FOR AS LONG as I can remember, it seemed that every team that ran the wing-T offense would send its wingback in motion behind the backfield when running the belly or counter play.

DIAGRAM 1: Wingback In Motion On Belly, Counter Play.


We do not run the option play, so sending the wingback in motion behind seemed like a waste of a player in our eyes. Therefore, we now send our wingback in motion straight across the formation.

DIAGRAM 2: Wingback In Motion Straight Across The Formation.



Base Plays With Motion

We run four base plays with this “straight-across” motion. Our goal is to put pressure on the outside linebacker to the motion side. We’ll run a fullback belly, belly pass, halfback toss and halfback counter to keep the defense on its heels.

DIAGRAM 3: FB Belly.


When we run the FB belly, we send the motion man up to block the outside LB. Notice how the wingback in motion runs straight across the formation, then attacks the outside LB.

DIAGRAM 4: Play-Action Pass Off FB Belly.


If the outside LB starts to sink into the hole to try and stop the belly, the wing back will have a tough time blocking him. To counter this, we’ll run a play-action pass off the FB belly action.
If the outside LB sits or steps inside, he’ll be unable to cover the wing back, who is in motion at full speed and runs a quick out.

If the LB covers the wingback, the quarterback throws the ball to the split end who’s running a 10-yard curl behind the LB.

DIAGRAM 5: Toss Play With Wingback Motion.


To make it more difficult for that outside LB to read, we run a toss play with the same motion. This time we use the split end to crack down on the LB and the wing back will be the lead blocker up on the corner.

DIAGRAM 6: Halfback Counter.

After running all the previous plays with the wingback motion, you may find that opposing defenses will try to shift or overplay to the motion side. That’s when you can come back with the halfback counter play and catch the defense off guard.

We’ve had lots of success running this “motion package” of plays on both the freshmen and varsity level.