The short punt formation is an older formation on both offense and defense in American football, popular when scoring was harder and a good punt was itself an offensive weapon.[1][2] In times when punting on third down was fairly common, teams would line up in the short punt formation and offer the triple threat of punt, run or pass.[3][4] Harper's Weekly in 1915 called it "the most valuable formation known to football."[4]
The formation is similar to the single wing and modern shotgun by including the possibility of a long snap from center. However, it is generally a balanced formation, and there are backs on both sides of the tailback, offering better pass protection. As a result, it was considered a much better passing formation than running, as the premiere running formation was the single wing.[5] That said, it was regarded as a good formation for trap plays.[6]
- ^ Retyl, Richard, U-M's Shotgun Offense is Older than the Winged Helmets Themselves. Nov. 9, 2010. MGoBlue.com. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
- ^ Bible (1947), pp. 111–114
- ^ Bible (1947), p. 179
- ^ a b Bonner, John; Curtis, George William; Alden, Henry Mills; Conant, Samuel Stillman; Foord, John; Schuyler, Montgomery; Davis, Richard Harding; Schurz, Carl; Bangs, John Kendrick; Nelson, Henry Loomis; Harvey, George Brinton Mcclellan; Hapgood, Norman (1915). "Harper's Weekly". google.com.
- ^ "History of Pro Football in Buffalo". Archived from the original on 2001-02-16.
- ^ Faurot (1950), pp. 268–270