Jack Crain's Playbook
by Brandon Demoss
These materials were donated by the family of Jack Crain to the Nocona Independent School District.
Jack Crain's Playbook Featured the Single Wing Formation
The Single Wing formation in football all but disappeared in the 50s; however, Jack Crain's playbook from circa 1940 shows how deceptive this style was. For defensive players, finding the ball was like watching a shell game unfold as the tailback took a direct snap, then faked or actually handed the ball to one of three other backs.
The tailback, or left halfback, lined up as the deepest man in the backfield and usually took the snap. The tailback was the proverbial triple threat because he had to be able to run, pass, and kick the ball. Single wing teams often used the quick-kick to pin opponents back at the other end of the field with poor field position. The center who hiked the ball had to accurately feed the tailback who was standing 5 to 7 yards deep. The fullback was stationed just to the right of the tailback, perhaps a yard closer to the line. The fullback could sometimes take the direct snap from center, run a blast up the middle, or block. A variation of the direct snap to the tailback was the "buck lateral." The buck lateral saw the fullback get the snap from center and either run up the middle or lateral to one of the other backs. The quarterback stood right behind the offensive guard and tackle, and usually blocked at the point of attack. The wingback, or right halfback, gave the formation its name (single wing) because he lined up outside the right offensive end.
When one looks at a typical play run from the single wing formation, the back who takes the snap may pivot in a complete circle and either give the ball or fake a hand-off to any of the other three backs crossing from several directions. The ball handler may also keep the ball, or toss the ball to another back or end.
The pivoting back was called the "spinner" because from the bleachers this player looked like whirling dervish as the wingback and quarterback run by him. Spectators, as well as defensive linemen, had a very difficult time seeing which back finally ended up with the ball. Of course the spinner-back could turn 360 degrees, fake handoffs, and then keep the ball. The main ball handler might do his slight-of-hand with his back to the line of scrimmage to increase the confusion of defensive players.
Single wing football was an extremely deceptive offensive scheme. Today teams use the shot-gun or spread offense which are newer versions of the old single wing; however, the new variant offenses that use the direct snap are more pass oriented. While the single wing has evolved into various modern day offenses, there are still a few die-hard supporters of this old style of football. A few high schools and small colleges still run this faking, spinning, and lateraling offense with fairly good success. Key: E=end, T=tackle, G=guard, C=center, Q=quarterback, T=tailback, F=fullback, W=wingback
