by Larry Beckish

If I were running a version of the trap option, midline option or the freeze option I would incorporate a combination fullback dive with the bubble screen Bubble / Cut

The play would be a unique form of an option play.

The combination would be a `check with me’ play run from a one back formation to the shade nose guard – 5 technique side of a 4-3 defense.

Play Selection is based on the alignment of the Will Linebacker on or outside the tailback. With the Will head up to inside the TB, the quarterback checks to the Bubble. With Will on the tailback’s outside half or outside the tailback quarterback checks to the Cut.

Quarterback Coaching Points

1. Check the Bubble/Cut to the shade NG and 5 technique

2. Deep first step slightly past 6 o’clock – impossible to make the first step too deep.

3. Handoff read – hand the ball deep to the fullback to allow the Cut

4. Throwing left pivot on the left foot – front numbers to the LOS (right handed QB)

5. Throwing right pivot on the left foot – front numbers away from the LOS.

6. Don’t throw blind – the eyes go before the ball.

7. Throw the ball at the tailback’s facemask.

Tailback Coaching Points

1. Align 2 yards from the splitside tackle – 2 yards off the ball.

2. On the snap step towards the fullback’s tail as if going in motion.

3. Snap head around after first step, gain slight depth to run the Bubble.

4. Catch and run the ball to the outside third of the field.

Fullback Coaching Points

1. Landmark, the center’s tail.

2. Arms up quickly for a handoff. Sink the dive. Don’t Cut too quickly.

3. Handoff – run off the playside guard’s tail. Stay on that angle as long as possible.

4. Bubble – run as if you have the ball. Block the first opposite colored jersey.

Offensive Line Coaching Points

1. Playside tackle – open split an extra 6 to 9 inches

2. Playside guard – step with the inside foot to prevent NG penetration. Try to move the NG a foot.

3. Center – step with the playside foot down the NG’s middle. Aware of MLB in offside A gap.

4. Offside guard — on, over, inside

5. Offside tackle – on, over, inside

6. TE – on, over, inside

Wide Receiver Coaching Points

1. Split end – crack first defender inside.

2. Flanker – quick screen route – two steps up – three steps back.

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For more on the option from Coach Beckish:

Click here to Listen to Coach Beckish talk Option Football on the Coach’s Corner Radio Show

Order Larry’s eBook, Coaching the Option Quarterback from the CompuSports Media Exchange

E-Mail the Ol’ Coach with your questions at coachb@hargray.com

Coach Beckish is an expert on Option Football. The list of coaches that Larry his worked with reads like a “Who’s Who” among coaching legends. His coaching stints include stops in the ACC, SEC, and Big Ten.

Larry played for four years at Wichita State University (1960-1965), and was team captain in 1963. Upon graduating from Wichita State, Beckish began his coaching career at the University of Tampa where he coached both the offensive and defensive lines.

After two seasons at Tampa, Beckish headed north to serve as the receivers coach at Clemson under the legendary Frank Howard. He moved south again for a season at the University of Miami before returning to Clemson as receivers coach and he coached the Tigers from 1971-1976.

After Clemson, Beckish returned to his alma mater to work with the legendary Willie Jeffries, who made history by becoming the first African-American head coach in Division 1-A. At WSU Coach Beckish, the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator and the staff developed the Trap Option.

Following three years with Jeffries, Beckish became an assistant at East Carolina for a season before joining the Arizona Wranglers of the now-defunct USFL. He later coached three seasons at the University of Minnesota as the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator for Lou Holtz.

After brief retirement Larry returned to coach two seasons at Ole Miss (1990-1992) as well as a season with the Charlotte Rage of the Arena League. From 1995 through 1998 he coached at Duke. Larry recently worked as a ‘volunteer’ coach at Hilton Head High School in 2001 and 2002 before returning to college football in 2003.

During retirement from 1987-1990, he wrote ‘The Trap Option – 40 Plus 60 equals Option.’ He also authored, ‘I Believe in Cream, Apples, and Football – Thoughts for Coaches’.