At the youth level you can run the option with much success. I once coached at an organization with the midget coach running option (Pop Warner ages 13-15). He ran both inside and outside veer option, as well as some mid-line. He scored a decent amount of points. It looked like I was watching a Navy or Georgia Tech college game. At the older ages of youth football, the option can be ran with much success. I personally would not run the veer on any age level lower than 13-14 years old.
The option that I ran was the basic load option. Unlike veer, where you make quarterbacks read defensive tackles and defensive ends, load option means we will block the defensive end. I will block the defensive end with either a split end cracking or have my wing back hook the defensive end. This all depends on the defensive look I am seeing. My full back will fill B gap, help secure B gap. I see a lot of A-B gap blitz by middle backers-they try to time my motion snap count. My play side wing back will hook the defensive end. If he cannot hook because the defensive end is in a hard 9 tech he will tug on his face mask, this will indicate he cannot hook the defense end. So our split end will crack him because he has better leverage. The back side linemen cross face- cut off pursuit. Play side down block.
The quarterback will take the snap and come down the line of scrimmage, no belling into the backfield. The left wing back will come in motion on first sound of the QB and be the pitch back. The pitch back must keep good pitch depth in relation to the QB. The read is the cornerback; he will be closer to the formation because I cheat my split end in a bit more than many other coaches. If the cornerback takes the QB, QB must pitch to the wing back. If the corner-back sits on pitch, QB must keep the ball and run up the field just outside the crack block. If the cornerback sits, QB must keep the ball. The backside tight end must get to the middle safety. If all players do their job, this play can go for 6 points. Load option is easy to teach and it is youth football friendly, at least from ages 13 and under.
Quick tip: If you are facing good defensive ends, (which in most cases the defensive ends will be good) you can have the full back double team the defensive end with the wing back or split end.
Good Luck!
