The Best "NEW" Play

[Option]

Enter your views on the Mid-Line Option:

1. Blocking variations
2. Methods against the 3-5 and other "trouble" defenses
3. Passing off the Mid-Line

[kc361]

We run our midline as a double option from the flexbone. We read the 3-technique like everyone else and the PST turns out on the next DL outside the 3-technique. The PSHB or slotback, ducks into the B-gap to lead up on the near LB. If the QB gets a pull read, then he follows the HB into the B-gap. This play has worked well for us. It has been especially good when teams gang up on the perimeter.

kc361

[Option]

Thanks, Coach. Sounds a lot like the way we run it too. What do you do with the backside slot? Motion over the top? Underneath?

[kc]

Coach,

Actually, we usually motion the PSHB who leads up into the B-gap. The BSHB runs at the snap to get into a pitch relationship...even though we never pitch on midline. For us, it helps to slow down LB play. In other words, the motion back usually runs behind the RB and becomes the pitch back on ISV and OSV. LB's try to get an advantage by cheating with the motion. When we run midline, if the ILB cheats, then the PSG gets to him easily and the midline is a big play. If he plugs it or scrapes with discipline then we know we can go to the ISV and the PST will get to him with relative ease. I hope I was not unclear...let me know if I was and I'll try again.

kc

[hayrikki]

We run our midline out of an I. We read the 3 tech. Since we see a lot of 4-4 we option outside LB. We block the De out with the TE. Our PsG and tackle will "track" the playside ISLB. If he comes to the guard, guard blocks him and the tackle goes to saftey or vice a verse. We stalk the corner with the Z receiver. We also run a TE reverse out of this. It helped us win a championship in O3. I don't know how to put plays up on the net. If anyone is interested in the reverse I would be happy to email it. Send your address to: [e-mail]

[wolverine55]

Hayrikki, at the school I'm currently at, we too run midline out of I. I've talked about this some under the playaction midline question, but we too face a lot of 4-4 and specifically almost always get a 6i to the TE. Because of that we fold block the Tackle onto the DE and the TE comes around to the backer. Obviously, we read the 3 tech as well. If it is a pull read, the ball goes to the Tailback whose aiming point is the outside leg of the guard. We run it as a double-dive basically, but I'm interested in hearing about teams (I formation, wings, slotbacks, etc.) that run it as more of triple. I believe Navy does this some, not sure about any other programs.

[hayrikki]

We haven't seen any 6i or what we call a 7 tech. We prepare for it but teams just don't use it. I would block it just as you said. I've heard of the double dive but not real sure of the particulars. Does your FB dive to the center and TB goes to guard? Does the QB ever keep it? I've heard others who use the TB as a lead blocker through that guard hole for the QB in a pull situation. You probably know about the QB follow off the midline.That play works really well when the PS IsLb is taking the FB dive and the 3 tech is going B gap to take QB. We block the 3 with the guard and the fullback takes on the LB, with QB following right behind.
I am really interested in any I option wrinkles that anyone might have. Thanks for the good site Option Coach!

[wolverine55]

You're right--FB up the Center's behing, Tailback over the guard hole. If the DT crashes down to take the FB, it is an automatick give to the TB then, the QB never keeps on our midline unless it is follow. We do it exactly the way you said it when we see a team defending it that way.

[LouCella]

The best way to run the midline is out of the double slot formation by using the following blocking rules:

vs. 4-man front
PSB- ILB
PT- block 1st defender outside the read key
PG- release to ILB
C- 1st defender backside
BG- cutoff
BT- cutoff

vs. 5-man front
PSB- ILB
PT- ILB
PG- Double Nose
C- Double Nose
BG- cutoff
BT- cutoff

2. follow the same rules to block the 3-5

3. A pop to the slotback or the tight end off the midline is the best passing play off the midline.

[tog]

wolverine55 said:

You're right--FB up the Center's behing, Tailback over the guard hole. If the DT crashes down to take the FB, it is an automatick give to the TB then, the QB never keeps on our midline unless it is follow. We do it exactly the way you said it when we see a team defending it that way.

how do you get the qb there and out of trouble?

[ttemple]

What kind of splits do you get? can you run the mid-line with 1 ft splits? we are a DW offense.

[bobdoc]

It would be hard to run midline with 1 ft splits.no time to read.

[coach LO]

Definitely another weapon to attack the defense with.Has the potential to attack right up the chute!!!

[BBDawg]

we run the midline the way most of you do, to the 3 tech, we also run a midline counter where the QB opens in the playside direction, then reverses back to the backside B gap after faking to the FB. THe backside slot goes in deep motion, but shortens it up and leads thru the backside B gap. This play has been good to us the few times we ran it late last season.

[Jason Bornn]

We run it out of split backs.

We align our rb's at 4.5 yards off the ball, straddling the inside leg of the OG's.

We read the 3 tech like everyone but we have the opposite back take a crossover step and insert through the b gap. He is looking for the OLB folding back in. We fold block the PST and TE (TE on PSIBLB). Has been good for us.