by Lynda Lampert

Created on: November 19, 2008

There are many football formations for offense, defense and special teams. It is helpful to have a sense of the players of a football team and a working knowledge of the basic rule of the game to understand formations. Football is a very complex game when viewed in detail, but all the more enjoyable once you really get to know it. So, strap on your helmet, and let's take a look at offense first.

OFFENSIVE FORMATIONS

An offense looks like a set of lines. The offensive linemen are in front with their hands down. The quarterback is usually hunched over the center. For our initial purposes, the two players behind him are the half back and fullback. Defying logic, the half back is usually the furthest one back. The wide receivers are out to either side of the formation.

The I-set, the broken I, and the single back:

These are the three running type plays most commonly seen from an offense. In the I-set, the half back and fullback are lined up in a row. This is so that the fullback can crash through the defense and open a hole for the halfback if he gets the ball. The broken I pushes the front man the fullback off to the left or right to lead the halfback in the same way. In a single back set, a halfback is all alone. They can still run from this play if the offensive line can make a large enough hole or that player can stay back and protect the quarterback on a pass play. There are other exotic backfield sets such as the U-formation with the backs standing side by side and about a yard apart. If the team chooses to run, it can make the defense wonder who will take the ball. If they choose to throw, there are two more people to stay back and help the quarterback.

Empty back field, five wides, shotgun, and trips bunch:

Most of these plays are noticeable pass plays. With an empty back field, a quarterback has no choice but to throw. With a five wide receiver set that is five men to either side of the line that do not have their hands down the team is trying to maximize their number of available receivers. In the shotgun, a quarterback is not hunched over the center, but is standing a few yards behind him. Most times the back is with him, but this can be variable. The center throws the ball between his legs and the quarterback can be far enough away from the defense to prevent a sack. This is mostly a throwing play, but the ball can sometimes be handed to the back. In the trips bunch, a group of wide receivers line up in a tight three man formation to the left or right of

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>