Flexbone formation

The flexbone formation includes the quarterback, linemen, three running backs, and changing the number of eligible receivers with optional tight ends. The positioning of players should prevent the possible turnover derived from the wishbone grouping. It’s vertical because the center, quarterback, and fullback stand directly behind each other. The slotbacks and other players are spread throughout the field behind the current line of scrimmage on both offensive line sides. Don’t confuse it with the wingback. The flexbone formation doesn’t suppose the guard and tackle which are obligatory for wingback determination.

Goal and positive moments

This formation is designed for those teams who can’t field a strong quarterback, especially if it has poor throwing conditions. The intelligent personnel adapts to playing the quarterback’s position. As these teams play against talented defenses, they need to use the time management, and trick plays available in this formation agenda. The exclusive style also limits the opponent’s speed and strength of their offense against the flexbone team defense.

However, it gives the offense four potential vertical threats at the snap: two wide receivers and slotbacks. Other formations can’t achieve it, avoiding the shift. Thus, the flexbone with four vertical player structure simply overcomes the Cover 3 defense. It also gives a chance to shine to the quarterbacks who didn’t reach the ideal parameters whose advantage is speed rather than throwing skill. Another option is that the outside wide receivers’ misdirection and parameters help them block the opponent. Even more, this feature helps the slotbacks act like quarterbacks in certain conditions.

The successful factors

• The offense must have the intelligent quarterback assisted by the strong fullback and quick slotbacks. QB must have perfect reading skills to find the gaps in the defensive formation.
• The fullback must not only run but also beat the tackles. It’s responsible for drawing the attention of the defense matched with maneuver skill. They’re the fastest ball carriers on the team.
• The balance is good for the flexbone slotbacks too. That means they must be ready to follow the quarterback and ready to receive the pass. The latter is crucial because these players are the primary receivers in passing players. They get the high-velocity pitches. In the case of fail, the defense reads the direction of the attack and blocks it.
• The offensive line is smaller and lighter than in other cases. This factor happens because the linemen need only to meet linebackers, while the alternate formations require contact with the stronger opponents. But that doesn’t mean poor blocking conditions. Both teams use different methods to get the advantages of the size mismatch. These are combo and double schemes.
• Wide receivers. They need to be fast enough to block or disrupt the cornerbacks’ plans. The latter are the quickest and most expressive defenders covering the farthest edge of the field. They’re not the quarterback’s priority. There are a little of the outstanding wide-outs in this category. The sure hands are the main receiver’s weapon.