Gun-T / Pistol
Hybrids that keep classic power/misdirection series (buck, belly, jet, spin) but move the QB to shotgun (Gun-T) or pistol to add perimeter speed and easier play-action/RPO passing.
Best fit
Great when you want Wing-T power and deception but also have perimeter speed and a mobile QB. Pistol is a good middle ground for downhill running with a QB's pre-snap read view. Needs a dependable snapper.
Base formation & personnel
Gun-T: QB in shotgun in a spread look with wing/slot backs who go in jet or orbit motion. Pistol: QB ~3 yards deep with a back stacked directly behind. Both keep tight enough splits to run power inside.
Core philosophy
- →Marry Wing-T series football (buck, belly, jet, spin) to a shotgun/pistol QB.
- →Jet and orbit motion attack the edge fast; misdirection holds inside defenders.
- →Play-action and RPOs come naturally because the QB is already set to throw.
- →Pistol preserves a downhill run path while giving the QB a pre-snap read.
Bread-and-butter plays
Wing/motion back sweeps the edge.
Blocking: Playside down-blocks; both guards pull (one kicks the end, one leads); center blocks back.
Ball: Motion/wing back off the shotgun mesh.
Downhill inside run to the back.
Blocking: Combo and down-blocks at the point of attack; a guard may trap.
Ball: RB inside — sells the sweep and jet.
Slot in full jet or looping orbit motion takes the quick pitch.
Blocking: Reach/stalk playside; seal/cut backside.
Ball: Motion back — the speed hitter.
QB spins to hide the ball before giving inside or keeping.
Blocking: Base power/down-block for the intended hole.
Ball: Varies — the spin freezes linebackers and protects base plays.
QB keeps downhill off the mesh (natural in pistol).
Blocking: Playside down-block; backside guard pulls to lead.
Ball: QB.
Fake the run, throw a quick out/bubble/vertical.
Blocking: Run-look protection; receivers run the tagged route.
Ball: QB reads a defender — throw or hand off.
Install progression
Week 1: Shotgun/pistol snap mechanics, alignment, motion timing; install Buck Sweep + Belly/Inside give.
Week 2: Add Jet/Orbit sweep; nail the motion timing (snap when the motion man crosses a landmark).
Week 3: Add QB Power/Keep and one Spin-series changeup.
Week 4+: Add play-action/RPO tags off the base runs.
Full Playbook
29 playsA complete install menu — every play/call grouped by type. Tap any play for a full breakdown: every position's job, how to teach it, and common mistakes to fix.
Running back takes the shotgun handoff and follows two pulling guards to the right edge.
Key: Both guards pull playside to kick out and lead while the wingback down-blocks the edge.
Full breakdown →Running back follows the pulling guards around the left side from the gun.
Key: Playside guard kicks out the end man while the backside guard wraps up through the alley.
Full breakdown →Wingback in jet motion takes the handoff and races wide right from the gun.
Key: Line down-blocks playside and a guard pulls to kick out the force defender.
Full breakdown →Wingback in jet motion takes the ball going left around the edge.
Key: Playside down blocks with a pulling guard leading up on the perimeter.
Full breakdown →Running back runs inside zone out of the gun reading the first down lineman.
Key: Line zone-steps playside and combos up to the linebackers.
Full breakdown →Running back runs the belly off tackle from the gun mesh.
Key: Playside down-blocks while the wingback seals the force defender on the edge.
Full breakdown →Running back hits a quick trap through the interior from the gun.
Key: Backside guard pulls to trap the first lineman past the down block while the center blocks back.
Full breakdown →Running back runs power off tackle behind a pulling guard from the gun.
Key: Backside guard pulls to lead through the hole while the tackle down-blocks and the wing kicks out.
Full breakdown →Running back takes a counter step then follows the backside pullers.
Key: Backside guard kicks out the end man and the backside tackle wraps up through the hole.
Full breakdown →Quarterback keeps on power after faking the jet sweep to the wing.
Key: Line blocks power while the backside guard pulls to lead for the quarterback's keep.
Full breakdown →Quarterback reads the end to hand the jet or run the buck sweep himself.
Key: Line blocks buck sweep as the quarterback reads the unblocked backside defender for the jet give.
Full breakdown →Quarterback reads the backside end to hand inside zone or keep it.
Key: Line blocks inside zone leaving the read man unblocked for the quarterback's decision.
Full breakdown →Quarterback rides the belly and can throw the bubble off the overhang read.
Key: Line run-blocks belly while the quarterback reads the flat defender for the give-or-throw key.
Full breakdown →Quarterback shows jet motion and reads a linebacker to hand or throw the slant.
Key: Line blocks the jet while the slot runs a slant into the vacated window.
Full breakdown →Quarterback sprints right with a three-level flood to the sideline.
Key: Line reach-protects to the sprint side as receivers run corner, out, and flat.
Full breakdown →Quarterback reads the flat defender on the stick-flat quick combination.
Key: Slot sits at five yards while the back or wing runs the flat to hold the defender.
Full breakdown →A hitch-corner combination high-lows the flat defender.
Key: Outside receiver hitches while the slot runs a corner over the top.
Full breakdown →Four receivers run vertical seams and the quarterback reads the safeties.
Key: Line sets drop-back protection while receivers bend seams against the coverage shell.
Full breakdown →Slot runs a bubble for a quick perimeter throw from the gun.
Key: Outside receiver stalk-blocks the corner to open the alley for the catch-and-run.
Full breakdown →Outside receiver catches an immediate throw behind an inside block.
Key: Inside receiver blocks the near defender while the quick throw hits instantly.
Full breakdown →Receiver catches a screen with linemen releasing downfield to lead.
Key: Interior linemen release to the perimeter to block for the receiver in space.
Full breakdown →Split end runs a quick slant for a rhythm throw from the gun.
Key: Line sets quick protection while the slot clears the underneath coverage.
Full breakdown →Quarterback fakes the buck sweep and boots right into a three-level flood.
Key: Backside guard pulls to protect the edge while receivers run corner, flat, and drag.
Full breakdown →Quarterback fakes the jet sweep then throws downfield off the run action.
Key: Line aggressively run-blocks the fake while a receiver runs a post over the top.
Full breakdown →Quarterback fakes the belly then throws off the play fake.
Key: Line shows run before setting while the wingback runs a corner and the split end a post.
Full breakdown →Quarterback fakes power then keeps the ball with pass options downfield.
Key: Pulling guard protects the edge while the tight end leaks up the seam.
Full breakdown →Running back starts a sweep then hands to the wing coming the opposite way.
Key: Backside cuts off pursuit while a pulling lineman leads around the far edge.
Full breakdown →Running back takes the sweep action then pulls up and throws downfield.
Key: Line sweep-blocks to sell the run while the split end slips behind the biting secondary.
Full breakdown →Wing takes the jet reverse then stops and throws back across the field.
Key: Blockers sell the reverse run before a receiver leaks open downfield against the flowing defense.
Full breakdown →More offense systems
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