Single-wing formation
The single-wing formation (Eng .: one-wing formation ) is an offense formation in American football .
description
The single-wing formation is a football attack formation that basically consists of five offensive linemen (two tackles , two guards and the center), two tight ends supporting the line , a quarterback and three running backs. The asymmetrical arrangement of the players is characteristic:
- Offensive line : The center (C) is flanked by both guards (G) as usual, but next to the left guard there is only the left tight end (TE), while next to the right guard both tackles (T) and the right tight End (TE) stand.
- Backfield : to the right behind the right tight end is the outermost running back, the so-called wingback (WB). Behind him on the left is the quarterback (QB), who in this case is more of a blocker than a playmaker and is therefore also called the blocking back . To the left behind the quarterback is the fullback (FB), who usually receives the snap in this formation . Left behind the fullback is the rearmost backfield player, the tailback (TB). This list shows that the center can snap to the fullback, quarterback and tailback.
This formation results in a jagged arrangement of the players (see picture), which is reminiscent of a single wing. The right-handedness of the single wing is due to the fact that most of the players are right-handed, and it is advisable to hold the football in your outer hand when playing running plays. Since many running plays go over the right side in the single wing, the usual right hand is on the outside for right-handers. This reduces the risk of fumbles .
Style of play
The single-wing formation favors the running game over the four running backs. Due to the deliberate right-wing division, pressure is exerted on the left side of the defense. In the offensive line, the two tackles on the right can block away the opposing defensive end so that your own ball carrier (one of the running backs or the right tight end) can pass by on the right. The four running backs can stand double or triple blocks one below the other, pass the football back and forth or pretend to confuse the opponent. Should the opponent strengthen his left defense, holes will appear on the other flank.
A variety of running game options can be performed with little effort, confusing the opponent. Further advantages are the low risk of losing the ball in the event of an unsuccessful snap, as there are three backs deep in the backfield, the lower ball loss rate because less is thrown, and the educational factor, as many players are involved in blocking and passing in the single-wing offense are. The disadvantage of this system is the limited throwing game, since no wide receiver is planned that can take long passes and the role of the quarterback (the team's best thrower) is minimized from the start.
The single-wing formation is ideal for teams with a versatile fullback and without a classic quarterback. The reason for this is that the fullback in this system is a classic “triple threat” player who should run, pass and punch well. A quarterback is unimportant in this system as it is used more as a blocker. Since the center usually snaps to the full, but also as a trick move, but also to the quarter and tailback, this player must be able to snap particularly precisely.
history
In the early days of American football, forward passes were illegal or rarely used. In the early 20th century, Glenn Warner , known as "Pop", coached a football team made up of Native Americans , the Carlisle Indians . Since he had small, but fast and strong throwing players, Warner put a running back on the wing ("wingback") and introduced various trick plays in which the backs tossed the balls or pretended to do so. He also taught them how to sometimes pumping on the second or third down to surprise the opponent. Among them was a then 17-year-old fullback, the future decathlon Olympic champion Jim Thorpe . Thorpe was both a good runner, thrower and punter, a so-called "triple threat" player, who got a lot of ball contacts in this system.
Until the 1930s, the single-wing formation was the preferred style of play for college and professional teams. When modern football was introduced in 1933, which was easier to throw than the old melon-shaped, smooth football up to 28 inches in circumference due to its rough surface, the seams and its relatively small circumference (21 inches), new game systems such as the were established T formation . Today the single-wing formation is only rarely used, and is still used. a. in the so-called "Wildcat Offense" use.
literature
- Ahern, Jim: Coaching Single Wing Offense , Coaches Choice Books (2004), ISBN 978-1-58518-912-0
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b Wildcat offense is actually a form of the single wing, with deep Jersey roots , official website of the New York Jets.
- ^ Carlisle Indians Made It A Whole New Ballgame , washingtonpost.com.
