What it is

The wishbone is an old running formation. Three backs line up behind the quarterback in the shape of a Y, with a fullback close to the quarterback and two halfbacks further back on each side.

In a game

The quarterback takes the snap under center and runs the triple option: he can give the ball to the fullback up the middle, keep it, or pitch it to a halfback. Three runners threaten the defense on every snap.

More detail

The wishbone was a big part of college football from the late 1960s through the 1980s, but it faded because it is hard to run when the team falls behind and must pass. Its ideas live on in the flexbone and in many option plays.

Animated diagram

1. The fullback stands close to the quarterback, and two halfbacks stand behind him on each side, in the shape of a Y.
2. The quarterback can hand the ball to the fullback, keep it, or pitch it to a halfback.
3. Three runners threaten the defense at the same time, and the defender who guesses wrong lets a back through.