What is the Pistol Formation and is it Here to Stay in NCAA Football?

The traditional shotgun has been a staple in many offenses since it was first developed, but some coaches and quarterbacks are afraid to use it because of the fact that is can be difficult to run out and establish a balance between the two types of play.

At the same time, the shotgun offense also requires a talented center with the ability to snap the ball quickly and accurately while also getting set in pass protection or also run-blocking with quickness as well. Many teams have a hard time finding centers who can do this.

One newer formation that attempts to solve some of these problems is the "Pistol" formation, which has come into play with the Nevada Wolfpack in recent years. This formation looks a bit odd on the field and unlike most other formations coaches have seen, but it has its own unique strengths and might have some staying power as a good compromise between the traditional snap from under center and the shotgun.

In the Pistol formation, the QB is lined up about 4-5 steps back behind the center. When the ball is snapped, it gets to the quarterback quicker than usual and allows for an easier snap for the center to make. Once the ball is snapped, the entire tempo of the play is changed a bit from what defenses are used to, allowing for some unique plays.

Since there's a little more breathing room to execute the plays, different reverses and fakes can be run at a more efficient speed than the shotgun. Play-fakes are also more effective since the running back isn't so far in the backfield and the distance forces the defense to make a decision about whether to go after the running back or quarterback quicker.

The formation also gives the quarterback a nice look at the defense, but the snap isn't so far away that arm strength comes into play as much as it does in the shotgun, where there are many QB's that have a hard time making all the necessary throws from a spot so far behind center as the play begins.