The double wing T offense is a classic and highly effective offensive scheme in football that has stood the test of time. Known for its versatility, power running, and misdirection, this offense is commonly used by high school and youth teams looking to maximize their ground game and control the clock. Whether you’re a coach seeking to diversify your team’s attack or a football enthusiast interested in understanding the intricacies of offensive formations, this guide provides a detailed overview of the double wing T offense, including its formations, strategies, advantages, and implementation tips.
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What is the Double Wing T Offense?
The double wing T offense is a variation of the traditional T-formation combined with a double wing setup. It emphasizes a strong running game, utilizing multiple blockers and misdirection to create running lanes and confuse defenses. The offense typically features two wingbacks positioned just outside the tight ends or tackles, along with a quarterback under center, and a fullback behind the quarterback.
Core Principles of the Double Wing T
- Power running and ball control
- Multiple blocking options
- Misdirection and deception
- Flexibility for various running plays
- Minimal passing emphasis (though passing can be incorporated)
This offense relies on precise blocking schemes, quick decisions, and disciplined execution to be successful.
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Formation and Personnel
The strength of the double wing T offense lies in its flexible formation and versatile personnel. Here’s a typical setup:
Key Positions
- Quarterback (QB): Under center, responsible for handing off, fake options, and occasional passing.
- Fullback (FB): Positioned directly behind the QB, often used for power runs and lead blocking.
- Tailback (TB): Located behind and slightly to the side of the FB, used for running, blocking, or receiving.
- Wings (W1 and W2): Flank the line outside the offensive tackles, often used as blockers or ball carriers.
- Ends (TEs or DEs): On each side, can be used for blocking or receiving.
Typical Double Wing T Formation Diagram
```
TE TE
| |
W1 Tackle Tackle W2
| |
FB QB TB
```
Note: The exact alignment can vary based on team philosophy, but the core concept remains the same.
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Key Plays in the Double Wing T Offense
The double wing T offense is renowned for its wide array of running plays, which can be adapted to exploit defensive weaknesses. Here are some of the fundamental plays:
1. Power Play
- Objective: Drive through the interior of the defense using strong blocking.
- Execution: The fullback leads the way, blocking the middle linebacker or defensive tackle, while the tailback follows through the designated hole.
2. Counter Play
- Objective: Misdirection to the opposite side to catch defenders off guard.
- Execution: The tailback fakes a run to one side, then cuts back to the other, with blockers pulling and leading the way.
3. Off-Tackle Run
- Objective: Attack the edge of the defensive line.
- Execution: The tailback runs just outside the tackle, utilizing blocks from the wings and ends.
4. Trap Play
- Objective: Use blocking scheme to trap defenders and create a running lane.
- Execution: The guards and tackles execute trap blocks, while the back follows the designed path.
5. Sweep and End-Arounds
- Objective: Use speed and misdirection to get the ball outside.
- Execution: The ball carrier takes the handoff or pitch from the quarterback and runs around the end.
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Advantages of the Double Wing T Offense
The double wing T offers numerous benefits that make it a popular choice among teams seeking a power-running attack.
- Power Running Game: Its formation naturally creates multiple blocking options, allowing for aggressive and effective rushing plays.
- Misdirection and Deception: The variety of plays and formations keep defenses guessing and create running lanes.
- Ball Control: The offense's focus on running helps control the game clock and maintain possession.
- Versatility: While primarily a running scheme, it can incorporate play-action passes and misdirection passes for surprise attacks.
- Simple to Learn and Execute: The basic blocking schemes are straightforward, making it suitable for teams with limited practice time.
- Physicality and Momentum: Emphasizes blocking and power, which can set the tone for the game and wear down opponents.
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Strategies and Tips for Implementing the Double Wing T
Successfully running the double wing T requires disciplined execution, good blocking, and strategic play-calling. Here are some essential strategies and tips:
1. Emphasize Blocking Fundamentals
- Proper blocking technique is vital, especially for the offensive linemen and wings.
- Practice double-team blocks, trap blocks, and pulling guards regularly.
2. Use Misdirection Effectively
- Incorporate counter plays, fake handoffs, and misdirection runs to keep the defense off-balance.
- Vary your play calls to prevent predictability.
3. Develop a Strong Running Game
- Focus on consistent blocking and timing.
- Use multiple running options to exploit defensive weaknesses.
4. Incorporate Play-Action Passes
- Use the threat of the run to open up passing lanes.
- Keep the defense honest and create opportunities for big plays.
5. Maintain Discipline and Timing
- Precision in timing the handoffs, fakes, and blocking assignments is crucial.
- Practice plays repeatedly to ensure players are synchronized.
6. Adapt to Opponent’s Defense
- Adjust blocking schemes based on defensive alignment.
- Use quick pitches or outside runs if the defense overcommits inside.
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Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While powerful, the double wing T comes with some challenges:
1. Passing Limitations
- Solution: Incorporate quick, high-percentage passes and screen plays to complement the run game.
2. Defensive Adjustments
- Solution: Mix up your play calls, including counters and traps, to prevent defenders from stacking the box.
3. Line and Wing Blocking
- Solution: Focus on blocking fundamentals in practice, emphasizing leverage and technique.
4. Turnovers and Penalties
- Solution: Maintain disciplined play, with focus on ball security and proper blocking to minimize mistakes.
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Conclusion
The double wing T offense remains a formidable and versatile scheme that can dominate at various levels of football. Its emphasis on power running, misdirection, and disciplined execution makes it an ideal choice for teams looking to control the game clock, wear down opponents, and set a physical tone. By mastering its formations, plays, and strategies, coaches can leverage the double wing T to create a balanced, effective offensive attack that keeps defenses guessing and maximizes offensive production.
Whether you’re implementing this scheme for the first time or refining your existing offense, understanding its core principles and adapting to your team’s strengths will help you achieve success on the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Double Wing T offense in football?
The Double Wing T is a versatile offensive formation that features two tight ends and a strong running game, emphasizing power and misdirection to control the clock and wear down the defense.
What are the main advantages of using the Double Wing T offense?
The Double Wing T provides a strong running attack, simplifies blocking assignments, and creates multiple options for misdirection and play-action passes, making it effective against various defensive fronts.
What are common running plays used in the Double Wing T offense?
Common running plays include the blast, counter, iso, sweep, and power, all designed to exploit gaps and create running lanes through misdirection and strong blocking.
How does the Double Wing T offense differ from the Single Wing or Wishbone formations?
While similar in its power running focus, the Double Wing T features two tight ends and a balanced formation, offering more versatility and multiple blocking options compared to the Single Wing or Wishbone, which often have different backfield alignments and fewer tight ends.
What skills are essential for players in the Double Wing T offense?
Players need to have strong blocking skills, good vision for running backs, the ability to execute misdirection, and disciplined timing for blocking and running assignments to succeed in this offense.
Is the Double Wing T suitable for all levels of football?
Yes, the Double Wing T can be adapted for youth, high school, and even college levels, as it emphasizes fundamental blocking and running techniques suitable for various skill levels.
How can a team effectively implement the Double Wing T offense?
Teams should focus on mastering blocking schemes, timing, and misdirection plays, while also practicing multiple running options and play-action passes to keep the defense guessing.
What are common defensive counters to the Double Wing T offense?
Defenses often counter with stacking the box, using multiple linebackers, or employing gap control schemes to shut down the power running game and force the offense to pass or make mistakes.
