A no-back option series. (football play)

AFTER RUNNING A TWO- AND THREE-BACK option attack for a number of years, our coaching staff decided to look for some kind of exotic wrinkle that would complement our quick-pass series, while being simple to teach and easy to learn. Our initial idea of a no-back option series appeared to be unconventional and a bit gimmicky, but it did not bother us. Since all of its concepts and techniques were predicated on optional football principles, we decided to go ahead with it--and we have never regretted it.

As you can see in Diags. 1 to 3, the series features a lead option to the strong (3 receiver) side or weak (2 receiver) side. plus a play-action pass into the deep third area to keep the run support soft.

Our empty set, called Bluejay Right or Left, forces the defense to prioritize its preparation and simplify its package. Since it has to account for five immediate receivers, the defense must become very alignment and adjustment conscious. And whenever you hear people calling "who's got the quarterback" or "who's got the pitch," you have a defense that is extremely susceptible to mental errors.

The two most unique technique features of the no-back series are the blocking scheme and the pitch-back technique.

The three basic blocking schemes (Diags. 4-6) help propel the offense onto the defensive perimeter, expose the pitch key, and create a 2-on-1 fast-break option.

T Call (Diag. 4): Tells the playside OT to pull back and block the force (B), the defender responsible for the pitch.

G Call (Diag. 5): Tells the playside OG to pull and block the force.