Diagram 1: Wing-T: Halfback In Slot Posi
This is a very diverse offensive formation. It allows Wing-T teams to run plays to the weak side of the formation and prevents the defense from overloading on the strong side to stop the buck sweep or other plays to the strong side. Our offense is centered on the buck sweep series of plays: buck sweep, trap, bootleg, etc. Most teams will game plan around the idea of stopping the buck sweep. To do this they will play the strength to the tight end side and try to stop us from running this play. To counter this we like to run a series to the split side called the lead series (also known as the ISO). There are several plays off of this series that will cause problems for the defense and make them honor the weak side (split side) of the formation.
The base play out of this series is the lead (or ISO). This play is designed to hit the B gap (between the guard and tackle) on the split side. The tackle and guard are responsible for the two defensive linemen on the split side. The halfback will block the play side LB and the fullback will hit the B gap and cut off of the halfback’s block. The backside OL will scoop block. The QB will reverse out, hand the ball to the FB and fake a keep. There are several ways that the tackle and guard can block the two defensive linemen. If there is a DL in the B gap, the tackle will make a call for a cross block (See Diagram 2). If the DL is in a 4 or 5 tech and a 2 or 1 tech, the tackle will block out and the guard will block down (See Diagram 3). If the DL is in a 5 tech and a 9 tech, the guard and tackle will both block out the DL (See Diagram 4).
Diagram 2: Wing-T: Tackle Calls For a Cross Block
Diagram 3: Wing-T: Guard Blocks Down
Diagram 4: Wing-T: Tackle and Guard Both Block Out The DL
The next play off of the lead is the lead keep. The fullback will fake a lead and the QB will keep the ball and turn up field off tackle. Everyone blocks the same except for the play side and they will reach block (See Diagram 5). Another play that is blocked the same as the lead keep is the lead keep option. This is used with the wingback going in deep motion behind the FB and once the ball is snapped he becomes the pitch man (See Diagram 6).
Diagram 5: Wing-T: Reach Block
Diagram 6: Wingback Becomes The Pitch Man
Once the defense makes adjustments to stop the lead plays, then it is time to hit them with the counter play off of the lead series. The fullback fakes a lead and blocks the first threat in the backside B gap while the C blocks the backside A gap. The backside G and the backside T will both pull. The backside guard will kick out the first defender in the 3 technique or out. The backside tackle will follow the backside guard and block the first second level defender (checking the inside first). The SE will block the deep middle defender and the wingback will run deep motion. The playside guard will block down through the A gap. The playside tackle and TE will block the first, second or third level defender that they encounter (See Diagram 7).
Diagram 7: Wing-T: Blocking The First, Second, or Third Level Defenders
Play action passes off of the lead series will also force the defense to loosen up and not try to overload the weak side. The fullback will block the first level two defender to the weak side and the linemen on the weak side will take care of the down linemen. From the center to the TE we will block gap away from the fake. The QB will fake a lead and drop back and hit the open receiver. He will always check the deep route first and then the shallow route second. If neither is open he will run or throw the ball away. The first route is a slant route by the SE; a bubble route by the halfback; and a backside post route by the wingback (See Diagram 8). The second is run the same except for the two receiver side; they will run a smash route (See Diagram 9).
Diagram 8: Wing-T: Play Action Pass-1
Diagram 9: Wing-T: Play Action Pass-2
As you can see, the lead series is a very good complement to the buck sweep series. It will force the defense to honor both sides of the ball (the strong side and the weak side). At the same time it is hard for defenses to read what play is being run out of the lead series because the backs are giving the defense the same look on the majority of plays.
Coach Allen Cartwright has been coaching for 13 years. He has five years experience as a head coach. Coach Cartwright recently completed his second year as head coach at Claxton High School, GA.
Allen Yancey has been coaching football for 14 years. During that time he has served as an assistant coach, an offensive coordinator, a defensive coordinator and athletic director. Currently at Claxton High School he serves as Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator.