I formation: Difference between revisions

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The I formation places two backs vertically behind the quarterback. In this Strong I subtype of the base formation, the fullback, in red, is shifted slightly towards the side of the field with more offensive players.

The I formation is one of the most common offensive formations in American football. The I formation draws its name from the vertical (as viewed from the opposing endzone) alignment of quarterback, fullback, and running back, particularly when contrasted with the same players' alignments in the now-archaic T formation.

The formation begins with the usual 5 offensive linemen (2 offensive tackles, 2 guards, and a center), the quarterback under center, and two backs in-line behind the quarterback. The base variant adds a tight end to one side of the line and two wide receivers, one at each end of the line.

Typical roles

The I formation is typically employed in running situations. The fullback typically fills a blocking, rather than rushing or receiving, role in the modern game. With the fullback in the backfield as a blocker, runs can be made to either side of the line with his additional blocking support. This is contrasted with the use of tight ends as blockers who, being set up at the end of the line, are able to support runs to one side of the line only. The fullback can also be used as a feint—since the defense can spot him more easily than the running back, they may be drawn in his direction while the running back takes the ball the opposite way.

Despite the emphasis on the running game, the I formation remains an effective base for a passing attack. The formation supports up to three wide receivers and many running backs serve as an additional receiving threat. While the fullback is rarely a pass receiver, he serves as a capable additional pass blocker protecting the quarterback before the pass. The running threat posed by the formation also lends itself to the play-action pass. The flexible nature of the formation also helps prevent defenses from focusing their attention on either the run or pass.

Common variations

Many subtypes of the I formation exist, generally emphasizing the running or passing strengths of the base version.

The Big I places a tight end on each side of the offensive line (removing a wide receiver). Coupled with the fullback's blocking, this allows two additional blockers for a run in either direction. This is a running-emphasis variant.
The Power I replaces one wide receiver with a third back (fullback or running back) in the backfield, set up to one side of the fullback. This is a running-emphasis variant.
The Jumbo or Goal-line formation further extends the Power I or Big I, adding a second or third tight end to the line, respectively. This variant has no wide receivers and is all but exclusively a running formation intended to reliably gain minimal yardage, most commonly two yards or less.
The Three-wide I replaces the tight end with a third wide receiver. This is a passing-emphasis variant.

The I formation, in any variant, can also be modified as Strong or Weak. In either case, the fullback lines up roughly a yard laterally to his usual position. Strong refers to a move towards the side of the quarterback with more players, weak in the opposite direction. These modifications have little effect on expected play call.

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+[[Image:Strong I formation.png|frame|right|The I formation places two backs vertically behind the [[quarterback]].  In this Strong I subtype of the base formation, the [[Fullback#American football|fullback]], in red, is shifted slightly towards the side of the field with more offensive players.]]
-{{attention}}
-The '''I formation''' is possibly the most common offensive formation in [[American football]]. There are 5 offensive [[linemen]] (2 offensive tackles, 2 guards, and a center) and generally two wide [[reciever]]s and one tight end on the line of [[scrimmage]]; behind the center is the [[quarterback]], and behind the quarterback there are the backs, generally one running back and one fullback. Depending on the play called by the quarterback, the number of recievers (for a passing play) or backs (for a running play) may change. The offensive line remains constant and must block for the quarterback and any rushing plays.
+The '''I formation''' is one of the most common offensive formations in [[American football]].  The I formation draws its name from the vertical (as viewed from the opposing [[endzone]]) alignment of [[quarterback]], [[Fullback#American football|fullback]], and [[running back]], particularly when contrasted with the same players' alignments in the now-archaic ''T formation''.
+The formation begins with the usual 5 offensive [[linemen]] (2 offensive tackles, 2 guards, and a center), the quarterback under center, and two backs in-line behind the quarterback.  The base variant adds a [[tight end]] to one side of the line and  two [[wide receiver]]s, one at each end of the line.
-{{stub}}
+==Typical roles==
+The I formation is typically employed in running situations.  The fullback typically fills a blocking, rather than rushing or receiving, role in the modern game.  With the fullback in the backfield as a blocker, runs can be made to either side of the line with his additional blocking support.  This is contrasted with the use of tight ends as blockers who, being set up at the end of the line, are able to support runs to one side of the line only.  The fullback can also be used as a feint&mdash;since the defense can spot him more easily than the running back, they may be drawn in his direction while the running back takes the ball the opposite way.
+Despite the emphasis on the running game, the I formation remains an effective base for a passing attack.  The formation supports up to three wide receivers and many running backs serve as an additional receiving threat.  While the fullback is rarely a pass receiver, he serves as a capable additional pass blocker protecting the quarterback before the pass.  The running threat posed by the formation also lends itself to the [[play-action pass]].  The flexible nature of the formation also helps prevent defenses from focusing their attention on either the run or pass.
+==Common variations==
+Many subtypes of the I formation exist, generally emphasizing the running or passing strengths of the base version.
+*The '''Big I''' places a tight end on each side of the offensive line (removing a wide receiver).  Coupled with the fullback's blocking, this allows two additional blockers for a run in either direction.  This is a running-emphasis variant.
+*The '''Power I''' replaces one wide receiver with a third back (fullback or running back) in the backfield, set up to one side of the fullback.  This is a running-emphasis variant.
+*The '''Jumbo''' or '''Goal-line''' formation further extends the Power I or Big I, adding a second or third tight end to the line, respectively.  This variant has no wide receivers and is all but exclusively a running formation intended to reliably gain minimal yardage, most commonly two yards or less.
+*The '''Three-wide I''' replaces the tight end with a third wide receiver.  This is a passing-emphasis variant.
+The I formation, in any variant, can also be modified as '''Strong''' or '''Weak'''.  In either case, the fullback lines up roughly a yard laterally to his usual position.  ''Strong'' refers to a move towards the side of the quarterback with more players, ''weak'' in the opposite direction.  These modifications have little effect on expected play call.
+[[Category:American football]]