Defending the Single Wing

Coach, if they run it with double tites and a wingback in tight like a slot back, just stem on the QB cadence
to a 6-2 by having your OLB's/SS's move to the LOS. Have your ILB's move a yd closer to the LOS, and stack your CB's on the OLB's/SS's to take the edges away for certain. Force them into having to run inside. Wait on the blitz for a series or so to discern how they are attacking you, as you have the edges battened down, but don't give up the inside by blitzing and running right by the backs. The stacked corners will be your salvation on any screens. Make certain your FS is coached up not to bite on any play action, but is well versed in rolling down hill UNDER CONTROL in run support. God luck.

JC

Coach Tocco,

If you mean with a wingback to either side, where is the QB/blocking back positioned, behind the PSG and the FB back by himself? I'm from the old school and started my playing career in the single wing in Jr. High school where the QB was behind the PSG, the wingback outside the TE, the FB directly aligned at 5 yds. behind the center and the TB right along side to his left directly behind the BSG. Even with a WB to either side, your OLbs/SS will align on them. If they have a SE your CB on that side will align on him. The very name of the formation, SINGLE WING, denotes a single wing back to me, not two. As it was always designed as a power formation, I would go with double tites. But, we ran the bone with a SE for long years on the HS level and of course that is a power/option game as well. Perhaps someone with more up to date info on the single wing could help you better with how to defend the modern version than I can. I haven't had to defend against the SW in long years and am probably not well versed enough at present without really brushing up, to help you with your question.

Coach Easton