In the early 20th century, a revolutionary football formation took the field, forever changing the game. Known as the single wing, this strategic setup was masterminded by Glenn “Pop” Warner in 1907 while coaching the Carlisle Indians.
With the legendary Jim Thorpe at his disposal, Warner crafted an offense that maximized Thorpe’s versatility to run, pass, and punt.
The single wing formation, initially called the Carlisle Formation, gained its name because it resembled the shape of a wing. This formation became a staple in college football, dominating the sport until the 1940s.
Its unique positioning and play-calling flexibility made it a formidable offensive strategy, allowing teams to exploit defensive weaknesses with a mix of power and finesse.