Speed option
What it is
A two-way option run at the edge with no dive back — the quarterback attacks the pitch key immediately and either keeps or pitches.
Why it matters
Speed option gets to the edge faster than any other option because there is no mesh to slow it down: the quarterback is attacking downhill from the snap. It puts the pitch key in an unwinnable position — take the quarterback and the pitch is free, take the pitch and the quarterback runs — but it gives the defense no third threat to worry about, so it is easier to leverage than a triple.
Both sides of it
Running it
The quarterback attacks the outside shoulder of the pitch key at full speed with the back running a pitch relationship four yards outside and one yard behind him. Playside linemen arc or reach to the second level rather than blocking the option key. The quarterback keeps until the key commits to him, then pitches — late is better than early.
Stopping it
Assign every threat and honour the assignment. One defender has the quarterback, one has the pitch, and neither may take the other's man however open he looks. The pitch key stays square and does not chase the quarterback, forcing the pitch to a defender waiting outside. Support from the safety or corner must arrive outside-in, because a pitch man with the sideline in front of him is gone.
Also called
Programs call this speed option, two-way option or load option. The Coach answers to any of them.
Related
This entry is authored, not generated. It is one of 205 in the index that the AI-ssistant Coach retrieves from, and that Film Study tags clips against.