Zone Read “Slot” Triple

Zone Read “Slot” Triple is a Triple Option play that consists of a Dive Player (RB), Keep Player (QB), and a Pitch Player (HB).

In this play, the QB is reading the DE that is marked with a triangle. If the DE comes upfield or does not move at the snap of the ball, the QB will hand it off to the RB. If the DE pursues the RB, the QB will keep it himself and attack the next read, that being the OLB (Defender who is marked with a triangle).

The unique thing about this play is that the Pitch Player is the Slot Receiver. Typically in Zone Read, there will be another RB in the backfield with the QB whose role is to be the Pitch Player. This variation of Zone Read is creative because the Pitch Player comes from an unexpected player, the Slot Receiver.

If the QB keeps the ball, he will get into pitch relationship with the Slot Receiver. If the LB plays the Pitch Player, the QB will keep the ball and get upfield. If the LB attacks the QB, the QB will pitch it to the HB and the HB will get upfield and gain as many yards as possible.