Watch Carlson explain it: Three-Point Play
Dale Carlson, a battle-tested college football coach, has spent years crafting offenses that are fast, smart, and quarterback-friendly. With stints as head coach and coordinator at places like Ohio Dominican and Washington University in St. Louis, he’s known for building up-tempo systems that outsmart defenses without overloading players. His “Three-Point Play” pre-snap RPO system is a game-changer, blending simplicity, speed, and structure to keep defenses scrambling.
Unpacking the Three-Point Play System
Carlson rolled out this idea in the late 2000s at Ohio Dominican and kept sharpening it at later stops. While many coaches lean on post-snap RPOs, Carlson chose pre-snap reads for a system that’s easier to teach and quick to execute.
“I didn’t invent it,” Carlson admits, “but we got really good at it. Every run play we call has a pass option attached, so we’ve always got an answer for what the defense shows.”
The Read: Boundary, Box, Field
The system splits the field into three zones—boundary, box, and field—with a straightforward checklist for the quarterback:
- Check the Boundary: If the pass is open, fire away.
- Scan the Box: If blockers outnumber defenders, run it.
- Look to the Field: If the box is stacked, hit the field-side throw.
This “rule of three” keeps the QB’s pre-snap decisions clear and fast. Carlson designed it to fit tight practice schedules. “Post-snap reads take too long to teach in a three-day install,” he says. “This pre-snap setup gives the QB a clear path. If he’s unsure? Run the ball.”
Tempo Turns the Tables
Speed is a big piece of the puzzle. Running plays at a high tempo stops defenses from disguising coverages or shifting late.
“Pair this with tempo, and you’re in charge,” Carlson says. “Defenses can’t adjust, and your QB runs the show.”
Rules for Every Spot
To keep it foolproof, Carlson ties reads to hash placement:
- Ball inside the right upright? Read left to right.
- Ball outside the right upright? Read right to left.
- Middle of the field? Stick with the upright rule.
Even in pro developmental leagues with narrower uprights, this system adapts and delivers.
A Playbook for Simplicity and Success
Carlson’s Three-Point Play system nails what coaches crave: a setup that’s structured but doesn’t freeze players up. By arming quarterbacks with quick, smart pre-snap decisions, the offense stays fast and flexible without risking hesitation. It’s perfect for teams aiming to play sharp and speedy without burying players in complexity.
“One of those three options should be open,” Carlson says. “If not, hand it off and move to the next play.”
Why It Works
This isn’t just a workaround—it’s a proven way to build confident QBs, keep the tempo cranked, and put defenses in a bind. In a world where offenses can get tangled in their own tricks, Carlson’s approach proves simplicity can still dominate. High school or college, this system gives you a clear, adaptable plan to stay a step ahead every snap.
Want to level up your offense without a total overhaul? Study this system and put it to work.
This article was inspired by “Dale Carlson – Pre-Snap RPO and the Air Raid Run Game”
