There are pro’s and con’s for both the Shotgun and the Pistol alignment. Since we now use both alignments, I thought I would share a few of the good and bad I have found up to this point.
Pistol Alignment:
Pro:
1.) Harder for defenses to determine direction of play until ball is actually snapped.
2.) Play-action is sold a little better in Pistol than the Shotgun.
3.) Can add a more “vertical” zone to your game plan allowing a quicker hitting run.
4,) Can add a three-back offense to allow for a wide array of runs with multiple personnel groupings.
5.) You’re balanced in the backfield, See #1.
Con:
1.) Probably can’t involve RB in pass protection effectively because of depth of alignment.
2.) Can’t get RB out in a route on time unless it is a type of swing.
3.) Course will be a little different on zone runs than out of the Shotgun, so more time is needed if you run both alignments to work on both courses.
4.) Timing has to change somewhat for certain plays out of the Pistol as compared to the Gun.
5.) Need to add a “Toss” out of the Pistol to replace an outside zone course. It just doesn’t mesh well with a hand off unless you consider putting in a “Bounce” as your outside zone run out of the Pistol.
Gun Alignment:
Pro:
1.) Inside zone stretches the defense more than out of the Pistol because RB can take a wider path looking for cut back.
2.) RB can get into protection effectively.
3.) RB can get out on all “check through” routes adequately.
4.) A counter by the RB is sold better than in the Pistol.
5.) Timing is better for QB runs if in the Gun so that the RB is ahead of QB and on course immediately.
Con:
1.) Play-action is not sold as well out of the Gun as it is “Under” the Pistol.
2.) You usually tip your hand pre-snap out of the Gun as to which play you are going to run.
3.) Must be really mindful of tendencies and which side you align your RB on out of the Gun for the run and the pass.
4.) You’re unbalanced in the backfield, See #2.