The triple option is an American football play used to offer six ways to move the football forward on the field of play. The triple option is based on the option run, but uses three players who might run with the ball instead of the two used in a standard option run.
The Paul Johnson-concocted version of the triple option using a quarterback, two slotbacks, a fullback, and two wide receivers, known as the flexbone formation. Here, Navy is running the offense against Army in the 2008 Army–Navy Game.
An example of an inside veer triple option
An option offense is an American football offensive system in which a key player has several "options" of how each play will proceed based upon the actions of the defense. Traditionally, option-based offenses rely on running plays, though most mix in forward passes from an option formation as a change of pace. A successful option-based offense can keep possession of the ball for long periods of time, giving the opposing offense fewer possessions and keeping the option team's defense rested. However, because passing is often not a strength of the system, it can be difficult for option-based offenses to come back from a large deficit or to score quickly when needed.
The option offense can be run out of various formations. Here, Morris Knolls High School of Denville, New Jersey is running the veer option.
Urban Meyer's spread offense at Florida with QB Tim Tebow
A QB pitches the ball.
A lateral during an option play.
