
- Purpose: It neutralizes aggressive, penetrating defensive tackles and forces them to become reactive. It is a staple of the Wing-T and Flexbone offenses.
- Variations
- Midline Triple: Adds a third option, often reading a second defender (such as a linebacker or safety) to determine if the ball should be pitched to an A-back or kept by the QB.
- Midline with Motion: Uses slot receiver motion to influence safety or linebacker alignment, often serving as a decoy or a lead blocker.
Read Option
Read Option is a shotgun-based running play where the quarterback (QB) decides to hand off to the running back (RB) or keep the ball based on a “read key” defender—typically the backside defensive end. If the end crashes to tackle the RB, the QB pulls the ball and runs; if the end sits or widens, the QB hands off. It creates a numbers advantage by effectively removing one defender from being blocked.
Key Points
- The “Read”: The QB typically watches the defensive end (DE) or outside linebacker (OLB) on the side opposite the play’s direction.
- Deciding the Action:
- Hand Off: If the defender stays outside, respects the QB, or plays “slow” (e.g., in a zone read), the ball goes to the running back.
- Keep/Pull: If the defender crashes inside to tackle the running back, the QB pulls the ball and runs outside.
- Offensive Line Strategy: The line usually uses zone blocking but leaves the targeted defensive end unblocked.
- Variations: The concept includes inside zone reads, outside zone reads, and inverts. It is often paired with an RPO (Run-Pass Option), which adds a quick pass component.
Speed Option
Speed Option (sometimes called Load or Zone Option) is a quick-hitting, edge-attacking play designed to force a defensive end or linebacker (the “pitch key”) to choose between tackling the quarterback or covering the trailing running back. The quarterback immediately attacks the outside shoulder of this defender, pitching the ball only if the defender commits to them, creating a 2-on-1 advantage in space.
Key Points
- The Read: The QB reads the last player on the line of scrimmage (usually the DE). If the defender sits or attacks the running back, the QB keeps it. If the defender attacks the QB, the QB pitches.
- Tempo: Unlike the slower triple option, the speed option is designed to get to the edge immediately.
- Blocking: The offensive line often blocks away from the call or uses down-blocking to create a “wall” on the perimeter. The play-side tackle typically works to the next level (linebacker).
- Pitch Relationship: The running back (or A-back) maintains a 3-yard deep, 3-yard wide relationship with the quarterback, trailing to receive the pitch.
- Versatility: It is a staple in flexbone, spread, and, with modifications, even 8-man offenses. It is often used to counter defenses that are over-pursuing to the inside.
- Variations: “Load Option” typically has a lead blocker. It can also be run with pre-snap motion (e.g., “orbit” motion) to further confuse defenders.
- Advantages
- Simple Install: Requires minimal, if any, QB-RB mesh, making it easy to teach.
- Flexibility: Can be flipped to either side based on the defensive front.
- Efficiency: It forces defenders into “no-win” situations, often resulting in big gains when executed correctly.
Shovel Option
Shovel option is an underhand pass (or short toss) concept that combines power-blocking, speed option principles, and RPO dynamics, typically used to counter aggressive edge defenders. The quarterback reads the defensive end (DE) while moving laterally; if the DE crashes inside, the QB shovels the ball to a trailing runner or tight end. Popularized by coaches like Urban Meyer, it is frequently used by NFL and college teams to create space and exploit aggressive defenses. All of this techincally makes Shovel a Triple Option concept.
Key Points
- Main Concept: Inverted Load Option/Power Read: It acts like a power play, where the offensive line blocks down and a backside guard pulls, but the “give” is a forward shovel pass rather than a handoff.
- The Read: The quarterback attacks the edge, reading the playside defensive end.
- DE Squeezes (Crashes): The QB shovels the ball to the running back (RB) who is trailing behind the pulling guard.
- DE Widens (Plays Option): The QB keeps the ball and follows the pulling guard for a designed power run.
- Variations:
- Sprint-Out Shovel: QB moves laterally to pull defenders away before tossing.
- Shovel Option RPO: Combines the shovel with a perimeter screen, giving the QB a third option.
- Jet Motion Shovel: Uses motion to distract linebackers.
- Advantages: It is effective in short-yardage situations, forces defenders to make difficult decisions, and acts as a safe, forward pass if dropped.
Triple Option
Triple Option is a versatile, run-heavy strategy relying on a quarterback (QB) to make split-second, post-snap decisions based on defensive keys. The three options typically include: handing to a diving fullback (dive), keeping the ball (keep), or pitching to a trailing slotback (pitch). The primary goal is to force defenders into “assignment football,” often allowing smaller offensive lines to succeed by limiting the number of defenders they must block.
Key Points
- The Three Choices:
- Dive: The QB meshes with the fullback running toward the center, reading a defensive tackle or end.
- Keep: If the defender commits to the dive, the QB pulls the ball and runs.
- Pitch: If a linebacker or outside defender commits to the QB, he pitches to a trailing slotback.
- Core Formations: Traditionally run from the Wishbone, Split-back Veer, or Flexbone (under center or gun).
- Key Reads: The QB reads defensive linemen or linebackers to determine the play.
- Blocking Scheme: The offensive line often uses “veer” blocking, creating gaps by ignoring key defenders (the “read” keys) and blocking everyone else to create running lanes.
- Variations: Modern, or “shotgun triple option,” can include a 4th option (pre-snap) or an RPO (run-pass option) to further confuse defenses.
RPO Alert
RPO (Run Pass Option) Alert is a pre-snap, QB-driven concept designed to exploit defensive numbers or leverage (e.g., light box, soft corner coverage) by switching from a called run to a quick pass (like a bubble or slant). It acts as a 2-for-1 play call, allowing the offense to “alert” to a pass if a specific defender or coverage creates a “hidden” advantage before the snap.
Key Points
- Pre-Snap Decision: Unlike post-snap RPOs (like “Peek”), the Alert is determined before the snap based on the alignment of defenders.
- Targeting the Perimeter: Often used to attack wide receiver screens (bubbles) or quick slants when defenders are aligned too far inside or deep.
- Light Box Exploitation: If the defense has too few defenders in the box to stop the run, the QB hands off. If the defense cheats in, the QB throws the “Alert” pass.
- Common Scenarios: Highly effective against 2-high safety looks (Cover 2, Cover 4) where the corner is isolated.
- Variations: “Alerts” can include quick screen passes (bubbles/spots) or slant routes.
RPO Peek
RPO Peek is a post-snap read play where the quarterback quickly checks (or “peeks” at) a specific defender—usually a linebacker or safety—to decide between handing off for a run or throwing a short pass, such as a slant or glance, into the space that defender vacates. It is highly effective against single-high safety coverages and light boxes to exploit run support.
The RPO Peek Slant is frequently used against “mugged” linebackers (close to the line of scrimmage) because the offensive line runs-blocks, forcing them to choose between filling the gap or dropping to cover the quick route.
Key Points
- The Read: The quarterback reads a conflict defender (often the playside linebacker). If the defender moves toward the running back, the QB throws the “peek” route (e.g., slant, glance) behind them. If the defender stays in pass coverage, the QB hands off.
- Purpose: It forces defenders to choose between stopping the run or covering the pass, often resulting in easy yards regardless of their decision.
- Implementation: Commonly used with inside zone, power, or counter run plays.
- “Peak” vs. “Peek”: Some sources define “Peak” as a high-risk/reward deep pass option, but “Peek” specifically refers to the quick, intermediate read.
RPO Read
RPO Read is a modern football concept where the quarterback decides post-snap, based on a specific defender’s actions, whether to hand the ball off for a run or throw a quick pass. It combines a running play with a passing route, allowing the offense to exploit defenders who are forced to cover both run and pass responsibilities.
Key Points
- The “Read” Defender: The QB does not block a specific defender (often an outside linebacker or safety) and instead reads their movement.
- Post-Snap Decision: If the defender crashes to stop the run, the QB pulls the ball and passes to the area the defender vacated.
- Handoff/Run: If the defender stays back to cover the pass, the QB hands the ball to the running back.
- Distinction from Read Option: Unlike the traditional read-option, where the QB decides to run or hand off, the RPO involves a pass-catch element.
- Types of Reads: RPOs can involve pre-snap reads (counting defenders in the box) or post-snap reads (watching linebacker/safety movement).
- Variations: Common examples include “slants” off inside zone runs or “bubble screens” off outside zone runs, making it a highly versatile tool for stressing defensive assignments.
