I-Formation and Sets

The I-Formation is one of the most common offensive formations that be can found in any level of football. The I-Formation and sets draws its name from the vertical alignment of quarterback, fullback, and running back.

The I-Formation has 5 offensive linemen, the quarterback lined up under center, and two backs in-line behind the quarterback. The receivers and tight ends line in different positions, depending on the I-Formation set that is called.

The I-formation has been one of the more dominant offensive formation found in the pro game over the years do to the balance of the running and passing attack that can be run from it.

Below is a list and images of several of the more common I-Formation sets that teams run.

I-Form Big

The I-Form Big is more or less the same as the I-Form Tight. It features two tight ends. They’re lined up on each side of the offensive tackle. As you might expect this is a power run formation.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

2 FB

1 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Run

 

I-Form Close

The I-Form Close features both receivers lined up tight. By having them line up tighter, reading man or zone coverage is made easier.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

2 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Compressed

 

I-Form H Pro

The fullback stands up in a two-point stance instead of lining up in three-point stance like he would in the I-Form Pro. Other than that, this formation is the same as the I-Form Pro.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

2 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Balanced

 

I-Form H Slot

The I-Form H Slot has the fullback lined up in a two-point stance. A third receiver is added in the mix by replacing the tight end. He lines up in the slot.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

3 WR

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Spread

I-Form H Slot Flex

The I-Form H Slot Flex is the same as the I-Form H Slot, except for one difference. Instead of the slot lining up off the line of scrimmage, he lines up on the line of scrimmage. The WR1 lines up to the left and the WR2 lines up to the right.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

3 WR

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Spread

I-Form H Tight

This formation is the same as the I-Form Tight except that the fullback is lined up in a two-point stance rather than a three-point stance. There are two tight ends lined up in the formation. There are plenty of run and play action plays to be found.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

1 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Run

 

I-Form H Twin TE

The I-Form H Twin TE has both tight ends lined up on the same side. The fullback lines up in a two-point stance. The flanker lines up out wide on the left. This is a great power running formation for those who like to pound the rock.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

1 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Run

I-Form H Twins

Both receivers line up on the same side of the formation. The fullback lines up in a two-point stance. This is a well-balanced formation to call run, play action, and pass plays from.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

2 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Balanced

 

I-Form Normal

The I-Form Normal and the I-Form Pro are the same formation.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

2 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Balanced

I-Form Pro

The I-Form Pro has the flanker lined up out wide on the right and the split end lined up out wide on the left. The fullback lines up behind the quarterback, while the halfback lines up behind the fullback. The tight end lines up to the right of the right tackle.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

2 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Balanced

I-Form Pro Twins

The I-Form Pro Twins has both receivers lined up on the same side of the formation. Against base defenses, this makes it really easy to tell if man or zone coverage is called.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

2 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Balanced

 

I-Form Slot Flex

The I-Form Slot Flex is the same as the I-Form Slot, but with this difference: Instead of the slot receiver lining up off the line of scrimmage, he lines up on the line of scrimmage. The I-Form Slot Flex is found in more playbooks than the I-Form Slot.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

3 WR

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Spread

I-Form Tackle Over

The I-Form Tackle Over has the left tackle line up next to right tackle on the right side of the offensive line. One of the tight ends replace the left tackle by lining up next to the left guard. For those that like to run the ball, this formation is one better ones pound the rock with.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

2 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Balanced

I-Form TE Flip

It’s the same as the I-Form Pro, but instead of the tight end lining up on the line of scrimmage, he lines up off the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

2 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Balanced

 

I-Form Tight

The I-Form Tight (formerly known as I-Form Big) has two tight ends in the formation. The TE1 lines up next to the right tackle, while the TE2 lines up next to the left tackle. The flanker lines up out wide on the right. The fullback and halfback line up directly behind the quarterback. .

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

1 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Run

I-Form Tight Pair

Found in a bunch of playbooks, the I-Form Tight Pair is another power run formation out of the I-Form set. Two tight ends line up on the right side of the offensive line. The flanker lines up out wide on the left.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

1 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Run

Key and Unique Plays:

FB Dive

HB Sweep

PA Power O

 

I-Form Twin TE

This is essentially the same formation as the I-Form Tight Pair, except reversed. Two tight ends line up on the left side of the offensive line. The flanker lines up out wide on the right.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

1 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×1

Formation Style:

Run