The "Pistol Offense" at Nevada.

by Kevin , Thursday, February 19, 2009, 11:15 (6305 days ago)
edited by Kevin, Thursday, February 19, 2009, 11:41

Is this basically the Wildcat, and a variation on the Single Wing, with the halfback lined up behind the QB? I'm working on a Nevada preview, and I want to accurately characterize Ault's offense. This may be an interesting test for our young linebackers. The Single Wing picture below is my favorite.

Pistol:

It is a hybrid of the traditional shotgun and singleback offenses. The quarterback lines up three yards behind the center, and the running back lines up four yards directly behind the QB. The versatility of the formation can be utilized in a variety of ways. Because the quarterback is closer, he can see over the line and make downfield reads. He will also get the ball snapped to him faster, which can alter timing patterns greatly for a preparing defense. It can effectively use draw plays, counters, and options. Three wide receiver formations are common but not essential. Multiple tight ends sets combined with a fullback for protection are equally effective. The backfield exchange occurs 2-3 yards closer than in the shotgun; it makes runs more effective than the traditional shotgun, while keeping its pass efficiency. It works well with dual threat quarterbacks who can throw and run. Despite its unconventional and unorthodox appearance, it should be considered when listing the more explosive offenses in college football.

Single Wing:

The quarterback in this formation (called at the time a "single-wing tailback"), 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. The formation was originally designed as a brute-force running formation, since it had 6 players to one side of the center and only 3 on the other. Rockne's innovations with this formation involved using complicated backfield shifts and motion to confuse defenses, and adapting it as a passing formation. The single wing has recently had a renaissance of sorts with high schools; since it is so rare, its sheer novelty can make it successful.

Wildcat:

In the initial version of the Wildcat used in college football by Arkansas (later adapted by other college and pro teams), the "Base Wildcat" is an unbalanced set with a guard, an eligible tight end, and a slot receiver on one side of center, and a guard, two tackles next to each other, another receiver, and quarterback on the other side.