Football Formations

Wing T

A formation similar to the Flexbone, though much older, that was designed at the time to be a mix between the single wing and T-formation. It took the motion and run-strength of the single wing, and the QB-under-center from the T.

4-3 Under Defense

A type of 4-3 defense where the linebackers shift to the strong-side.

4-3 Over Defense

A type of 4-3 defense where the linebackers shift to the weak-side.

Maryland I

A type of I formation that lacks a flanker and use the maximum 3 running backs, where the fullback and two halfbacks are directly behind the quarterback.

Power I

A type of I formation that lacks a flanker and use the maximum 3 running backs, where there are two fullbacks (one offset) and one halfback are directly behind the quarterback.

I Formation - Fullback offset Strongside

A type of I formation where the fullback is "offset" to the strong side of the offensive line with the tight end.

I Formation - Fullback offset Weakside

A type of I formation where the fullback is "offset" to the weak side of the offensive line with the tight end.

Shotgun Max Protect

A type of Shotgun Formation where a fullback is brought into the backfield, leaving only two wider receivers.

Shotgun Trips Left

A type of the Shotgun Formation where three wide receivers split out to the left.

Spread

A variation of the ace that utilizes four wide receivers and no tight ends.

Pro Set

Also called the "split backs" or "three-end formation", this is similar to the I-formation and has the same variations. The difference is that the two backs are split behind the quarterback instead of being lined up behind him.

Single Set Back

Also known as the "ace" or "singleback" formation, this formation consists of one running back lined up about five yards behind the quarterback. This formation does not employ a fullback. The other players that are not on the line of scrimmage can either act as tight ends or wide receivers.

Empty Backfield

Also known simply as "Five-wide", a reference to the five wide receivers. In the this formation, all of the backs play near the line of scrimmage to act as extra wide receivers or tight ends. This is almost exclusively a passing formation used to spread the field, often to open up short inside routes or screen routes. It can also be run with one or two wing backs like the flexbone formation allowing a running game and the ability to run the option.

Single Set Back - Flexed

An ace variation that used a setback, or "flexed" tight end known as an H-back. In this formation, the normal tight-end is almost exclusively a blocker, while the H-back is primarily a pass receiver.

3-Deep Quarter Formation (Prevent Defense)

Defense consisting of seven (quarter) or eight (half dollar) defensive backs and 3 down lineup.

0-4-7 Quarter Formation (Prevent Defense)

Defense consisting of seven (quarter) or eight (half dollar) defensive backs, 3 linebackers, and no down lineup.

46 Defense

In this formation, instead of having four linemen and six linebackers (as the name may suggest), it is actually a 4-4 set using 4-3 personnel. This was accomplished by moving a safety up into the "box" instead of a fourth linebacker.

Shotgun Formation

In this formation, the quarterback lines up about five yards behind the center, in order to allow a better view of the defense and more time to get a pass off. The formation can distribute its 3 other backs and 2 ends any number of ways, but most commonly employs one running back, lined up next to the QB, one tight end and three wide receivers.

Field Goal Formation

Most of these formations feature nine offensive linemen (seven on the line, both ends in the tight end position, with two extra slightly off the line of scrimmage), a place holder who kneels 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage, and a kicker.

Single Wing

The formation where, rather than lining up "under center", the quarterback is lined up a few yards behind with RBs generally on one side of him. One of the running backs is stationed outside the end, as a wingback. The formation contains two tight ends, and 4 backs. The quarterback in this formation, like today's shotgun QB, received the snap on the fly. The other 3 backs lined up on the same side of the QB in various arrangements. Also, the formation often featured an unbalanced line where the center (that is, the player who snapped the ball) was not strictly in the center of the line, but close to the weakside.

4-3 Defense

This base defense consists of four defensive linemen, three linebackers, and four defensive backs (two safeties, two corners).

5-2 Defense

This formation consists of five defensive linemen, two linebackers, and four defensive backs (two corners, two safeties). Historically, this was the first major defense with 4 defensive backs, and was used to combat the passing attacks of the time.

3-4 Defense

This formation consists of three defensive linemen, four linebackers, and four defensive backs (two safeties, two corners).

3-5-3 Defense

This formation has three down linemen (the "3" level), three linebackers and two corners (the "5" level), one free safety and 2 strong safeties (the "3" level). This is similar to a 33 stack, but with players more spread.

Wishbone

This formation is a 1960's variation of the T-formation. It consists of three running backs: a fullback lined up directly behind the quarterback, and the two halfbacks split behind the fullback. It can be run with two tight ends, one tight end and one wide receiver, or two wide receivers.

Pistol Formation

This formation is a shotgun variation, with the quarterback lined up closer than in standard shotgun (normally 3 to 4 yards behind center), and a running back lined up behind, rather than next to, the QB (normally at 3 to 4 yards behind quarterback).

Flexbone

This formation is a variation of the wishbone formation. In this formation, one back (the fullback) lines up behind the quarterback. Both ends are often split wide as wide receivers, though some variations include one or two tight ends. The two remaining backs, called wingbacks or slotbacks, line up behind the line of scrimmage just outside the tackles. Usually, one of the wingbacks will go in motion behind the quarterback before the snap, potentially giving him another option to pitch to.

Emory and Henry Formation

This formation is an unusual American football formation that dates to the 1950s. Instead of grouping all five ineligible players together, the Emory and Henry groups them, along with the two ends and two slotbacks, in three three-person groups: the center and the guards in the middle of the field, and an end, a tackle and a slotback near each sideline.

Dime Formation

This formation is any defense consisting of six defensive backs.

Punt Formation

This formation uses a five-man offensive line, three "upbacks" (sometimes also referred to as "personal protectors") approximately 3 yards behind the line to act as an additional line of defense, two wide receivers known as "gunners" either to stop the punt returner or to down the ball, and the punter, 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage to receive the long snap.

33 Stack

This formation uses an extra strong safety, and "stacks" linebackers and safeties directly behind the defensive linemen.

I Formation

This is one of the most common formations used at all levels of football. It consists of two backs lined up behind the quarterback, with the back closest to the quarterback being called the fullback and the back behind the fullback called the running back, tailback, or I-back. The two backs line up either in a line or with the fullback "offset" to either side. The fourth back is most commonly employed as an extra wide receiver.

T Formation

This is the precursor to most modern formations in that it places the quarterback directly under center. It consists of three running backs lined up in a row about five yards behind the quarterback, forming the shape of a T. It may feature two tight ends or one tight end and a wide receiver.

3-3-5 Nickel Defense

This type Nickel Defense is achieved by removing a lineman to bring in the 5th defensive back.

4-2-5 Nickel Defense

This type of Nickel is achieved by removing a linebacker from the standard 4-3 to add the extra defensive back or by converting the ends of a wide tackle six to safeties (the defensive ends of a wide tackle six already have pass defense responsibilities).