What is the benefit of the shotgun formation?

July 30th, 2010 by eranio

It looks like it’s helpful in giving the quarterback an extra couple of seconds to throw the ball before he is sacked, is that a big reason for the shotgun? Also, what does it mean when the quarterback kicks one leg into the air before the snap?

Posted in used shotguns

5 Responses

  1. Killer Chick

    Shot gun- Is when the quarterback wants to go deep (throw far), hence the use of the word"shot gun". He stands almost upright before the snap, to be able to view down the field properly, and reduce the time of the snap.

    Your second question – this is just team tactic. It’s a signal. Not necessarily have to be done. Peyton Manning does this a lot. A lot of time, it means the play is a running-play (even though the opponents are not supposed to know that). But it is a signal that could mean anything. It’s not part of the rules of the NFL.

  2. JP the Answer Pimp

    you get back without having to move…The time saved is hardly even a second in reality, but with the speed of the game that could be huge…the problem is the other team pretty much can sit on pass, but running out of the shotgun is very effective (especially in Madden against a dime D, lol)

    The leg kick is a signal for the center to snap…he cant see his QB’s face and considering he is not right under center he cant hear the signals…

  3. Patrick D

    the shot gun is better for the QB to see the defense and the leg tells the center that he may snap the ball when he is ready this is called the silent count.

  4. kareek b

    the qb is already in a position to pass the ball if he is in the shotgun, he saves the time dropping back to the pocket because he is already in the pocket and ready wen hes in shotgun

  5. Ethan T

    it gives the qb more time to find an open reciever without using the tight end as a blocker

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