RUNNING THE SINGLE WING IN THE 21ST CENTURY

I.
Why run this offense?
a. Blocking back means a 10th blocker
b. Control the ball control the clock-shorten the game
c. Small offensive linemen who can run but cant 1-on1 block
d. Schools only see your offense 1 time a year- have 3 days to prepare for you.
(Statement by an opposing coach)
e. Line splits eliminate stunting
f. Backs are interchangeable
g. Unbalanced formation causes problems-shifting causes more problems
h. Deceptive passing attack
II.
Major concerns
a. Back ups for each offensive line position. What we found out during 2-a day
practice
b. Center position and center snaps
c. Ability to come from behind late in a ball game
III.
Formations
a. Rt/Lf b. Rt/Lf Over c. Rt/Lf Opposite d. Dbl Wing Rt/Lf e. Illinois Shift
Combine Over & Opposite Motion-letter of back and destination
IV.
Line Splits
V.
Play calling- 1st number series (who ball is snapped to) 2nd number ball carrier
3rd number point of attack. If 2 digit 2nd number is point of attack
a. 3 digit
b. 2 digit
VI.
KEY TO THE OFFENSE- Blocking Rules
1. Base rule- inside/on/over/linebacker backside. Must understand this rule 1st.
2. Cheat sheet for offensive linemen
9 hole- base rule BB/FB at run support (FB logs run support)
8 hole- base rule BB/FB at run support (BB kicks out run support)
7 hole- Down- 5 traps 1st man head to pass 8 and 3 pulls thru (3 may not be able to pull)
5 hole- 3 traps 1st man past 5
4 hole- BB traps 1st man head up to past 4/8 pulls thru
3 hole- BB traps 1st man head up to past 3/ 7 pulls thru
2 hole- 5 traps 1st man head up to past 2/BB & 7 pull thru
1 hole- 5 logs 1st man head up to past 2/BB has run support/scoop
* We are looking for a double team/trap/pull thru on every play
** Any time a puller is covered I must block back on his man
*** Must understand there will be times pull thru player cant pull
**** Teams will coach linebackers to key the blocking back and the guards we will have
false keys by both our blocking back and guards
VII. The Wing T did not invent the concept of putting a defensive player in a
conflict situation-this came from the single wing. Our attack is built around
this concept. Once a coach sees how a team is playing them they should not
have negative plays.

VIII.

Single Wing Offensive Series

a. 40- Tailback Straight Series (49-48-47-4544 decoy-422-421)

b. 20- T Series (247-233-232-221)
c. 30- Fullback Spin Series (335/334-337-333/332-321-321 T Reverse)
d. 50- Fullback Full Spin (547-535/534-522-521)
e. 70- Buck Lateral Series (735/734-747-749-722)
f. 40- Fly Series (42 dbl lead-421 fly) Denison University
g. 30 wedge (run this until they stop it)
IX.
There is a pass off of each running play
a. 49 Flood- the basic play of the single wing
b. 321 Pass (run from dbl wing)
c. 47 Jump Pass
X.
Examples of plays
a. 49/48 Classic example of putting run support in a conflict situation.
b. 233 My favorite play
c. 321 T Reverse
d. 42 Dbl lead (run this in practice against your best LBer)-see if he wants a steady
diet of this play
e. 421 Fly
f. 30 wedge
We are not in the entertainment business. Our offensive staff is trying to find a way to
move the ball for 3 yards each play and keep the ball out of the other teams hands. If
they cant stop the wedge we will run it 40 times. We have a philosophy that we dont
have to go to page 2 if they cant stop the play on page 1.
At the same time we dont feel it is our job to develop quarterbacks for the college level.
Our job is to win games for our team/school/community.
At the same time more creative coaches have taken the single wing and mixed it with the
run/shoot or other forms of the spread offense and made their offense a nightmare to stop.
If you decide to run the single wing make sure you research the offense. Here are
coaches to make contact with:
1. Chris Stevens- Xavier High School- New York City
2. Steve Ragsdale- Giles H.S Pearisburg, Va
3. Dr. John Ward- East Columbus H.S NC
4. George Rykovich- Manitou Springs H.S Colorado Springs
5. Jim Ahern- Lansing Catholic H.S Michigan
6. Ken Hofer- Menominee H.S Wisconsin
It would also benefit you to join the National Single Wing Coaches Association (you can
find it on the internet).
Michael W. Rude
Head Football Coach
Vienna High School