Football Pro Set Formation

What is a Pro Set Formation?

A pro set formation is an offensive formation in which two running backs are split behind the quarterback and a wide receiver is on either side of the offensive line. The running backs typically line up over the B gap on either side of the center. Pro set offense is also commonly referred to as split backs. In this particular formation, the quarterback takes the snap under center. There also exists a number of variations including spread or two tight end sets.

Pro Set Advantages

Pro set is a great formation for a run-heavy offense with two good running backs and a quick offensive line. It relies on a lot of misdirection and pulling plays to gain yardage. More specifically, pro set is a formation primed for counters, read options, and ISO plays.

Counters

The counters, simply enough, involve establishing a zone block to make it look like the handoff is going to one side, then having the second running back make a cutback in the opposite direction.

Read Option

Pro set read options, much like a read option in any other formation, entails a play that has multiple outcomes. For example, in a triple option blast play, the quarterback could hand the ball off to one running back, pitch the ball to the other running back on a sweep, or keep the ball himself and run an off tackle play. This often involves reading one or more defensive players, usually the end or outside linebacker.

Iso

Lastly, iso plays involve isolating one defender and utilizing one of the running backs as a lead blocker who’ll take the iso man head on. These plays rely on much less misdirection than the other two archetypes, but they succeed thanks to their powerful blocking schemes.

Pro Set Disadvantages

The biggest disadvantage of the pro set offense is its reliance on zone blocking over man-to-man blocking. This emphasis on zone blocking that can be easily exploited by quick inside linebackers.

The 4-3 defense works best at wreaking havoc on this zone block scheme by collaborating between the middle linebacker and the nose guard. Essentially, the nose fills a gap in the weak side while the middle linebacker plays directly in front of the center. This takes away the inside run by forcing the center to over commit to the block, allowing the middle linebacker to slip into either gap.

The direction the middle linebacker goes is determined by the first step taken by the center after the snap. This strategy takes away most inside run plays, and helps stop the rest of the run game by relying only on a couple of disciplined ends and outside linebackers who read the ball and the offensive linemen. A good end will stay home in anticipation of a counter, and linebackers who are keen on iso plays will move up to fill the hole before the lead blocker makes it to the line of scrimmage.

Once the run game is shut down, so is the pro set offense for the most part. Like most two running back formations, a pro set sacrifices a diverse pass game for a strong run game. This means that once the run game fails, it’s time to change formation.

FAQ