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Whether you're a seasoned coach or a newbie still trying to understand the complexities of the game, the evolution of football strategies is a fascinating subject. In a clinic talk, Coach Joe Austin delved into two innovative strategies that combined together revolutionize the option attack - the Triple Option and Run and Shoot. These tactics combined together providing teams with a competitive edge on the field.

The Triple Option for the 21st Century

The Triple Option is an offensive strategy that has been around for decades, but today's version is far different from its predecessors. The modern-day Triple Option is a dynamic strategy that keeps the offense one step ahead. This strategy is built on the principle of unpredictability, leveraging formations, and motions to gain a tactical advantage over the defense. 

The Triple Option is particularly effective in the spread offense. Here, defensive philosophies often provide predictable alignments for the offense, giving the Triple Option team an advantage. The key is that regardless of the formation, the runs and passes look identical, creating an unpredictable offensive strategy. This playbook can be customized to fit any team's needs, allowing them to incorporate their unique strengths and tactics.

Coach Austin explains it in this video:

Video: Triple Option for the 21st Century

The Run and Shoot Evolution

The Run and Shoot strategy, first introduced in 1958 by Glenn "Tiger" Ellison, has evolved into a formidable offensive strategy. It gained recognition when Mouse Davis further refined the concept, making it a go-to strategy for many teams. 

The Run and Shoot is often mistakenly seen as a pass-heavy strategy. However, it has a less-known side as a strong run offense. In fact, it is considered the triple option of pass offenses, sharing many of the same advantages. 

The Run and Shoot is an adaptable strategy that can be incorporated into different formations, providing the offense with plenty of flexibility. It is a high-percentage, ball control offense that is about staying on schedule. With very few concepts, the Run and Shoot offers lots of flexibility, making the offense right and the defense wrong.

Here’s Coach Austin’s overview of Run N Shoot:

Video: Origin of Run N Shoot

Seamless Integration

The beauty of the Triple Option and Run and Shoot strategies is that they can be seamlessly integrated into a cohesive, effective game plan. When used correctly, these strategies can leave the defense guessing, giving the offense the upper hand.

Here’s an example of the Choice Switch integrated into Coach Austin’s offense:

Video: Choice Switch Game Clip

In the ever-evolving world of football, the Triple Option and the Run and Shoot strategies are game-changers. They are pushing the boundaries of traditional strategies and bringing a new level of execution to the game. 

In the end, the evolution of gained by combining strategies like the Triple Option and Run and Shoot is an exciting testament to the innovation and creativity of coaches. 

If you are looking to put more fire power into your offense, then what Coach Austin has done to combine these strategies in what he calls the Tex Bone Offense is worth digging into even more.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski