The option is a system of offensive running plays in American Football. The basic concept of the option is to have a player, typically the quarterback, run with the ball while observing the actions of one or more specific defenders. The play evolves based upon what those defenders do.
There are two basic kinds of option: Triple Option or Double Option. The difference is in how many choices the quarterback has during the play.
A triple option typically features a running back who goes forward into the line of scrimmage and another running back who runs parallel to the line of scrimmage in the backfield . The quarterback takes the snap, reads the actions of what's called the dive read defender, and decides if he wants to hand the ball to the running back who is running forward into the line. If he decides not to give the ball to that running back, then he will keep the ball and continue running parallel, alongside the other running back, down the line of scrimmage. He then reads the actions of another defender who is called the pitch read. That defenders actions determine if the quarterback will keep the ball and turn upfield with it himself, or pitch the ball to the runningback.
The double option is essentially the same play minus the first runningback. In addition, various forms of the double option and triple option may allow the quarterback the choice of passing the ball. In this case, the pitch read is faked, with the quarterback motioning as if to pitch, before the quarterback drops into the pocket in preparation to pass.
Due to the complexity of the option play, with multiple possibilities for the defense to account for, the double and triple option plays, as well as the option-pass, often form the basis of a particular team's offensive scheme.
The option style of play is most frequently practiced in Canadian football and non-professional divisions, such as NCAA Division I and high school football.
Modern state of the option
When implemented successfully, the option offensive scheme can be very versatile and successful, as demonstrated by the success of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the early through mid 90s. While several prominent teams, such as the football team from the Naval Academy still utilize the option as primary focus of their offense, recent years have seen the popularity of the option decline.
