Formations

Formations

Learning Level: MULTIPLE

Terminology/Progression. The formation is simply how a team lines up to execute a play. The formation notation in its entirety contains several parts (some of which are optional):

Motions and Shifts (to be discussed in a later section)

Name: the basic set for the X, Y and Z receivers (as well as the H and F in some circumstances)

Strength: obviously, designates the strength of the formation; in some balalanced formations, strength may not be apparent but will be called to facilitate the proper personnel alignment

Modifiers:

a formation followed by "Flex" changes the tight end on the weakside of the formation into a split end:

By adding "Flex" to the basic "Twins Right" formation...

the "Flex" modifier changes the Y to a split rather than a tight position.

"Flip" switches the inside receivers; "Flop" switches the outside receivers

By adding "Flop" to the normal "Quads Right" formation...

...the X and Y exchange positions.

In a doubles/quads-type set, "Lex" switches the left receivers; "Rex" switches the right receivers

By adding "Rex" to the basic "Doubles Right" formation...

...the Z and H exchange positions.

Shotgun: the name of the formation is simply followed by "Gun"
Backfield: modifier terms to the basic I formation; i.e., split, strong, weak, near, far

Again, beginning with the basic "Twins Right" formation...

...we can use the five backfield modifiers...

Split

Strong Weak

Near Far

Basic Sets. All of the basic formations listed below are shown with strength "Right". All of them, can of course, be mirrored to the left. Listed also are the various formation and backfield modifiers. Many of them can and do use the "Gun" modifier as well.

Two-back sets

Formation variations: Flex
Backfield variations: Split/Strong/Weak/Near/Far