Dive Key

The dive key (often designated as No. 1 in option counting systems) is the first unblocked defender the quarterback reads in an option scheme.

After the snap, the quarterback rides the running back through the mesh point while watching the dive key:

Give

If the dive key stays wide, widens his stance, or sits in his gap to defend the quarterback, the quarterback gives the ball to the dive back attacking the interior line.

Pull or Keep

If the dive key crashes down hard inside or turns his shoulders to tackle the dive back, the quarterback pulls the ball and works to the next phase of the play.

In traditional Veer and Zone Read schemes, the dive key is usually the defensive end on the edge of the front. In Midline schemes, the dive key moves inside to an interior defensive tackle (a 1-technique or 3-technique).

Playbook Examples

• Zone Readzone run with one defender left unblocked for the quarterback to read after the snapSpread Option
• Power Readpower blocking with an edge defender left unblocked to choose between the back's sweep and the quarterback's inside runSpread Option