Still Running

What is the Single Wing?

The single wing was-- IS !!!-- a football formation (offense) that was developed around 1905 by Pop Warner. The single wing flourished through the 1940's, but by 1951 it disappeared from the pro game. Today dozens of high school and youth football programs still run the single wing. Perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic of the single wing is the lack of a quarterback under center. Rather, an extra blocking back in inserted behind a lineman, thus adding an extra blocker. This advantage is often supplemented by the use of an unbalanced offensive line. Without a quarterback, each single wing play begins with a direct snap to either the halfback or fullback (or even the blocking back). There are many series of plays that can be run out of the single wing: power sweeps, wedges, off-tackles, spinners, reverses, buck laterals, jump passes, roll-out option passes, drop back passes, and of course, quick kicks. This description is an over-simplification of the single wing. There are many different versions of single wing formation and philosophy. Some emphasize power, others emphasize deception.

When will Still Running be available?

Still Running, The Single Wing and the Men Who Believe-- the single wing documentary-- is not finished yet! Production will continue through 1999, following an excellent single wing team's high school state playoff run. When the season is over, it will take a few months to edit and secure a distribution deal. In other words, the film will be available in 2000.

Where can I get information about the single wing offense (playbook, theory, etc)?

There are three out-of-print books that you should look at:
SIMPLIFIED SINGLE WING FOOTBALL, BY DR. KEN KEUFFEL
SINGLE WING WITH SPINNING FULLBACK, BY JOHN ALDRICH
MODERN SINGLE WING FOOTBALL, BY CHARLES CALDWELL

You can order John Aldrich's book directly from him. Look him up on the single wing Coaches Directory.

John Aldrich and Rich McClesky also have single wing related videos. Find them here.

For a great book on coaching the single wing at the youth level, check out Jack Reed's COACHING YOUTH FOOTBALL.

Also, attend the single wing symposium (see below) or contact a coach on the single wing Coaches Directory.

Finally, there is an excellent playbook on Rich McClesky's Single Wing Site.

I have accumulated a lot of footage for the documentary, but do not have the time yet to share everything with others. After the production is complete, it will be easier for me to share my resources. Thanks for your patience.

Where can I get information about the single wing symposium?

The symposium is an annual gathering of single wing coaches and enthusiasts. For a few days each summer, coaches from coast to coast unite to discuss history and strategy as it relates to this offense. Attendance is high recommended.

Dan Johnson organizes the single wing symposium. His contact information is available on the single wing Coach Directory.

How can I get in touch with other single wing coaches?

Many of the single wing coaches are listed on the single wing Coach Directory. These men are true gentlemen, willing to share their knowledge and resources, often asking nothing in return.