Sorry for the dumb question gang...but you guys have shown me several times that you are a wealth of knowledge and this new formation is confounding me.
1) What is it -- is it just that the QB isn't right under center, but not as far back as shotgun?
2) Is this some new fad (a la wildcat) -- I don't recollect hearing the term before this year...but it seems now ingrained with the sports talk folks?
3) What are the advantages/disadvantages of this formation?
Thanks in advance for your answers.
Ill take a stab.
The pistol formation from my understanding is a pretty new formation. I think Nevada or maybe one of the New Mexico team actaully started running it most of the time.
Ok, advantages.
1. Gives the QB the ability to see the whole field in passing situations.
2. Quicker hand offs, the running back can get the ball and make a move or counter move towards the point of attack.
3. Gives the ability to run end arounds, trap plays, speed options, etc.....
4. Eliminates the motion of the three step drop. Catch, look, fire.....instead of snap, step, look, fire.
Disadvantages
1. Finesee, not a power running game.
2. Long passes still require good pocket protection, timing.
3. Timing in general, elminating the 3 step drop could throw a QB's timing all off.
4. Chance of a fumbled snap.
Obviously, some of the opps and wins of the formation are closely related to shot gun.......because both formations are simliar.
Thats just a few things I can think of. Im sure there is an endless list of other things.
As for me, im not 100% sold on the idea. I think its ok to run the formation a couple of times a game, just to cause the other team to waste practice time on something you might not even run. But, overall....seems to me it can be kinda risky. In less you have the skill players to run it smooth. I like it about as much as the wildcat........not very much.
