if were reading the 7 technique on speed option who are we reading

In American football playbooks, particularly for option offenses, "reading the 7 technique on speed option" refers to the quarterback's key defensive read during the speed option play. The 7 technique describes a defensive end aligned on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle (or inside shoulder of the tight end in some fronts).

Core Concept

The speed option is a staple of triple option schemes, where the QB reads a specific defender to decide whether to keep the ball or pitch to the trailing back. When facing a 7 technique (often labeled as such in coaching diagrams for its position outside the tackle), the QB is reading the defensive end (DE) in that alignment. This allows the playside tackle to veer release to the linebacker, keeping the read simple and forcing the DE to choose between the dive (already handed off) or the QB/pitch.

Why the 7 Technique Matters

• Alignment specifics : A 7-tech DE sits wider than a 5-tech (on the tackle's outside shoulder) or 9-tech (even wider), pressuring the edge on option plays. Coaches like those in spread or veer systems (e.g., influences from Dan Mullen or Demeo triple) emphasize this read to exploit overaggressive pursuit.

• QB mechanics : Attack at the DE's inside number for a tighter read, avoiding over-stretching the play. If the DE crashes inside, keep and go; if he squeezes outside, pitch early to the back circling the edge.

• Blocking adjustments : No change needed upfront—tackle releases, guards/base pull for inside threats, letting the read dictate.

Variations in Coaching

Different systems tweak the read based on defensive looks:

• Basic spread speed : Read playside DE (7-tech), no TE involvement.

• With TE or H-back : Block the DE outright, read the alley safety or outside linebacker (OLB) instead if the 7-tech is sealed.

• Zone read hybrid : If no edge on LOS, fallback to box count (e.g., 7+ in box = throw).

"I am reading the defensive end to the playside, where the playside offensive tackle is veer releasing to get on to the playside outside linebacker."

Playbook Context

This phrasing pops up in quizzes or coaching posts testing attention to detail—like "If we're reading the 7 technique on speed option, who are we reading?" The answer: the defensive end. It's from football strategy forums and AI-solved homework on option reads, trending in coaching circles as of late 2025.

TL;DR : You're reading the defensive end (7-tech alignment). Simple, effective, and playbook-tested.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.