Base Unbalanced Formation:

The bastard split of 5 yards along with the unbalanced line produces a unique problem for the defense. This alignment produces a horizontal stretch that they normally do not see. A traditional pro set produces 8 areas on the LOS to defend. The base EQ set produces 9 areas on the LOS to account (see picture below). Therefore, with the current, gap control defenses, that means that 9 defenders have a gap or contain responsibility…..that leaves just 2 defenders deep against the pass. So, with a play action pass keeping defenders close to the LOS and those 2 pass defenders not wanting to get beat deep, holes or large windows to throw to open up at the 9 yard depth. Even a QB of limited capability can be schooled to execute a 9 yard pass play.

Right click on pic & choose to view larger picture.

In addition, what we have discovered with this formation is that DCs do not like to fully adjust the defense to the strength of the formation. Instead of moving over a full man (the middle of the offensive set is the SG) they go over only half a man meaning they align people in the gaps. What that does is open the door to allowing our line to down block (the easiest block in football to execute) to the inside and wall off the defenders.

Of course, if they do adjust fully, that means that the two receiver side is to the short side of the formation giving us a short corner to run to while out flanking the defense, especially with FB motion creating trips weak.