The Best Examples of Shotgun Formation Strategies in Football

Real Examples of Shotgun Formation Strategies in Football

Let’s start with what you actually came for: real, on-field examples of shotgun formation strategies in football that you can visualize and use. We’ll build from simple to more advanced, and I’ll point out how modern offenses (2024–2025) are tweaking these ideas.

Example of a Classic Shotgun Spread: 10 Personnel, 2x2

One of the best-known examples of shotgun formation strategies in football is the classic 10 personnel spread: 1 running back, 0 tight ends, 4 wide receivers.

Picture this:

• Quarterback is 5 yards deep in shotgun.
• One running back is next to him, slightly behind and to the side.
• Two receivers to the left, two to the right (a 2x2 set).

Why offenses love it:

• Forces the defense to declare coverage (you’ll see right away if they’re light in the box).
• Creates space for quick game concepts (slants, outs, hitches) to both sides.
• Gives the quarterback a clean view of the defense before the snap.

You’ll see this constantly in the NFL and college ball. Watch a modern spread team, and you’ll recognize this as a core example of shotgun formation strategy: simple alignment, tons of flexibility.

Shotgun Inside Zone with RPO Tag

Another strong example of shotgun formation strategy is the inside zone run paired with an RPO (run-pass option). This is everywhere in 2024–2025, from high school to the pros.

The base idea:

• Offense lines up in shotgun, usually 11 personnel (1 running back, 1 tight end, 3 wide receivers).
• The line blocks inside zone: double teams up front, working to linebackers.
• The quarterback reads a conflict defender (often an outside linebacker or nickel corner).
• If that defender crashes the run, the QB pulls the ball and throws a quick slant, bubble, or glance route.

Why this works so well:

• The shotgun gives the QB a great angle to read that defender.
• The back gets a downhill path while still threatening cutbacks.
• Defenses are forced to “be right” against both the run and the pass in a split second.

If you want a modern, practical example of shotgun formation strategy, this is it. It’s a staple concept for teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and many college programs.

For a deeper dive into how the run game has evolved with spread and shotgun concepts, the American Football Coaches Association often shares clinic notes and articles that align with these trends.

Shotgun Read-Option and Zone-Read

When people think of the shotgun, a lot of them immediately think of the read-option. This is another one of the best examples of shotgun formation strategies in football because it marries quarterback mobility with simple blocking.

The basic structure:

• QB in shotgun with a running back aligned to one side.
• Offensive line blocks inside zone away from the defensive end being read.
• That end is intentionally left unblocked.
• Quarterback reads the unblocked end:
  • If the end crashes down on the running back, QB keeps the ball and runs outside.
  • If the end stays wide, QB gives the ball to the running back.

Modern twist (2024–2025):

• Teams now layer RPOs on top of this, giving the quarterback a third option: hand off, keep, or throw.
• You’ll see this in college systems influenced by coaches like Lincoln Riley and in pro looks when teams have mobile QBs.

This is a textbook example of shotgun formation strategy that stresses the defense horizontally and punishes over-aggressive edge players.

Shotgun Play-Action Deep Shots from 3x1

Let’s move to a more vertical mindset. One of the most dangerous examples of shotgun formation strategies in football is the 3x1 play-action deep shot.

Alignment:

• 3 receivers to one side, 1 to the other (3x1 set).
• QB in shotgun with a running back offset.
• Tight end can be part of the trips side or on the single-receiver side to help with protection.

Concept:

• Offense fakes an inside zone or split-zone run.
• Line sells run blocking for the first step or two.
• QB fakes the handoff, then immediately looks to attack deep:
  • Go route or post from the outside receiver.
  • Over route (deep crossing) from a slot or tight end.
  • A backside dig or comeback.

Why it’s so effective:

• Shotgun alignment makes the fake quick and the QB’s set point consistent.
• The 3x1 look forces defenses to decide whether to roll coverage to trips or protect the isolated receiver.
• When safeties step up on the run fake, the deep routes open behind them.

You see this constantly with teams that like to run the ball from shotgun, then hit you over the top when you start cheating up.

Empty Shotgun: 5-Wide Pressure on the Defense

Empty formations are another clear example of shotgun formation strategy that puts defenses in a bind.

Picture this:

• QB alone in shotgun.
• 5 eligible receivers spread across the field.
• No running back in the backfield.

What this does:

• Forces the defense to show its hand: someone has to walk out and cover the fifth receiver.
• Creates easy pre-snap reads for the QB: if the defense is light in the box, quick QB draw or designed run is available; if they overload coverage on one side, the other side has space.
• Opens up quick-hitting concepts like stick, spacing, and quick outs.

Modern twist:

• Offenses motion into empty from a more traditional shotgun set, making it harder for defenses to substitute or disguise.
• Some teams use tight ends and running backs as slot receivers in empty, creating mismatches on linebackers.

This is a great example of shotgun formation strategy when you trust your quarterback to diagnose coverage and get the ball out fast.

Shotgun with Motion: Jet Sweep and Orbit Action

Motion has become a huge part of modern football, and it pairs beautifully with shotgun. One of the best examples of shotgun formation strategies in football is the use of jet or orbit motion to stress the edges.

Common setup:

• QB in shotgun with a running back.
• Slot receiver goes in fast motion across the formation (jet) or loops behind the QB and back (orbit).

Options off this look:

• Hand the ball to the motion man on the sweep.
• Fake the sweep and run inside zone to the back.
• Fake both and throw a quick screen or slant away from the motion.

Why it’s effective:

• Motion forces the defense to communicate and adjust on the fly.
• The shotgun alignment gives the QB a perfect angle to handle fakes and mesh points.
• It widens the defense, creating lighter boxes for inside runs.

You’ll see this kind of shotgun motion package all over the NFL and college game now, especially in offenses influenced by the Shanahan/McVay tree.

Short-Yardage Shotgun: Not Just a Passing Look

A lot of old-school coaches used to hate shotgun in short yardage, but modern offenses have flipped that thinking. One underrated example of shotgun formation strategy is using it in third-and-short or goal-line situations.

How it works:

• QB in shotgun with a back directly behind or slightly offset.
• Tight formations with condensed splits from receivers and tight ends.
• Variety of run options: inside zone, power, counter, or QB power.

Benefits:

• The QB can see overloaded fronts and check to the better side.
• Spread alignments (even with tight splits) can thin out the box.
• Designed QB runs from shotgun, especially with an extra blocker (like a tight end or H-back), create a numbers advantage.

In 2024, you’ll see plenty of successful short-yardage plays run from shotgun, especially with mobile quarterbacks. It’s a sharp example of shotgun formation strategy that breaks the old stereotype of “under center only” in tight situations.

Shotgun Bunch and Stack Sets for Pick Routes

Another modern example of shotgun formation strategy is using bunch or stack alignments to create natural rubs and picks in the passing game.

Typical structure:

• QB in shotgun.
• Three receivers in a tight bunch on one side or stacked (one behind the other).
• Back and tight end can be aligned opposite or integrated into the bunch.

Concepts you’ll see:

• Mesh routes underneath, where receivers cross and force defenders to navigate traffic.
• Corner/flat combinations where one receiver drives off coverage while another breaks to the sideline.
• Switch releases to confuse man coverage assignments.

Shotgun helps by:

• Giving the QB a clear view of how the defense is aligning to the bunch.
• Allowing quick, timed throws that hit receivers in stride.

This is one of the best examples of shotgun formation strategies in football when your goal is to win on third down against tight man coverage.

Trends in Shotgun Usage (2024–2025)

If you feel like every offense is living in shotgun now, you’re not imagining it. Analytics-focused organizations like the NFL’s Next Gen Stats and research from major programs show a steady rise in shotgun usage over the past decade.

Recent trends:

• More hybrid QBs: As more quarterbacks arrive with both passing and running ability, shotgun read concepts and QB runs have grown.
• RPO-heavy systems: High school and college offenses are teaching RPOs early, and those players bring that background with them to higher levels.
• Tempo offenses: Shotgun makes it easier to go no-huddle and keep a consistent pre-snap picture for the QB.

For coaches and players learning these systems, many college athletic departments (for example, University of Wisconsin’s football resources) share clinic content that reflects how shotgun-based offenses are built and taught.

Practical Tips for Installing Shotgun Strategies

If you’re a coach or player trying to use these examples of shotgun formation strategies in football on your own team, a few practical guidelines help:

• Start with a small menu: one inside zone, one outside run, a simple quick game concept, and one play-action.
• Keep the quarterback’s reads consistent: use similar defensive keys across different plays.
• Rep the mesh: the handoff exchange and timing from shotgun need reps to feel natural.
• Build tags, not new plays: add motion, bunch, or RPO tags to existing core concepts instead of inventing a new play every week.

Think of shotgun as a platform, not a play. The best offenses in 2024–2025 are using the same core shotgun looks to run a variety of concepts that all feel familiar to their players.

For safe conditioning and training to support these up-tempo, shotgun-heavy systems, resources from organizations like the CDC’s physical activity guidelines can help coaches structure healthy workload and recovery.

FAQ: Examples of Shotgun Formation Strategies in Football

Q: What are some basic examples of shotgun formation strategies in football for youth teams?
For younger players, keep it simple: a 2x2 shotgun spread with inside zone, a quick slant/flat concept, and a basic play-action off the same run look. These are clean, teachable examples that don’t overload kids with too many reads.

Q: Can you give an example of a shotgun play that works against the blitz?
A great example of shotgun formation strategy versus the blitz is a 3x1 set with a running back staying in for protection and a quick hot route built in: a slot receiver on a quick slant or a tight end on a short stick route. The QB identifies pressure pre-snap and knows exactly where the immediate outlet is.

Q: What are the best examples of shotgun formation strategies in football for mobile quarterbacks?
Read-option, zone-read, QB power, and RPOs are the best examples. These shotgun strategies let a mobile QB threaten the edge, read unblocked defenders, and keep the ball on designed runs while still having simple pass options built in.

Q: Are there examples of shotgun formation strategies that still emphasize power running?
Absolutely. Shotgun power, counter, and gap schemes with pulling guards are strong examples. Teams will often use a tight end or H-back as an extra blocker, creating a downhill, physical run game from shotgun instead of just stretch or finesse runs.

Q: What is a good example of using motion with shotgun to confuse defenses?
A classic example is shotgun with a slot receiver in jet motion. The offense can hand the jet sweep, fake it and run inside zone, or fake both and throw a quick RPO. The defense has to adjust on the fly, and one wrong step can open up a big play.

Shotgun isn’t just a formation; it’s a flexible platform. Once you understand these specific examples of shotgun formation strategies in football, you’ll start recognizing them on film, on TV, and maybe even in your own playbook—and that’s when the game really starts to slow down and make sense.