Stop Getting Burned by Option Pitches — Lock Down Speed Options Fast
Speed options kill defenses because most players don't know how to defend the pitch. Your defense takes bad angles, misses tackles, and gives up BIG plays when the QB tosses it outside.
The fix? FOCUS ON THE PITCH OPTION in your coaching adjustments.
Click right stick on defense → Option Pitch Key → Focus on the Pitch Option. Done.
This puts extra defenders in position to tackle the pitch man. Forces the QB to keep it and take hits. Makes them work harder for every yard.
Why this works: Most players struggle with pitch reads anyway — they naturally pitch it out. When they do, you'll have someone there waiting. Even when they keep it, their QB takes wear and tear trying to grind out 3-yard gains.
Let them run their QB into the ground. Hard to score 21+ points doing that.
How to Set Up Option Pitch Defense
Step 1: Click the right stick when you're on defense
Step 2: Navigate down to "Option Pitch Key"
Step 3: Set this to "Focus on the Pitch Option"
That's it. No complex adjustments. No fancy formations.
This coaching adjustment tells your defense to prioritize stopping the outside pitch instead of crashing down on the QB every time.
When to Use This Adjustment
Use this when you see:
- Speed option heavy offenses
- Mobile QBs who love to pitch
- Teams running a lot of read-option concepts
- Opponents getting chunk plays on outside pitches
Don't wait until they burn you twice. Make this adjustment early if you see option concepts in their gameplan.
Especially effective against players who rely on speed options as their primary rushing attack. Forces them to find new ways to move the ball.
Why Option Pitch Defense Works
Most players can't read pitches properly. They see pressure coming and panic-pitch the ball outside. With your adjustment, someone's waiting to make the tackle.
Even good pitch readers struggle. Option logic confuses defensive AI in this game. This setting minimizes the confusion and keeps defenders in better position.
QB wear and tear adds up. When they can't pitch, they have to keep it. More hits on the quarterback. More fatigue. Higher injury risk.
Limits big plays. QBs keeping it on speed options rarely break 10+ yard runs. You'll give up 3-4 yards instead of 15-20 yard pitches.
The math is simple — teams need to score 21+ points to win consistently. Hard to do that grinding 3 yards at a time with your quarterback.
What to Expect When Using This Setting
You'll still give up some yards. Option pitch defense isn't magic — it's damage control.
Good things that happen:
- Fewer explosive plays on pitches
- More QB hits and potential fumbles
- Opponents forced into longer drives
- Better pursuit angles on outside runs
Things to watch for:
- QBs might find success keeping it initially
- Some pitches will still work — that's football
- Defensive logic can still get confused occasionally
The key is consistency. You're not trying to shut down every option play. You're trying to make them work harder and take more risks.
Common Mistakes with Option Defense
Mistake 1: Trying to stop everything
Don't chase perfection. Accept some QB keeps for short gains. Better than giving up 20-yard pitches.
Mistake 2: Not sticking with it
Players see one successful option and panic. The adjustment works over time, not on every single play.
Mistake 3: Ignoring other parts of their offense
Option teams usually have other tricks. Don't get so focused on stopping options that you forget about play-action and screens.
Mistake 4: Wrong personnel
Make sure you have fast defenders on the field. Can't stop speed options with slow linebackers.
What Beats Option Pitch Defense
Smart opponents will adjust when they see you stopping their pitches:
QB Power/Designed Runs: They'll switch to straight QB runs instead of read-options. More predictable but still effective.
Play-Action Off Option Looks: Fake the option, then throw over the defense. Stay disciplined in coverage.
Inside Zone/Gap Schemes: If you're focused outside, they might attack inside with traditional runs.
The counter to their counter? Force them to prove they can throw the ball consistently. Most option-heavy teams struggle in obvious passing situations.
Keep your adjustment active and make them beat you with their arm, not their legs.