also: midline option
An option run straight at the middle of the formation, reading a defensive tackle rather than an end. The most interior of the option family.
An option run down the middle of the formation, in which the quarterback reads an interior defender rather than an edge player. The dive back attacks the midline, the read is normally a defensive tackle, and the quarterback keeps up the middle if that tackle takes the dive.
The reason it exists is that it attacks a defender who is usually not accustomed to being read. Edge players in a modern defense are coached for the read game constantly; a three technique often is not, and reading him puts a decision on somebody whose job is normally to be blocked.
midline optionveer, dive, zone read