The quarterback reduces the risks of executing an option play by adhering to several option rules. The option rules are part of the quarterback’s option technique: Your offensive coordinator and or quarterback coach has to cover every single one of these points with the quarterback, and be 100% certain the quarterbacks are able to reduce their risks via the following methods.
1. Always think hard end. Be mentally prepared for defensive pressure from the pitch key or secondary blitz.
2. When in doubt, don’t. When the defensive reactions create any doubt in the decision-making process, keep the ball.
3. Don’t pitch in the grasp. When in the grasp of a defender the play is over. Protect the ball.
4. Don’t pitch blind. Look the pitch in. Make sure the pitchback is in position to catch the pitch.
5. Never pitch off number one (except on options which are designed to option number two). When the ball is pitched off number one the pitch key can attack the pitchback as he is about to catch the pitch. Pitching off number one leads to turnovers and the quarterback getting fired.
6. Get the ball pitched to the pitchback. Use leverage pitching. Pitch the ball when the defensive reactions allow the ball to be pitched. Don’t keep the ball for a five to six yard gain when the pitchback would have gained thirty yards if the ball was pitched.
7. Don’t cutback. Run to the option alley on a keep to run away from the defense.
8. Don’t get hit. A quarterback is a quarterback, not a tailback. His running style is different, except on short yardage. The tailback can take on tacklers, the quarterback avoids tacklers.
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