wondering about offensive formations

Question
Hello coach my name is Emery i know about the 5  wideset usually 3 on one side 2 on the other and the 4 by 1 set my question is about high school and youth level offensive formations.Is it a legal formation to have a 5 wide formation with all 5 players on one side with no backs in the back field and the other side empty?Is it also legal as long as there 7 men on the line of scrimmage to keep 3 ol on the line and spread out my tackles in a down position to each side outside the box where the receivers are at?

Answer
Hi Emery, interesting question.  I can honestly say I have never thought about formations to this extreme, ha!  

I don't see why it wouldn't be legal.  As long as you have 7 men on the los and do not have wr covered up (example SE on los to TE side making TE ineligible) it should be fine. Draw a bunch of formations up on paper and see what it looks like.

The old Notre Dame box used similar tactics, and I have used it on the J.V. level for extra points.  

Keep in mind that if you are going to do this I suggest going full go.  Don't go half in/half out because if you don't put the time in doing this it won't be successful.  


Good luck and keep me posted.

Coach B.