Offensive Formations

What is a 'split-back formation'?

It's also called a pro formation. It's where the running backs, if you have two of them in the game, line up behind the guards and they are in a split formation, also know as a pro set. So that's what's called a split formation.

What is an 'I formation'?

It's when the fullback lines up behind the quarterback, and the tailback is behind the fullback, which makes an I. Usually you run your short yards goal line players out of the I formation.

What is an 'offset I formation'?

Offset I is instead of the fullback being behind the quarterback he's offset either strong or weak behind one of the guards. That's also used in your short yards goal line to gain an advantage running the ball.

What is a 'shotgun formation'?

Shot gun formation is one of my favorites. I think, it allows the quarterback to see the field, and see the receivers and what happens is, instead of being under the center and getting the snap from the center, he moves back about four to five yards and it is what is called a shotgun formation and is able to see the defense, read the defense, make checks as far as where the linebackers are, and it allows the quarterback to have better vision down the field.

What is a 'goal line formation'?

It's when you're all stacked in. It's seven men on the line of scrimmage. You've got your fullback in the game. You've got a tailback. You've got your center, two guards, two tackles, and two tight ends in the game, and you're going in to score some points. And it's where the big boys make their money.

What is a 'spread formation'?

A spread formation is when you have four receivers on the field, using a three by one - three receivers on one side, one receiver on the other side, and the quarterback is in the shotgun and you have a halfback right next to him. The traditional spread offense is usually a run offense where the quarterback can either hand off or keep the ball around the corner. A lot of schools have been using it like West Virginia, which runs the spread, and we actually run the spread at Mount San Antonio College. The spread offense is usually a wide open offense where you can run the ball and also throw the ball out of those sets.

What is a 'pistol formation'?

A pistol formation is basically when the quarterback is in the shotgun. Instead of having the tailback to his right, the tailback lines up three yards behind the quarterback. The way this came into effect is when the ball is snapped, instead of the running back waiting to get the ball to hand off, he sprints downfield and the quarterback just hands it to him. So, it gets the running back going full speed as he gets the ball. That was how the pistol was thought up.