Short punt formation

The short punt formation is an older formation on both offense and defense in American football, popular when scoring was harder and a good punt was itself an offensive weapon.^[1][2] In times when punting on third down was fairly common, teams would line up in the short punt formation and offer the triple threat of punt, run or pass.^[3][4] Harper's Weekly in 1915 called it "the most valuable formation known to football."^[4]

The formation is similar to the single wing and modern shotgun by including the possibility of a long snap from center. However, it is generally a balanced formation, and there are backs on both sides of the tailback, offering better pass protection. As a result, it was considered a much better passing formation than running, as the premiere running formation was the single wing.^[5] That said, it was regarded as a good formation for trap plays.^[6]