Counter Option without cutting

[cd4td32]

Anyone have any experience running this play at the high school level without cutting #1? Are there any resources out there on this? I'm trying to figure out how to counter our option next year. We ran counter iso with decent succes. Didn't work well when 2 was "hot". Wondering what your favorite counters were.

[Coach Iannucci]

I ran the counter option for years without cutting. When we ran it we had good success. Delaware for years ran ctr and trap option without cutting and was very successful. The problem comes in practice time vs. amount of use at the high school level. Not worth the productivity

[coached4417]

If you are a flex bone team and run the rocket toss, I have found that faking the rocket and having the FB seal #1 as opposed to a pulling guard, then running option w/ the opposite slot back on # 2 is a more effective way of running counter option on the HS level because we can't cut. The FB is a better athlete w/ a better angle to seal #1 then the BSG and it complements rocket toss perfectly.

[Coach Iannucci]

Air force runs it with the fullback blocking # 1. However it is a hit or miss and cannot be run versus 7 man fronts unless you know you are getting great rotation. (no arc blocker for 3)

I don't understand what you mean by the opposite hb has #2. Can you explain how he gets there.

[coached4417]

I meant that you are optioning #2 w/ the opposite HB and the QB. Wasn't clear enough. I understand what you are saying about the 7 man fronts, most defenses we face rotate the cog. because of how much we run rocket and have success w/ it.

[deter]

This is a great play, I have run it a little (probably not enough).

Vs. 7-man fronts, I have the fullback arc-blocking to #3 and even reading off of the SE's block in case of a switch, coming from the backfield he has plenty of time to do this.

Good Stuff

[s73]

I have run the rocket counter option for 2 years now and basically agree with the above points. It is hit or miss, but when it hits, it has been very good to us.

I also agree that 7 man fronts can be tough without rotation. However, I think you can formation your way through that. I have found a nasty split SE to the call side has been sufficient to help this play go. He can crack the PLSBER or stalk the safety whichever you prefer and give you the numbers you need. Just have to be ready to audible away if they overload that side.

Just my experience.

[s73]

Sorry, should have made above post more clear. I meant unbalanced with a regular SE and a nasty split SE on the same side.