eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Run a Wishbone Football Offense

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(5 Ratings)

Football is a game where the more things change, the more they stay the same. With all of the offensive innovation each year in the sport, there are still offenses that stand the test of time, such as the wishbone. The wishbone offense was once a foundation offense for football, but after a dormant period, it is back. Running a wishbone football offense is one that anyone can do with enough practice and the right players.

Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Have at least five players on the team that are capable of running the football. While a team can get by with less because of the punishment, for a ball carrier who takes in the wishbone offense it is good idea to have at least one replacement player capable of running the football.

  2. Step 2

    Position the quarterback underneath the center and have three players positioned behind the quarterback with one close to the quarterback and the other two behind that player.

  3. Step 3

    Use at least two tight ends and usually only one wide receiver. The wishbone offense primarily uses running plays and passes on only rare occasions, hence the use of only one wide receiver.

  4. Step 4

    Prepare each player for his or her specific responsibilities. The quarterback is responsible for choosing which running play the team will use for a given situation. The quarterback also determines how each individual play will work after he snaps the football. The player behind and closest to the quarterback is a blocker or runs almost strictly up the middle of the defense. Finally, the two players farthest behind the quarterback will run towards the outside of the play and must be ready for a pitch depending on the play call direction.

  5. Step 5

    Possess offensive linemen that are physically strong and large in comparison to the defensive linemen on the other team. The wishbone offense requires blockers to punish the defender and run block on almost every play.

  6. Step 6

    Practice the offense as often as possible. To run a wishbone football offense requires very good timing that only comes from copious amounts of practice.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Get Free Sports & Fitness Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Sports and Fitness
eHow_eHow Sports and Fitness