Belly Option

Principles of the Belly option.
  The Belly option differs from other forms of option football in how the quarterback releases from the center. In the belly, the QB must get as deep as he can into the backfield on the first two steps. This is different from the veer QB, who works directly down the line.
  The belly QB reverses as deep as possible into the backfield before starting the fullback ride. To help in this move, the dive back must be align at a depth of 5 yards. The end result is a ride that develops slowly and requires the QB to come off the ride while advancing toward the line of scrimmage. This creates a totally different option read for the " feather-Technique " defensive end, and forces that defender to abandon his normal techniques of defending the option. Once you get the defenders to play the techniques you want, the advantage goes to the offense. Diagram 1 shows the angle the QB uses as he approaches the L.O.S . Contemplate the read this gives the defensive end. Compare this to the QB's option angle on other types of options ( see diagram 2 ). On other options, the QB works toward the sideline; then he must plant and cut up into the hole vacated by the retreating end. Also, on other options series, the diveback either gets a flash fake or none at all. This move doesn't cause much hesitation as the defender continues his drift toward the sideline.

Diagram # 1


Diagram # 2

Philosophy of the Belly Option.
   This Offense threatens the whole field until three steps after the snap of the ball. Every run and pass starts with the same action. Imagine the advantage of gaining a two-step head start on each play. It is the Blitzkrieg theory: attack the opponent over a broad front, force him to spread out his defenses, and then martial your forces at the point designated for attack. Finesse is the key to making the belly option work properly. Show the ball at one spot, then have it reappear at another location. In addition to the option action the QB is always retreating into the backfield, setting up for a potential pass.
   The belly option is also based on the series principle, which is that every play in each series complements the other. The dive,option,and scissors look alike and each helps set up the other. In the counter option series, the trap, option, and pass all develop off the same action.

Backfield Techniques.

  Quarterback.
      On the  outside belly we prefer the reverse pivot. It is easier for the QB to get depth into the backfield when he reverses out.
    The first step on an option right is deep left. This step is to be as deep as possible and straight back. As he takes this step, he is to snap his head toward the fullback to locate the faking pocket. His second step with his left foot foot should be made directly at the fullback. This step should be taken while going away from the L.O.S , but it is an adjustment that that is essential to create the meshing of the two. As he nears the Fullback, he reaches back at arm's length and places the ball in the faking pocket.
    At this point, while the QB is momentarily motionless, the ride begins. To extend the length of the ride as long as possible, the QB should take a balance step toward the dive hole with his left foot. When the fullback has gone beyond his reach, the ball is pulled out and the QB gains momentum by stepping with the right foot toward the 6 gap. This step puts the QB in motion and gets him to move directly toward the inside of the defensive end. When the ball is removed from the fullback's pocket, it is brought directly to his chest and held tightly in both hands, so that it is in full view of the defensive end.
    The QB is to maintain this 45 degree course toward the flag until he is attacked. Many times the crashing end will commit to the fullback's fake. In these instances the QB is to keep on the flag route until someone forces him to pitch. If the end goes for the running back, the QB will keep the ball looking to lateral later. If the end challenges the QB, he is to pitch the ball. The pitch is made with both hands in a basketball pass fashion; two hands from the chest stepping toward the pitchman. The lateral should be a dead ball toss, rather than a n end-over-end flip that is difficult to handle.
    The QB is permitted no fancy faking - no fake pitches , steps , or head nods. Fancy footwork merely wastes time.

  FULLBACK.
     His feet should be 4 1/2 yards from the line. His first step at the snap is on a 45- degree angle toward the dive hole with his near foot. He squares up to the hole and should run hard and low, making as big a faking pocket as possible. He is to try and make eye contact with the linebacker or the player with dive responsibility. He must be tackled on every play. When the QB removes the ball, he is to drop his outside shoulder and barrel into the dive hole. If the linebacker doesn't tackle him, he tries to intersect the safety or corners angle of pursuit.

  TAILBACK.
     When you run the option, your tailback may line up either in the I or as the offset halfback. If you don't have a fast tailback, it's better to run from the I . The I enables a tailback with average speed to get in front of the QB for the option, but if this same back ran from the halfback position, he would not be able to reach the 45- degree angle necessary for a successful option.
    Train your tailbacks to catch the pitch in the same fashion they would catch a pass. They should catch it in both hands. They are to look the ball into the hands and not into the belly. The biggest problems occur when the tailback is looking at the tacklers while the pitch is in the air. You can usually count on a fumble when this happens. after he catches the pitch, he is to continue the same route, which is a 45 degree angle toward the sideline. The pulling guard will block anything that obstructs the running lane. When the guard commits on the block, the tailback is to cut off his hat. This is the only cut you should expect the ball carrier to make.

   As Coach Troy always replies to me " I have shown you the safe, I'm not going to give you the keys. "  I have tried my best explain the major components and movements to this series. You will have to adjust something's to fit your style and players. There has been some seasons we didn't use a pulling guard due to talent. Or we had to put in a counter step for the tailback so the pulling guard would be at the point of attack ahead of the ball carrier.
   Here are a few belly plays but as you can see the possibilities are endless. We also split the ends to get better angles against the 3-4.
  If you have any question please don't hesitate to E-mail me.
Coach AL ( Coachers)




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