6 Forty Series

85
Power Plays
Despite having a full house backfield, the Wishbone was not originally
intended to be a power formation. The idea was to attack both perimeters of the ball
using all four backs. When defenses would widen, the main play the offense would
use would be a fullback dive or a running back counter. With the outlawing of
cutting downfield (used by escort backs) in areas below college level, the use of power
plays in the Wishbone formation has grown.
With the use of Conservative and Liberal blocking schemes we can design the
perfect power game that suits us. For instance, ‘42/43 Lead’ and ‘44/45 Lead’ work in
a tandem together where if one play’s gaps are covered by down linemen we switch
to the other play. We can, out of the Wishbone, make the most out of our specific
linemen’s abilities. We can pick and choose which plays out of our arsenal we want
to focus on, due to the ability of our players. Observe the following diagram. If we
don’t want to put so much pressure on our center and backside guard to combo block
at the POA we can base block. Yet, if we feel like our play side guard and tackle have
an edge over a defender we can combo block in order to get more defenders blocked.
So in short, we don’t have to stick to just Combo schemes or to just Base schemes – we
can mix it up.
Some schemes can’t be used for certain holes. For instance, there is no ‘46/47
Lead Kick-out’ because many times the tight end has to block down, and there will be
no one to block the inside backer. Yet a 46/47 Lead is possible if the defensive end is
rushing so far up-field that we don’t even have to block him (yes, it happens).
Another example of a play that does not exist is ‘48/49 Power Sweep’. A wing must
be present in order for this play to work, otherwise no one will be able to block down
on the 6 or 9 tech, and Power can only be used in a 3 back set.
With our current system we will be able to mix and match the plays that work
for us. The following plays are the most common at our disposal:
Andrew Ward, WishbonePlaybook@gmail.com

86
42/43 Power
Quarterback – Reverse out and hand off to the running back. Fake drop back
play action
Fullback – Run over guard: Conservative responsibilities. If guard is uncovered
always consider it B gap. Use A gap blocking with a 2 tech.
PS back – Run over guard: Conservative responsibilities. If guard is uncovered
always consider it B gap. Use A gap blocking with a 2 tech.
BS back – Short, quick parallel step inside, cut up toward LOS, receive the handoff.
Linemen – Use 2/3 Conservative blocking rules. On split end side we can block
out vs. an Odd front if guard calls it, shown in diagram 3. (pg. 26)
Tight end – Use 2/3 Conservative blocking rules
Wide outs – Stalk block if corner is in man, block inside and downfield if he is
playing flats. Backside – cut off.
Notes: This ISO play is used in tandem with ‘44/45 Power’ and ‘46/47 Power
Off-Tackle’ and can be ran to both sides of the ball. We call ‘42/43 Power’ when we
want to attack the defense inside-out. ‘44/45 Power’ will be called when we want to
attack the defense outside-in, and ‘46/47 Power Off-Tackle’ is called when all other
gaps are closed. Most of the time, regardless of which play is called, it will end up the
same way – especially against Odd fronts. If guard calls ‘Stack’ we will check to C gap
(as shown in diagram 5) Using an ‘Alpha’, ‘Beta’, ‘Charlie’, and ‘Delta’ calls in the
huddle or at the line, we can direct which gap we want the ball to go regardless of
how the defense is lined up.

87
44/45 Power
Quarterback – Open play side and hand off to the running back. Fake play action
short roll to play side
Fullback – Run over tackle: Conservative responsibilities. If tackle is uncovered
always consider it C gap. Use B gap blocking with a 4 tech.
PS back – Run over tackle: Conservative responsibilities. If tackle is uncovered
always consider it C gap. Use B gap blocking with a 4 tech.
BS back – Long, quick parallel step inside, cut up toward LOS and receive the
handoff.
Linemen – Use 4/5 Conservative blocking rules. (pg. 27)
Tight end – Use 4/5 Conservative blocking rules
Notes: As said in the previous page, we will check to the first available gap
inside if B and C gaps are closed. If they are stunting from one gap to another, like in
diagram 4, we can call ‘44/45 Power Charlie’ to hit specifically C gap. Backs will
block it like C gap as well. If all gaps are closed we can check to ‘46/47 Power Off-
Tackle’ if need-be.

88
46/47 Power Off-Tackle
boot to the backside
Fullback – Run over tight end (or tackle). Conservative responsibilities
PS back – Kick-out the FMOTE (or tackle, if being ran to a split end side). Keep
you head inside.
BS back – Long parallel step inside, cut up toward LOS and receive the handoff.
Linemen – Use 6/7 Conservative blocking rules. (pg. 28)
Tight end – Use 6/7 Conservative blocking rules. Release if no 4 or 5.
Notes: Despite the diagram above, avoid running this to the split end side.
This play is a good way to hit the defense with power outside without having to pull
any linemen. It relies on the lead back’s ability to kick-out a defensive end. The
tight-end will block the man covering C gap, either by releasing or blocking down.
We can run this against stacked fronts, as shown in diagram 5, because we have the
ability to block the LOS defender and the linebacker inside. We can use this play in
association with the ‘42/43 Power’ and ‘44/45 Power’ when A, B, and C gaps are filled.

89
42/43 Lead
play action
Fullback – Run over guard: Liberal responsibilities. Use A gap blocking with a 2
tech.
PS back – Liberal responsibilities. (Outside to inside invert)
BS back – Short, quick parallel step inside, cut up toward LOS and receive the
handoff.
Linemen – Use 2/3 Liberal blocking rules. (pg. 34)
Tight end – Use 2/3 Liberal blocking rules
Notes: This play is used in tandem with ‘44/45 Lead’ and ‘48/49 Lead Sweep’.
Like the ‘Power’ series, we can check to ‘44/45 Lead’ if the A and B gaps are closed.
However, we cannot check to an off-tackle play if all gaps are closed. Instead we
have to run a sweep play outside, because with just one back kicking out it would not
be possible to block any of the backers. This is demonstrated in diagram 5.

90
44/45 Lead
roll to play side
Fullback – Run over tackle: Liberal responsibilities. Use B gap blocking with a 4
tech. Block first unblocked 2nd level defender in gap.
PS back – Block outside to inside invert
handoff.
Notes: This play works well in blocking most defenders within the box. In
most cases, the fullback essentially takes the Conservative responsibilities of the
running back. As said in the previous page, we can check to the first available gap
inside if B and C gaps are closed, but we still have the capability to run it if our guard
can hook their tackle. If this is the case, and A gap is open, we can check to ‘42/43
Lead’ or call Alpha. If we want to we can run ‘48/49 Lead Sweep’ as well.

91
48/49 Lead Sweep
Quarterback – Reverse out and pitch to the running back. Fake play action and
boot away from play side.
Fullback – Block first outside in the hole.
PS back – Fill block.
BS back – Run a base pitch course, receive pitch early.
Linemen – Use 8/9 Lead Sweep blocking rules. (pg. 36)
Tight end – Use 8/9 Lead Sweep blocking rules
playing flats. Backside – cut off. If called to, motion and block inside, or combo the 6
or 9 to inside backer.
Notes: A designed sweep play is the hardest to run out of the Wishbone
formation. The way the formation was intended to hit the perimeter was not by
means of a mass of blockers (although that is possible) but by a controlled option
system. When the word ‘Sweep’ is used the backfield no longer use Liberal or
Conservative responsibilities. The fullback, if blocking, will block first outside the
hole. The running back, if blocking, will ‘Fill’ block. The reason we have the
running back ‘Fill’ instead of taking first outside is because that is the fullback’s
responsibility regardless of formation.

92
42/43 Blast
play action
Fullback – Kick out first man on or outside of guard on the LOS.
PS back – Block the outside invert.
handoff.
Linemen – Use 2/3 Blast blocking rules. (pg. 29)
Tight end – Use 2/3 Blast blocking rules
Notes: This Blast series is all about kicking out a man on the LOS and pulling
around the backside guard to block inside. The best plays are ‘46/47 Blast’ and ‘48/49
Blast’. The more you get inside, the worse the angles of running are for the running
back. However, if the defensive tackle is slanting the opposite direction, or rushing
up the field hard, it may not matter the angle.

93
44/45 Blast
roll to play side
Fullback – Kick out first man on or outside of tackle on the LOS. If man is in 6 or
9 position, take a shallow angle and then kick out.
handoff.
Tight end – Use 4/5 Blast blocking rules
Notes: This is another great way of running the ball by kicking out a defender
on the LOS and having a backside guard Seal block at the point of attack. The entire
Blast system works great as a means of kicking out a slanting or deep penetrating
defender on the LOS, and running up underneath him. If we can block a second level
defender with a lineman at the point of attack, and not have that LOS defender hurt
us, we can get some great yards.

94
46/47 Blast
boot to the backside
Fullback – Kick out first man on or outside of tight end on the LOS. Take a
shallow angle and then kick out.
BS back – Long parallel step inside, cut up toward LOS and receive the handoff.
Tight end – Use 6/7 Blast blocking rules.
Wide outs – Stalk block if corner. Backside – cut off. If you are in a Wing
position you will use 6/7 Blast blocking rules.
Notes: This play is one of the perimeter power plays out of the Wishbone that
does not require a Wing. With it, we can block everyone we need to. The defensive
end is the key. We need to be able to take advantage of the defensive end’s desire to
rush up-field. We should try to run this to the tight-end side as much as possible.

95
48/49 Blast Sweep
Quarterback – Reverse out and pitch to the running back. Don’t fake play action
boot – rush into the hole and block first outside invert unblocked by the fullback.
Fullback – Kick out first man on or outside of wing. Take a shallow angle and then
kick out if defender is on LOS.
BS back – Run a base pitch course, receive pitch early, cut up underneath fullback’s
kick-out block.
Linemen – Use 8/9 Blast Sweep blocking rules. (pg. 32)
Tight end – Use 8/9 Blast Sweep blocking rules
Wide outs – Stalk block if corner. Backside – cut off. If you are in a Wing
position you will use 8/9 Blast blocking rules.
Notes: Once we break from the Wishbone into a wing formation we have the
ability to run arguably the best play in football from a variety of formations. In order
for it to work completely, the Quarterback must be apart of the blocking as well.
After he pitches the ball (or after the ball is snapped) he will block first outside invert
unblocked by the fullback. The running back must wait for the backside guard to
complete his inside Seal block before he cuts up into the hole.

96
Cross Buck Plays

One of the most unique things about the Wishbone is the ability to run what
is known as Cross buck plays. This means that the fullback will dive the opposite
direction of the play, as indicated by the word ‘Buck’. What this does is send middle
backers in the wrong direction and it can even put certain outside backers and safeties
that are going off the first option move of the Quarterback out of position.
The only requirement in running the ‘Buck’ series is that there needs to be one
blocker other than the fullback directly involved in the play. This means that all 3
back sets, Veer, and sets with a wing formation are involved. The ‘Buck’ series, like
the ‘Lead’ series, uses Liberal blocking on the LOS but the lead running back blocking
will use the fullback’s liberal blocking scheme because he is the only one in the
backfield blocking.
The only exception in blocking for the linemen is on the ‘Buck Sweep’, where
instead of blocking the first man inside after pulling they will block the first man
outside, and then look in if there is no one there. This can be done with or without a
wing, because tight end will always reach his man.

97
42/43 Buck
Quarterback – Reverse out, quick fake to fullback (if he is there) and hand off to
the running back. Fake drop back play action
Fullback – Dive opposite the play side, fake reception of a handoff
PS back – Run over guard: Fullback’s liberal responsibilities. Block first unblocked
second level defender in hole. Use A gap blocking with a 2 tech.
handoff.
Tight end – Use 2/3 Liberal blocking rules.
Notes: This Buck play is great in freezing the middle backer in order for him
to be blocked more easily by the lead back. The buck series is mostly ran out of the
Veer and Bone formations because we want to make the most of a lead running back.

98
44/45 Buck
Quarterback – Reverse out, quick fake to fullback (if he is there) and hand off to
the running back. Fake play action roll to play side
PS back – Run over tackle: Fullback’s liberal responsibilities: Block first unblocked
second level defender in hole. Use B gap blocking with a 4 tech.
handoff.
Notes: We can run this play to the split end, although if the tackle has two
people to block (which he often does due to the lack of the tight end) he will have to
call ‘Out’ or he will have to base his man while the guard reaches play side.

99
48/49 Buck Sweep
Quarterback – Reverse out, quick fake to fullback and pitch the ball to the
running back. If no fullback is there you will reverse out and hand off to the running
back instead of pitching it. Fake play action and boot away from play side.
PS back – Block first unblocked second level defender in hole
BS back – Receive pitch or hand off and run to the hole.
Linemen – Use 8/9 Buck sweep blocking rules. If you are pulling you will be the
one to block out or Log a strong invert. (pg. 37)
Tight end – Use 8/9 Buck sweep blocking rules
playing flats. Backside – cut off. If wing: block the strong invert, or combo the 6 or 9
to inside backer.
Notes: If the middle is clogged up we can hit them outside. Like the ‘Lead’
series, the ‘Buck’ series hits inside with ISO and outside with the sweep. In this
sweep though, if there is no fullback for the Quarterback to fake to, he will reverse
out as always but he will had off to the running back instead of pitch it in order to
give some hesitation to the defense has to who has it. We can though, quickly fake to
our fullback and hand off if our running back is in Blaze motion or in a Pro or Con set
– this would put him in better position to receive the hand off. If we don’t have a
Wing when in I formation we should run 48/49 Counter instead.

100
Counter Plays
With the Counter series we can give the appearance of a power play in one
direction, and then hit them in the other. These plays, sense they are all in the forty
series and contain the word ‘counter’ will all go to the play side running back while
the rest of the backfield at least starts off in the other direction (the exception being
‘44 Counter’). In the following diagram we have ’44 Lead’ and ’49 Counter’.
Remember: in the forty Counter series the play side back gets the ball. This play is
the fastest possible way to get the ball to the perimeter effectively. Our play side line
will pull quickly and take advantage of the defense’s over-pursuit of what resembled
power to their left. They can even let go of the defensive end if he is stunting inside.
The counter series is not just about taking advantage of the over-pursuit of the
defense as shown above (although it doesn’t hurt if they do over-pursue). We can
take advantage of the deep penetration of defensive linemen in ‘42/43 Counter’ and
‘46/47 Counter’. If we want to have our play side back run power we can call ‘44/45
Counter’ where the fullback will start out backside but then cut back into the play
side hole and block the first thing he sees.

101
42/43 Counter
Quarterback – Reverse out backside (if under center) and hand off to the running
back. Fake drop back play action to backside.
Fullback – Block backside.
PS back – Short, quick parallel step to back side, cut up toward backside LOS and
receive the handoff, then cutback to play side underneath guard’s block once you
reach the LOS.
BS back – Block backside.
Linemen – Use 2/3 Counter blocking rules. Note: in diagram 6 the PS guard has a
man head up and outside shape of him. We will assume if this happens that the head
up man will go inside, while the man outside shade will blitz up-field. Therefore, the
guard will base out the man head up on him. (pg. 42)
Tight end – Use 2/3 Counter blocking rules
Wide outs – Cut off block.
Notes: This play is used to make the defense think we are running backside.
Even the middle linebacker’s pause will be enough for him to be blocked by our
linemen. Because the angles would not be great at all for a PS back out of the
Wishbone formation, we won’t run it but in Shot Gun or I formations. The
Quarterback will give the ball to the running back before he cuts to the play side, not
after, and then drop back backside (mirror of most 42/43 plays).

102
44/45 Counter ISO
Quarterback – Open backside and make an inside hand off to the running back.
Fake play action roll to back side
Fullback – Step backside and then cut back to play side. Wait till Quarterback is
out of the way. Liberal responsibilities: Block first unblocked 2nd level defender in
gap.
PS back – Long, quick parallel step backside, cut up toward play side LOS and
receive the handoff.
BS back – Block backside
Linemen – Use 4/5 Counter blocking rules (pg. 43)
Notes: This play is our counter ISO. It is the best way to run power with our
play side back. As you can see, it is not exactly a true counter in that the fullback is
apart of the play side blocking. He will block exactly the same way he would a ‘44/45
Lead’. The Quarterback will give the ball to the running back after he has cut to the
play side, not before. The Quarterback will then boot to backside (mirroring all 44/45
plays).

103
46/47 Counter
Quarterback – Open backside with a step, swing to play side and hand off to the
running back. Fake play action boot to the backside
PS back – Long parallel step backside and then cut up toward play side LOS and
receive the handoff. Read the BS Guard’s block. If he kicks out go underneath him.
If he Logs his defender you will bounce outside.
Linemen – Use 6/7 Counter blocking rules. BS Tackle should read the BS Guard’s
block. Seal block around the guard if he Logs his defender. (pg. 44)
Notes: This counter takes a little time to develop, but it is still fast enough to
get the job done. We will be faking an off-tackle play to the opposite side, and then
we will cut back underneath the guard’s Trap block and the tackle’s Seal block. The
Quarterback will boot to the backside (which is the same of what he does in most
46/47 plays).

104
48/49 Counter
Quarterback – Open play side and quick pitch the ball to the play side back.
Then turn to backside and run along the LOS.
PS back – Run a base pitch course, receive pitch early.
Linemen – Use 8/9 Counter blocking rules. (pg. 45)
Tight end – Use 8/9 Counter blocking rules.
Notes: With this play we can take advantage of defenses that are slanting
inside or just playing heavy in the middle. It is very much the kind of play that can
either get us big yards or no gain. Our linemen should know not to block a blitzing
or down defender unless his shoulder pads are parallel to the LOS (meaning he can
potentially get our running back).

105
Zone Plays
Zone blocking was the response to the slanting and stunting of defenses.
Many times basic power plays have problems because someone in a 5 technique will
stunt all the way to B or even A gap. With regards to basic power plays we have a
system that deals with the stunting (Alpha, Beta, Charlie, Delta calls) but we can only
do those on a limited basis because we won’t always know where the defense is
stunting. Zone plays puts more responsibility into our running back, and allows him
to run where is best.
Most zone plays out of the forty series are primarily used in one and two back
sets, but some can be ran out of the Wishbone as well. The best example of this is
‘48/49 Zone’, which is really the best way to run to the perimeter out of the
Wishbone without running option. The only problem is the backs will have to
change certain blocking responsibilities.
With these Zone plays we will have the capability of running the football
without having to worry about where their defensive line is going. The only problem
is Zone is hard to learn and tough to run – but if we can do it we should do it.

106
42/43 Cutback Zone
Quarterback – Reverse out backside (if under center) and hand off to the running
back. Fake drop back play action to backside.
Fullback – Block backside ISO.
PS back – N/A
BS back – Direct run toward outside hip of backside guard and receive the handoff,
then cutback to play side underneath guard’s block once you reach the LOS.
Linemen – Use 2/3 Zone blocking rules. (pg. 47)
Tight end – Use 2/3 Zone blocking rules
Wide outs – Stalk block man. Backside – cut off.
Notes: This play is the exact same play as ‘22/23 Cutback Zone’, only it is
faking inside power – not option, and it can only be ran out of the Ace and I
formations. It looks and is ran just like ‘42/43 Counter’, only there is no pulling –
which will give the defense a better false impression that it is an ISO.

107
44/45 Zone
Quarterback – Open play side and hand off to the running back as deep as
possible. Fake play action to play side
Fullback – Block backside defensive end.
PS back – N/A
BS back – Direct path to inside hip of play side tackle. Receive handoff, read the
line for direct dive or cutback once you reach the LOS.
Notes: This zone play is one of the most commonly used in all of football. The
inside zone has been a thorn in the back of defenses now for years, literally. When
the defense over pursues the running back he has the ability to cut back to as many as
two places on the backside of the line. The diagrams look like these angles are
extreme, but by the time the running back gets to the LOS a nose guard could be right
over him. Some offenses only incorporate this play and ‘46/47 Zone’ in their running
arsenal. They are best ran to the tight end side.

108
46/47 Zone
Quarterback – Open play side and hand off to the running back as deep as
possible. Fake play action boot to backside
Fullback – Block play side outside invert or ‘force’.
PS back – N/A
BS back – Direct path to inside hip of play side tight end. Receive handoff. This is
a stretch play, so you will not cutback anywhere behind play side guard.
Notes: This outside zone play can cause real headaches for the defenses. We
will stretch the defensive box out and literally poke holes in it. This play is strictly
designed to go play side, so cutting back is behind the play side guard is not allowed.
When ‘44/45 Zone’ is used as well, this play becomes more effective. Linebackers
weary of a cutback may not pursue as quickly – making them susceptible to being
blocked. If they pursue too quickly then we will cutback using 44/45 Zone, which
looks much like ‘46/47 Zone’.

109
48/49 Zone
Quarterback – Reverse out and pitch to the running back. Fake play action and
boot away from play side. If ‘Keep’ is called you will keep the ball and boot to the
backside around the end closing on the LOS (as shown in diagram 5).
Fullback – (Two backs) Block first outside in the hole. Block force defender, if no
PS back or slot back you will have to block the strong invert. (Three backs) Fill
block.
PS back – Block first outside in the hole. Block force defender, if no slot back you
will have to block the strong invert.
BS back – Run a base pitch course, receive pitch early.
Notes: This play should be ran primarily out of two back and three back
formations. This play is the best power perimeter plays out of the Wishbone because
it can hit almost anywhere along the play side LOS. Many times instead of going
outside the tight end it will go right underneath him, creating a kind of stretched ISO,
which can’t happen in other sweep plays where linemen are pulling.

110
Reverses
Our reverses will be primarily out of the sweep and ISO look. We have ‘48/49
Sweep Reverse’ and ‘42/43 ISO Reverse’. We will want to run the ISO reverse
primarily out of the Wishbone and sweep plays out of two back formations.
Quarterback – Fake the initial steps and hand off of the power play called called,
if it is ‘48/49 Reverse’ you will pitch the ball to the running back and run to the
reverse side – look outside-in.
Backfield – Fake the play that is called.
Linemen – Backside linemen’s initial direction will be toward the fake play, and
then they will move back to block the second and third level defenders for reverse.
Play side (including center) will block their man away from the reverse direction. On
‘42/43 ISO Reverse’ the center will want to block back.
Tight end – If the reverse is coming your way you will use the linemen’s reverse
rules. There are no reverses for you.
Wide outs – Reverse your way – stalk block. If you are to receive the reverse you
will take a quick step forward with your outside foot, cut back to the box, run right
behind the Quarterback or running back to receive the handoff. Do not cut back
after you’ve receive the ball.
Notes: We call reverses first by the play we are faking. This play relies mostly
on the ‘backside’ pursuit of the LOS defenders and the overall aggressiveness of the
defense we are playing.

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85

Andrew Ward, WishbonePlaybook@gmail.com

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46/47 Power Off-Tackle

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48/49 Lead Sweep

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48/49 Blast Sweep

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Cross Buck Plays

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48/49 Buck Sweep

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44/45 Counter ISO

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42/43 Cutback Zone

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