Sharpen Your Triple Option: The Triple Option Mesh in Chutes Drill
The Triple Option Mesh in Chutes Drill is a valuable tool for offensive units utilizing the triple option offense. It injects a dose of realism into your mesh point practice, simulating a live play-side look at full speed while maintaining proper pad level for the fullback and offensive line.
Purpose
- Realistic Mesh Point: Creates a more realistic practice environment for the mesh point, a crucial element in the triple option. Players experience the full speed and spatial relationships encountered during a live play.
- Low Pad Level Enforcement: The chutes serve as a physical reminder to maintain a low pad level throughout the drill, a key aspect of effective blocking and option execution in the triple option offense.
- Multiple Option Integration: The drill can be adapted to work on both midline and veer option plays, providing versatility for coaches to tailor it to their specific offensive scheme.
Description
Drill Setup
- Chute Positioning: Set up the line chute or mobility chute so that the players don’t run into any obstacles when running out from under chute while perfoming the play.
- Player Positioning:
- Right Play: For working on a play to the right, position the center and quarterback on the left side of the chute. The center should be directly under the chute, with the quarterback positioned slightly behind it. The right guard and right tackle should also be positioned under the chute.
- Left Play: Simply mirror the right play setup for working on a play to the left.
- Scout Team Defenders: Utilize scout team players to set up in either an odd or even defensive front within the drill area. Communicate the desired defensive assingments for the quarterback to read based on the specific defender being read.
- Outside Veer Option (Optional): If your chute allows sufficient space, consider incorporating a tight end into the drill to simulate outside veer option plays.
Drill Execution
- Full-Speed Execution: Players execute the mesh point drill at full speed, replicating the timing and movements they would perform in a live game situation.
- Low Pad Level Focus: The presence of the chute serves as a constant reminder for players to maintain a low pad level throughout the drill. This reinforces proper blocking technique and ensures they are prepared for game-like scenarios.
Progression
As players develop proficiency within the drill, consider these progressive variations:
- Increase Difficulty: Introduce different defensive front variations to challenge the offensive line’s blocking assignments and the quarterback’s read progressions.
- Defensive Stunts: Let the scout team perform defensive stunts to give the offense and even more real game experience.
Coaching Points
- Realistic Execution: Emphasize the importance of replicating the mesh point exactly as it would be executed in a game, even with the presence of the chute.
- Low Pad Level Focus: Continuously remind players to stay low throughout the drill. Utilize the chute as a physical cue to maintain proper pad level and prevent them from popping up.
- Reading Defenders: For the quarterback, ensure they are accurately reading the designated defender and making the correct option decision based on the pre-determined defensive stunt.
- Communication: Stress the importance of clear communication within the offensive line, especially when working with scout team defenders mimicking various defensive fronts.
Equipment
- Line chute or mobility chute (wide enough to comfortably accommodate a center, play-side guard, and play-side tackle)
- Football
By incorporating the Mesh in Chutes Drill into your triple option practices, you’ll cultivate a sharper and more confident offensive unit:
- Enhanced Mesh Point Execution: Provides a realistic environment to refine mesh point timing, communication, and decision-making.
- Improved Pad Level: Ingrains the habit of maintaining a low pad level in the offensive line, leading to more effective blocking and option execution.
- Increased Confidence: Allows players to experience full-speed reps within a controlled setting, boosting their confidence in running the triple option effectively.
The Triple Option Mesh in Chutes Drill is a valuable asset for any team utilizing the triple option offense. It injects realism, enforces proper technique, and ultimately prepares your players for success on the gridiron.
Originally contributed in 2007 by Coach Joel Penner, at the time Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator at Greenville College – The Greenville Panthers are playing in the NCAA III National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA).
Coach Penner is now the HEAD COACH/QUARTERBACKS COACH at Dordt University Defenders, they play in the GPAC Great Plains Athletic Conference, member of the NAIA
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