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Numbers Advantage Formation in Youth Football
I am the biggest believer in using formations that give you a numbers advantage at the point of attack. There are many different formations, and offenses, that accomplish this. Below is a list of the offenses that would be appropriate for youth football
- Run and Shoot
- Power I
- Unbalanced Line
- Wing T
- Single Wing
- Double Wing
- Pro set
- Wishbone
- I Bone
- Option Attack
- Spread
Each of these offenses, create a numbers advantage over the defense. I will go over the basic numbers advantages below
Run and Shoot
The Run and Shoot is an absolute nightmare to defend. Spreads the defense from sideline to sideline, and stretches them vertically as well. Opens up all areas of the field, for passing and running, but it is extremely hard to coach at the youth football level.
Power I
Many youth football teams use this offense. It bring multiple backs to the hole and creates a great power running game. The Power I is pretty run specific, and will not help you in the passing game.
Unbalanced Line
The unbalanced line can be used with any offense and even without pulling linemen; it is very effective in youth football. I cannot stress enough how important it is to use the unbalanced line.
Wing T
The Wing T gives the offense some of the best blocking angles in youth football. The Wing T is another strong run orientated offense, and with the use of motion creates great number advantages when running the ball.
Single Wing
The single wing is simply one of the best, especially for the younger ages. The single wing brings the most blockers to one area creating gaping holes. It again, creates a power-running situation.
Double Wing
The Double Wing, like the Single Wing, is wonderful to run at the youth football level. It is a power running offense, but the Double Wing usually pulls more linen than the Single Wing.
Pro set
The Pro Set needs the unbalanced line or motion to create any number advantage. When the players are older, you can run some trips and quad formations.
Wishbone
The Wishbone is an oldie, but goodie. The wishbone creates deception in the running game like no other. Quick movement in the backfield makes it very hard to see which back has the ball. When the option is employed, it is a very tough offense to defend. Most of the numbers advantages will come on straight ahead running games and on the defensive ends.
I Bone
The I Bone is the combination of the Wishbone and Power I. The I Bone is another power running offense that uses a lot of option. The numbers advantage will come on power plays and options against the defensive ends and outside linebackers.
Option Attack
Teams that rely heavy on the Option Attack are looking for numbers advantage against the defensive player they are attacking. This can be the defensive tackle, defensive end, outside linebacker or defensive backs. It is hard to run at the youth football level on a consistent level.
Spread
The Spread is a watered down version of the run and shoot. It can create great passing number advantages, and once the defense is spread out, the running game is wide open.
Please remember that whatever offense you decide to use, it is always in your team’s best interest to create as many advantages as you can. Formations and motion can help you get the numbers advantage you desire.
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