American football is a sport that has evolved over time, with different rules, formations, and strategies being developed and adapted by coaches and players. In this text, I will explore some of the tactics and strategies used in old or antique American football, focusing on the period from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century.

One of the earliest forms of American football was played by college teams in the late 1800s, following the rules of rugby. The game was very violent and chaotic, with mass formations, brute force, and little passing. The most common offensive tactic was the flying wedge, which involved a group of players forming a V-shaped formation and running at full speed towards the defense, with the ball carrier behind them. The flying wedge was very effective, but also very dangerous, as it often resulted in serious injuries and even deaths. The flying wedge was banned in 1894, after a public outcry and a presidential intervention.

Another offensive tactic that was popular in the early days of American football was the single-wing formation, which was invented by Glenn “Pop” Warner in the 1910s. The single-wing formation featured a balanced line of seven linemen, a quarterback who was primarily a blocker, a tailback who was the main ball carrier and passer, a fullback who was a blocker and runner, and a wingback who was a receiver and runner. The single-wing formation was very versatile and deceptive, as it allowed for many options and variations, such as reverses, laterals, and trick plays. The single-wing formation was dominant for decades, until it was gradually replaced by the T-formation and the modern pro set in the 1940s and 1950s.

On defense, one of the earliest and most influential strategies was the 7-2-2 defense, which was developed by Fielding H. Yost in the 1900s. The 7-2-2 defense consisted of seven linemen, two linebackers, and two defensive backs. The 7-2-2 defense was designed to stop the run, as it crowded the line of scrimmage and created gaps for the linebackers to penetrate. The 7-2-2 defense was very successful, as Yost’s Michigan teams won six national championships and had four undefeated seasons between 1901 and 1905.

Another defensive strategy that was widely used in the old days of American football was the 6-2-2-1 defense, which was also known as the umbrella defense. The 6-2-2-1 defense featured six linemen, two linebackers, two cornerbacks, and one safety. The 6-2-2-1 defense was designed to stop the pass, as it covered the deep zones and the sidelines with the defensive backs, while the linemen and linebackers rushed the passer. The 6-2-2-1 defense was popular in the 1930s and 1940s, especially among NFL teams, as it countered the emerging passing game of the T-formation.

These are some of the tactics and strategies used in old or antique American football. They reflect the evolution of the game, the innovation of the coaches and players, and the challenges and opportunities of the sport. They also show how American football has changed over time, becoming more complex, diverse, and dynamic.

One of the most significant changes in American football tactics and strategies was the introduction of the forward pass, which was legalized in 1906. The forward pass revolutionized the game, as it opened up new possibilities and challenges for the offense and the defense. The forward pass also reduced the violence and injuries that were common in the previous era of mass formations and brute force. The forward pass was initially used sparingly and conservatively, but gradually became more frequent and sophisticated, as coaches and players developed new formations, routes, and schemes to exploit the passing game.

Another major change in American football tactics and strategies was the emergence of the T-formation, which was popularized by Clark Shaughnessy in the 1940s. The T-formation featured a balanced line of five linemen, a quarterback who was the main passer and leader, a fullback who was the main runner and blocker, and two halfbacks who were runners, receivers, and blockers. The T-formation was very efficient and versatile, as it allowed for quick snaps, multiple options, and deceptive plays. The T-formation also challenged the traditional defenses, as it required more speed, agility, and coverage skills from the defenders.

A third important change in American football tactics and strategies was the rise of the West Coast offense, which was developed by Bill Walsh in the 1980s. The West Coast offense was a passing-oriented system, which relied on short, precise, and timed passes, rather than long, deep, and risky passes. The West Coast offense was designed to create mismatches, exploit weaknesses, and control the tempo of the game. The West Coast offense influenced the defense, as it forced the defenders to adjust to the fast-paced and complex offense, and to use more nickel and dime packages.