second running back to make it difficult for the defense to determine where you're going with the ball on a short
passing play.
● Full House and Jumbo T: This formation is another rare set seen in a few playbooks, including Carolina and Dallas.
The Full House features three backs behind the quarterback. You can use packages to alter the personnel
(exchanging running backs for fullbacks for instance). The extra backs can provide blocking or use them in the
passing game. It's also useful to disguise the direction of your run and who will be the runner given the number of
options. Find Jumbo T in the "Run Heavy" playbook, which also features several variations of Full House. Jumbo T
is similar to Full House with three backs; however, the three backs are lined perpendicular to the quarterback.
Tip: Make a mental note of your opponent's tendencies throughout the game. When does your opponent blitz? When
does your opponent call run defenses or pass defenses? Observe the tendencies then plan your counters. Against heavy
blitzing opponents, call passing plays with quick slants or outlet backs to get the ball out of the quarterback's hands as
quickly as possible.
● Singleback: Unlike previous formations, there's only one back lined up behind the quarterback. This is a common
and versatile formation. For run situations you can call singleback variations that include additional tight ends for
blocking or in passing situations call singleback variations with more receivers. For run situations, singleback can
be stronger for teams without a skilled fullback but better depth at the tight end position.
● Shotgun: This is generally a passing formation: the quarterback lines up off the center providing extra time to find
opening receivers before facing the opposing rush. Shotgun can be a deceptive run formation, especially if you've
called Shotgun with four receivers as defenses will usually select dime coverage to protect against the pass.
After selecting a formation, you can use package substitutions to further alter a formation's positioning and personnel.
You can substitute a fullback for a second running back, move your weapon-laden WR around the formation into the slot
or swap positions with the second receiver; adjust a star tight end into the slot; or place a Hands running back into the
slot or wideout position. The list below covers the most common packages and lists tips for using each.
● Dual HB: For formations with two backs, such as I Form, Strong, Weak, Far, Near, and Shotgun 2RB, this package
allows you to substitute your team's second running back in for the starting fullback. This is best for teams with
two skilled running backs, such as New Orleans (Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush), Dallas (Marion Barber and
Julius Jones), Jacksonville (Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew), and Carolina (DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo
Williams). You can run the second running back from fullback plays or use the package in passing plays where
both backs offer outlet options in the flat or short-to-medium passing game.
● Jumbo Backfield: Essentially the opposite of Dual HB--this package substitutes your running back for the fullback.
This package can be useful in short yardage situations and for teams with good fullbacks (San Diego, Tampa Bay,
Cincinnati, Atlanta).
Tip: Be careful overusing special moves while carrying the ball. Performing jukes, spins, stiff arms, and hurdles can leave
you more susceptible to big hits and costly fumbles. Use the cover ball button when defenders are approaching to ensure
you maintain possession after a good run.
● WR Swap: Swap the primary and secondary receiver positions to alter their assigned pass routes. Could create
mismatches against a defense that hasn't made defensive assignments for man coverage.
● WR Swap Strong: Places your best two receivers on the strong side then swaps their position (essentially placing
your top receiver in the slot position).
● HB Slot and HB Wideout: If your selected team has a great pass-catching running back (such as Brian Westbrook
of Philadelphia and Reggie Bush of New Orleans, both Hands running backs), use this package to position your
starting running back into the slot or wideout position. This can create some good speed mismatches against a
defense's third corner in the slot as well as open up new passing routes for your skilled running back in either the
slot or wideout position.
● Strong Slot: Substitutes your best receiver into the slot position. Strong Slot is excellent for opening new routes for
a weapon-laden receiver and putting that receiver up against new defenders--possibly a mismatch against a safety
or even a linebacker. Move receivers like Marvin Harrison, Steve Smith, Chad Johnson, or Randy Moss around the
field to give your star pass catcher more route options.
● TE Slot: Substitutes your tight end into the slot position. Use this package if your team has a good receiving tight
end (Antonio Gates of San Diego, Tony Gonzalez of Kansas City, Todd Heap of Baltimore, Jeremy Shockey of New
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