Covering 1 slotback (no TE)

We run this formation a lot. We will run Iso or Toss strong, and basically we will block the DE down if he is inside, kick him out with the FB if he is outside (WB will release to next level defender).

We play our DEs inside shade of the TE anyway, so I would put him in. I would think that treating the OT as the EMLOS and lining up outside of him (regardless of the location of the wing) would be the way to go. To much space if he is outside (n/a if you adjust DL over to strength- like 3 strong 1 weak; we do not do this).

Though we run (a version of) this, I do think the WB block down is tougher to execute because of the wing's alignment. The wing is also generally smaller than a TE (that's been the case for us most of the time). Also if the DE is outside, it sets up well for an easy block by the OT, then the C/G can zone/double on the DT (if the DT is in a 3, then there is still a nice area for the OT to block down and the OG to kick out the DE) and they can run a power with 2 backs leading through B gap (we do this), in addition to creating a bubble for C-gap/off-tackle plays.

Even if we played the DE in a 9, I would still reduce to the OT and have him aware of a crack by the wing. Not knowing your scheme/rules I'm just going by what I would do. If he's inside you need to have some secondary support to the outside (we usually play hard corners, so that is why we do this).

Thanks for the input guys, although I'm actually looking at this more from the perspective of using it on offence, rather than stopping it! IE: What are defenses likely to do against it, and how can I then attack them?

There are many advantages to running this set. A main advantage could be a disadvantage- there is so much you can do it is easy to run too many plays/series out of it.

Coachmoore has some good ideas on it... as for us, we don't throw much. We do it (plus a nasty slot) to mess with the DE.

Usually we see the DE inside the Wing, so we have our wing block down a lot. If he is outside, outside veer (or anything with that blocking) is good.

When he is inside, we down block with the Wing, kickout with the FB, man block with the OT, kickout with the guard and read him on veer. If the DE is skittish... we'll have a field day. If he is a stud, we feel we can neutralize his aggressiveness by offering so many variables (and if both DE are like this... double slot is a good set too).

^{Does anyone use the wing to take handoffs (or option or anything along those lines?).}

We have had him as the pitch on option. We also have 2 WB counters, and even run the Wing as our 2nd back on Belly... a lot of stuff available from that formation... my problem was always one of doing too much. On the plus side you can adapt well to personnel from year to year and keep the same set(s), but emphasize certain plays more than others.

Ted,

I'm currently coaching at the Anglia Ruskin Phantoms in the UK's, college league, and have just been given a promotion to Offensive Co-Ordinator. I'm currently having a massive researching binge at the moment into all things offence!

Last year we ran Wishbone option with 2 recievers. The running game served us ok, but the formation did nothing for our passing game. We also had trouble towards the end of the year with finding enough running backs (we had a few guys playing RB/LB). My hope is that this formation will allow us keep running a similar offence to last year, but with one featured tailback, and more passing options.

I do have 1 particular player in mind who, like you say, is a Tight End/H-type guy. As for backups, I will probably look at 2/3 other guys of varied skills (a good runner, a good reciever and a good blocker)

Thanks for the advice coach, you've given me some more food for thought!

What blocking rules would you guys use for running Belly to the Playside out of this formation? I read Lochness's (excellent) article about the Belly series, but in it he mentions getting the Tight-End to block the D-End away from the C gap. How could i achieve the same kind of thing in this formation?