What it is

In a halfback option the running back takes a pitch or handoff and then has the choice of running or throwing the ball downfield.

In a game

He starts as if he is going to run around the end. The defense steps up to stop the run, and a receiver runs behind them for the pass.

More detail

The back must be a decent passer and be able to read the defense quickly. The play is a trick play, used rarely, and it turns a running play into a surprise passing play.