with Tim Stowers,
Holmes Community College Offensive Coordinator;
former Georgia Southern University Head Coach, 1990 NCAA Division I-AA/FCS National Champions; 1990 AFCA National Coach of Year
Tim Stowers has coached the Flexbone triple option since 1985 when he was an assistant at Georgia Southern, and in 1990 he became the head coach. He started coaching the offense when it was in its infancy and has been part of all the additions and adjustments this devastating offense has had in that time. Under Coach Stowers' direction, the Holmes offense led the MACJC in rushing the last three years (2014-16), finishing third nationally in 2015 (314 ypg) and second nationally in 2016 (305 ypg). Holmes' offense averaged 30 plus points per game in 2015 and 2016.
Building a championship running game is difficult. Building a championship running game when you have an undersized offensive line is almost impossible. In this video, Tim Stowers shares the system that has brought him success again and again when facing this difficult scenario!
Coach Stowers presents the modern version of the wishbone scheme that is known as "flexbone." In this first of three videos on the triple option, he diagrams the basic "spread" formation that has become synonymous with the triple option. He goes on to describe the alignments and necessary skill sets for each position in order to successfully run this offense, and describes how alignments can be adjusted to accommodate for players of varying degrees of ability.
You'll learn how to build the triple option offense on basic strategic principles and time-tested fundamentals. Coach Stowers teaches you how to identify where and when this offense has the advantage. He shows you:
- The importance of "accepted tail motion" so the secondary cannot rotate before the snap.
- How to hold the backside corner with the X receiver running a hitch to keep him from running down the open field runner.
- How to use Numbers-Grass and Angles to determine which way to run the option.
Using a white board to diagram the basics of the flexbone offense, Stowers details the mesh between the quarterback and B back and the critical footwork used by both. He also demonstrates center-to-quarterback snap mechanics and the ball handling mechanics between the quarterback and "B" back in the mesh. Proper ball handling is crucial to eliminate ball security issues.
The Count System
To successfully run the triple option, the offense must identify which side of the defense they have a numerical advantage to if the defense isn't in a balanced alignment. Stowers describes the "count system" that he teaches his players. The count system lets the quarterback know which defender is the dive key and which defender is the pitch key based on who the offense is "loading."
Stowers also describes the concept of the "loaded" option in which the offense blocks the defensive player that would be assigned to cancel out the quarterback on the triple option. By tying in the count system to the loaded option play, Stowers also demonstrates how the A back determines who to block on the loaded option.
Quarterback Reads
If your quarterback can make the proper pre-snap read and adjust the play correctly, this offense is almost impossible to stop. Stowers covers all the reads the quarterback will typically have to execute in order to run the triple option. He describes the quarterback reactions to shoulder squeeze, QB read and mesh charge, which are common reactions the quarterback will get from the dive key defender. Stowers also describes the "area read" in which the quarterback will read a tandem of players when their alignment dictates the defense may run a stunt to confuse the quarterback's read progression.
Coach Stowers presents a fantastic outline of what you need to do to create and execute an effective triple option offense!
76 minutes. 2017.
FD-05231B:
with Tim Stowers,
Holmes Community College Offensive Coordinator;
former Georgia Southern University Head Coach, 1990 NCAA Division I-AA/FCS National Champions; 1990 AFCA National Coach of Year
Tim Stowers has coached the Flexbone triple option since 1985 when he was an assistant at Georgia Southern, and in 1990 he became the head coach. He started coaching the offense when it was in its infancy and has been part of all the additions and adjustments this devastating offense has had in that time. Under Coach Stowers' direction, the Holmes offense led the MACJC in rushing the last three years (2014-16), finishing third nationally in 2015 (314 ypg) and second nationally in 2016 (305 ypg). Holmes' offense averaged 30 plus points per game in 2015 and 2016.
Discover a system that will allow you to maintain maximum control while still giving your offense flexibility. Tim Stowers presents the modern version of the wishbone scheme that's known as flexbone. In this second of three videos, Coach Stowers teaches a running game system that's quick to implement and that can be easily executed by an offense with minimal skill. The QB's reads and options are precise and well-defined, while the O-line's blocking is based on a strategic numbers system.
Quarterback Mechanics for the Triple Option
Stowers teaches his quarterbacks to pitch the ball using the "thumbs down" method, which suits his philosophy of attacking the inside half of the pitch key, as well as "accepted tail motion" by the A backs using a rhythmic snap count.
Stowers then explains how he coaches quarterbacks to handle "1 and 2 hard," which is a common scheme defenses will employ to force the quarterback into a bad read. He also describes the "towel drill" that he uses to teach the A backs how to arc block on the proper path.
Loop and Veer In Blocking Schemes
By utilizing various blocking schemes, the triple option offense can take advantage of the defense's alignment and gap assignment principles to give itself the advantage. The "loop" scheme is utilized when the defense places the dive key inside of the offensive tackle or when the middle linebacker is running out to the alley.
Stowers explains how the "veer in" scheme can be used instead of a combination block to run the triple option to the "three technique" to gain an extra blocker on the play.
Zone Dive Play
Discover how the zone dive play can be utilized as a complement to the triple option when the defense runs the linebackers outside of the "veer block" of the tackle. The backfield action and mesh between the quarterback and B back is identical to the triple option, making it impossible for the defense to distinguish between triple option and zone dive. Coach Stowers goes into detail about how he utilizes the zone dive play to the side of the three technique, especially when the center is uncovered.
Stowers also explains what his thought process would be in terms of play calling with the triple option depending on some common things the defense would do.
Whether you're switching to the triple option or looking to improve on your own system, this video from Coach Stowers is a great resource to enhance your team's play.
78 minutes. 2017.
FD-05231C:
with Tim Stowers,
Holmes Community College Offensive Coordinator;
former Georgia Southern University Head Coach, 1990 NCAA Division I-AA/FCS National Champions; 1990 AFCA National Coach of Year
Tim Stowers has coached the Flexbone triple option since 1985 when he was an assistant at Georgia Southern, and in 1990 he became the head coach. He started coaching the offense when it was in its infancy and has been part of all the additions and adjustments this devastating offense has had in that time. Under Coach Stowers' direction, the Holmes offense led the MACJC in rushing the last three years (2014-16), finishing third nationally in 2015 (314 ypg) and second nationally in 2016 (305 ypg). Holmes' offense averaged 30 plus points per game in 2015 and 2016.
The triple option has proven to be one of the most potent rushing attacks in the history of college football. In this presentation, Tim Stowers presents the modern version of the wishbone scheme that is known as the flexbone.
Stowers shares some advanced thoughts regarding the triple option, and specifically how to make adjustments to defensive looks. Using a white board as he coaches you on the more advanced concepts in the triple option, Stowers leaves 'no stone left unturned' as he diagrams plays versus every known defense.
Blocking Schemes and Adjustments
Make specific blocking adjustments to deal with almost any front you'll see. Stowers begins by presenting how the blocking scheme and quarterback's footwork can be adjusted against odd front defenses. One of the most common defenses was the "double eagle" look in which the defense employs an extra defensive lineman in order to make running the ball more difficult. Stowers shows how the basic triple option play can be adjusted to present an "outside veer" look to the defense in which the offense can more easily account for all the defenders.
Stowers provides examples of adjustments to the triple option scheme, including how to adjust the blocking to a "loop" scheme in order to run the triple option play against the odd stack, 4-3, and 6-1 defensive schemes. Also, Stowers diagrams the midline option, which is a double option play that complements the triple option. By running the midline option, the offense can read a dominant interior defensive lineman rather than having to block him.
Coach Stowers also diagrams his "deuce block" adjustment in which the offense can counter how modern 4-3 teams will try to defend the triple option.
Play Action Passes
Play action passes are one of the most devastating aspects of the triple option offense. Stowers diagrams some play action passes that are a vital component of the triple option. The vertical, Wheel and Tunnel routes are discussed in depth, as well as the blocking schemes up front. He diagrams the route breaks and adjustments to various coverages, as well as the quarterback's mechanics and read progression on the play action passes. Coach Stowers also discusses the rationale for running each play and when one particular play may be better than the other.
If you run the triple option and are looking to maximize its effectiveness, this is the video for you!
75 minutes. 2017.