A golden brown, oven roasted turkey is the centerpiece, but the key to satisfying your guests at Thanksgiving dinner is giving them multiple side options.

Likewise, the key to moving the ball down the field during a Turkey Bowl is giving your QB several options to dish the ball. Allowing the QB to read the defense and react will make your offense twice as deadly on Turkey Day. That’s why the Wishbone Option should be a weapon in every Turkey Bowl offensive arsenal.

To run the play, your two running backs line up on either side of the QB in the shotgun formation. Your split end lines up tight just outside the RB on the right side. As the ball is snapped, the back on the right explodes out of his stance into the gap between the center and split end. The QB places the ball in the running back’s gut as he surveys the defense. If the defenders close the hole quickly, the QB pulls the ball out and continues laterally to the right. If the defense is late to react or is blocked by the center and split end, the QB allows the RB to keep the ball for a quick dive up the middle.

Meanwhile, the left side RB gains depth in the backfield as he sprints to the right, staying 2 yards behind and 2 yards to the right of the QB at all times.

If the QB has the ball, he and the left side RB continue to execute the pitch portion of the play. In unison, they attack the outside defender, maintaining their 2-by-2-yard relationship. If the defender takes on the QB, he or she pitches to the RB. If the defender covers the pitch man, the QB tucks the ball and heads upfield. In that case, the RB follows the QB upfield staying 2 yards behind and 2 yards to the right. If the QB encounters resistance, the RB shouts  “ball” to let the QB know he or she can still make a pitch to gain valuable extra yardage.

When executed properly, the Wishbone Option will leave the opposing team frustrated and defeated.