What Is The Shotgun Formation In The NFL? All You Need To Know
There are many ways in which a team can arrange its players on the gridiron. While usually there are base formations, a team can also opt for special formations that aid offensive play as well. Out of all the formations, a shotgun is the most important and common choice.
So, without much ado, here’s everything you would need to know about the Shotgun formation.
What Is An NFL Shotgun Formation?
As discussed earlier, a team usually uses a shotgun formation as passing or base play. In such a formation, the quarterback does not receive the snap from the center on the line of scrimmage. Instead, a QB will be positioned five to seven yards off the line. In a shotgun formation, the quarterback often has a back on one or either side before a snap. In other instances, a quarterback might be the solitary player in the backfield, with everyone spread out as receivers.
Advantages Of The Shotgun Formation
A team can exploit several advantages by opting for a shotgun formation. The offensive linemen in this formation have a lot of room to access behind the line of scrimmage. This leads to the defense forming a more tightly knit oval pocket that acts as a protective covering for the quarterback. The quarterback can then protect himself well in the face of an onrushing blitz by the opponent.
Apart from this, the quarterback can also perceive the opponent’s defense better from a shotgun position. An athlete having speed can make a scramble or run into the open to gain the first down yardage. Now, while these were the advantages of the position, the shotgun formation is not devoid of its weaknesses.
Apart from this, the quarterback can also perceive the opponent’s defense better from a shotgun position. An athlete having speed can make a scramble or run into the open to gain the first down yardage. Now, while these were the advantages of the position, the shotgun formation is not devoid of its weaknesses.
Disadvantages Of The Shotgun Formation
While it is true that the formation can be used for capitalizing on some excellent running plays, it also has its risks. The opponent’s defense becomes aware of an incoming pass by seeing a shotgun formation. And while it is likely that the pass would result from an empty set without any running backs, the chances of a botch are much higher.
Likewise, when a defense opts for a pass rush, the shotgun provides speedy defenders with open targets in an opponent’s backfield.
What Is The Origin Of The Word?
Shotgun is a mixture of the spread and short punt formations. While the receivers are spread widely instead of being close to the interior line, the formation gives the illusion of a shotgun. In simple words, it looks like a shotgun spraying the receivers wide off the field.
How Is A Shotgun Different From A Pistol Formation In The NFL?
Although similar, there are some significant points of difference between the shotgun and the pistol formations. In the case of a shotgun, the quarterback is positioned 5 to 7 yards behind the center. However, when a pistol formation is deployed, a QB will be placed 3 to 4 yards behind the center only and not more than that. Here, the quarterback will also have a running back behind him, providing added cover. Since the quarterback is not the deepest back, a pistol formation is a much easier option to carry out.
Use Of The Shotgun In Recent Times
Over the years, the use of the shotgun formation has become increasingly sporadic. Most teams in the NFL only resort to a shotgun on obvious passing downs. This formation is also used as a last resort by the trailing teams. In such a situation, the team would be required to pass every down in order to catch up with their opponent.
Thus, with the formation having its highs and lows, it is surely an effective weapon for the teams. And while the formation is becoming less relevant, teams can still use it to their advantage with smart and proper execution.
