Wishbone

The Wishbone formation is an option running formation that was very popular in the 70s and the 80s. It was created from the T formation and can throw a lot of defenses off. You can do so much from this formation. Its used for a lot of hand offs and crazy fakes. It consists of three running backs: a fullback lined up directly behind the quarterback, and the two halfbacks lined up right behind the fullback. Sometimes teams run this with two tight ends which is another threat they have to get down field. But colleges used this to mostly run the ball.

Pistol

This formation is very different. The quarterback is lined up away from the center but not as far off the ball as shotgun formation. The running back is lined up directly behind him which gives them the chance to run the ball straight at you and play smash mouth football or to do a quick pass. But also you have to watch out for everything like screen plays and deep balls down the field. Don't under estimate the team you are playing in this situation because they can through anything at you in this formation even sweeps. 

Shotgun

Shotgun formation is used mostly to pass the ball. The quarterback lines up four yards from the center and catches the snap there giving him more time to pass the ball down the feel. He has less space to go so he can get set up quicker and pass the ball quicker. This gives the running back the option to run the ball, stay and block, or go out on a pass route. 


This picture is so you can get another look at what the shotgun formation looks like. The quarterback is farther back so he can see more pr the field. When a teams goes into the shotgun formation you better watch out for the pass. 

Single-Wing

This is the Single Wing Formation. 


There are so many ways to line up different in the Single Wing Formation. As you see both of the pictures, there both the same offenses but there just lined up different ways. There are five players eligible to go down the field on pass routes or run the ball. In this type of offense there is a lot of spinning, turning and faking so don't under estimate the pass, or the run because either one could come at any time. this is a offense where you have to keep your head on the swivel. 

Pro Set

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                                                     One type of Pro Set Formations
The Pro Set Formation is also called the called the "split backs" or "three-end formation". There are two running backs in the back field who can either run the ball or go on pass routes. It is similar to the I-Formation and can be used for some of the same uses. The only difference is that the running backs or half backs are split on both sides of the quarterback in stead of being lined up behind him.

Single Set Back

                                                    Notre Dame is int the single set back formation

The Single Set Back formation is also known as the "Ace" Formation. This is a common offense used to either run the ball, fake a run , and you have to look  out for the pass to. There are many different ways to line up in the Single Set Back like the Typical single back formation, spread formation, and Joe Gibbs "H-Back" Formation.

There are three wide receivers, one tight-end, and a half back who can catch ball. But also what you have to remember is once you send the receivers down the field that always leave a big open lane for the quarterback the to run the ball. 

I-Formation

Cowboys vs Redskins : Cowboys are lined up in the I-Formation


The I- Formation is one of the most common formations used in football today. The I-Formation is set up when the quarterback(#9), the fullback(#24), and the running back(#28) are all alligned in the shape of an I in the back field. I-Formation is comonly used to play smash mouth football and gain yards in the running game. If its 3rd down with 1 yard to go you most likely want to line up in the I-Formation so you can get power and get the 1st down.



This is the basic I-Formation but there are many more like the offset I, Power I, And the Maryland I. Your only going to want to use the I-Formation for short yard gain but some team use it for a lot more.