THE OPTION OFFENSE

The option offense is a generic term that is used to describe a wide variety of offensive 
systems in American football. Option offenses are characterized as such due to the 
predominance of option running plays employed in these schemes. Option offenses have 
traditionally relied heavily upon running plays, though modern Option offenses now 
incorporate a large quantity of passing plays. Because it is a run-based offense, option
offenses are very effective at managing the game clock, giving the opposing team less 
time to score, and keeping the option team's defense from tiring. However, this also 
means that when the option team is losing near the end of the game, and needs to score 
quickly, they are at a disadvantage. These schemes rely on timing, deception, and split-
second decision-making under pressure, which, in turn, requires flawless execution and 
discipline.