How to Run the Football From the Wishbone Formation

There was a time in college football that the Wishbone Offense was considered unstoppable. With either two or three running backs behind the quarterback in the backfield, the offense basically told the defense that the pass was not an option. But because the running scheme was so divergent with at least three options on every play, defenses could not slow it down let alone stop it. The Wishbone was run effectively through the 1980s until opposing defenses found a way to defeat it with speed. However, even though it is no longer the prevalent offense it once was, parts of it are still used effectively as many schools use an option offense that includes many of the Wishbone's principles.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Have the quarterback use his athleticism and leadership skills to direct the Wishbone decisively. Upon lining up under center, the quarterback gets a good look at the defense and realizes what option is best suited for that particular play. Upon taking the snap, he will take two steps two his right and when he is just past his right guard, he can stuff the ball in the belly of his fullback. Whether he does or not depends on what he saw from his opponent's linebackers in the presnap read. If the linebackers are crowded together, he will not hand the ball to the fullback. But if they are spaced out, the fullback dive is a great play.

2. If the quarterbacks holds on to the football, he has another option as he reaches the outside shoulder of his right tackle. He can pitch the ball to one of his running backs or keep it himself. This is determined by the outside linebacker or strong safety. If one of those two comes to tackle the quarterback, he will pitch the ball to the running back. If the safety or linebacker runs to the running back anticipating a pitch, the quarterback keeps it himself and turns upfield.

3. If the quarterback pitches the ball to the running back, he is in a perfect position to deliver a crushing block and take out one and possibly two potential blockers. That's why this offense is so effective. Whoever ultimately ends up with the ball is basically getting 10 blockers on a particular play.

4. If the quarterback keeps the ball, the running back stays slightly behind the quarterback on his right side. As long as he remains behind, the quarterback can always make a pitch back to the running back because that maneuver is considered a lateral. Many times you will see the quarterback pitch the ball back to his running back even though the quarterback has already run 15, 20 or 25 yards.

5. Continue pounding away with the Wishbone or spread even if your opponent has slowed it down or stopped it early. It is a very demanding offense to stop because the offense is alway putting the ball on the outside edge of the defense and probing for soft spots. Since there is so much running involved, a good Wishbone offense will usually find a way to wear down the defense at some point in the game.

Tips & Warnings

• Add the Wishbone to your gameplan if you feel your skill position players have a signficant speed edge on the defense. By having everyone run full speed to the perimeter of the offense, the defense is likely to be a step behind at several crucial moments.
• Look at films of the way Oklahoma ran the offense during the 1970s. The key is having a decisive quarterback who understands what the defense is going to do and then figuring out the correct play to exploit their weaknesses.

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