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Tom Lombardo, Head Coach, St. Edward HS, OH

Watch the entire video Glazier Drive Video at: St. Edward Inside Zone out of Multiple Spread Sets: RPO & Play-Action 


BELLY TRIPLE OPTION: ATTACKING ALL 53 1/3 YARDS OF THE FIELD

This comprehensive breakdown covers a versatile offensive play that can attack the entire width of the football field through multiple dimensions. The belly triple option creates conflicts for defenders by threatening four different ways to attack: the perimeter, the alley with the quarterback, interior running between the B gaps, and passing into the boundary when defenses provide access.

QUARTERBACK FUNDAMENTALS AND READ PROGRESSION

The quarterback positions himself five yards from the ball, pivoting on his inside foot to execute the handoff at the midline. Critical technique involves setting the ball on the running back's hip and maintaining a "hip to hip" ride while keeping eyes directly on the read defender. The coach emphasizes looking the defensive end "in the eye" rather than reading shoulders or helmets, as a defender's eyes reveal their true intentions. This eye contact naturally tends to freeze the read player and creates hesitation.

RUNNING BACK ALIGNMENT AND EXECUTION

The tailback sets up two yards behind the quarterback in an offset pistol formation, positioned from the A gap to the inside leg of the guard. His aiming point is the midline to the front side leg of the center, allowing him to attack straight downhill. The play operates primarily as an A gap to A gap concept that may bend to the B gap depending on defensive alignment and blocking angles.

OFFENSIVE LINE BLOCKING SCHEMES

The blocking system uses a point/dot identification method with numbered combinations. Against a 4-2 box, the line executes two vertical double teams, emphasizing getting underneath defenders with proper hand placement and creating vertical push before working to linebackers. The coach stresses showing "five buttholes" in front of the running back, meaning five square blocking surfaces pushing defenders vertically like pushing a car.

ADJUSTMENTS FOR DIFFERENT DEFENSIVE FRONTS

Against 4-1 box defenses, coaches have multiple options: treat it like a 4-2 box by identifying the point outside the box, make the mike linebacker the point for back combination blocking, or execute a "five for five" call where linemen step with inside feet and base block the four down linemen. Against odd fronts, similar principles apply with the flexibility to either block five for five when overhangs are out of the box or push combinations when edge rushers present immediate threats.

STRATEGIC ADVANTAGES AND PLAY ACTION OPPORTUNITIES

The system forces defenses to account for multiple threats simultaneously while creating excellent play action and RPO possibilities. With the offense giving the ball approximately 68% of the time and keeping or throwing 32%, the constant threat of multiple options keeps defensive players in conflict. The play serves as an effective counter to edge pressure while providing simple relief throws like hitches and bubble screens that complement the running action.

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