UCLA Football: Implementing the pass with the option

PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 24: Theo Howard
PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 24: Theo Howard
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PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Theo Howard
PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Theo Howard

Now that the UCLA football team has implemented the option into their run game, let us look at how the passing game will be implemented with the run/option.

Looking out over Spaulding Field from Lot 8 this past Saturday as the UCLA football team took the field for their first weekend practice since returning from spring break, I noticed that the quarterbacks were working on drills that are key to effectively running triple-option.

RELATED: UCLA Fotoball – Implementing the option in the run game

The quarterbacks, each and everyone of them, were practicing the proper way way to make pitches and shovel-passes, which are often used for runs out to a second running option.

Sure enough, when they got with the rest of the offense, the QBs were locked into the newly implemented option plays. Runs up the middle, QB keepers and second running back options to the side.

I wrote about how this should work for UCLA as they start to develop the style ahead coach Chip Kelly has planned in the article Implementing the Option in the Run Game, so give that quick read when you can as it helps understand the evolution of what Kelly is looking to do.

With a focus on improving the ground game, especially since Kelly’s offense is based in the run, it is essential that the Bruins know what to do and how to run the option come fall. But there is another ellement that must accompany the run game… the passing game.

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