Power I

“Power I” refers to a certain offensive formation in American football. This shape is a different take on the I-formation, which is one of the more common offensive sets in football.

This is how the Power I shape is put together:

Alignment of the backfield:

Three running backs line up behind the QB in the Power I, making an “I” shape down the middle of the field.
First behind the QB is the fullback. Then come two other running backs, one of whom could be a halfback or another fullback.
Line of Attack:

In a Power I alignment, the offensive line usually comprises five linemen: two tackles, two guards, and a center.
There are tight ends and wide receivers.

There are also times when tight ends and wide receivers play in the Power I position, but the exact number can change. There is usually at least one tight end to help with blocking, and there are one or two wide receivers spread out to help with throwing.
Purpose:

Setting up a strong running game is the main goal of the Power I setup. With three running backs in the backfield, the offense has many handoff choices and can throw the defense off by changing their direction.
The Power I formation also has more blockers, making setting up passing lanes easier.
Variations:

The Power I formation can look different based on the team’s plan. For instance, teams might change how the running backs are lined up or add more tight ends to help with blocking.
When the ball is short and getting a few tough yards on the ground is very important, the Power I is very useful. This position puts a lot of emphasis on physical play and keeping the line of scrimmage under control.