Hi,
So...I played my 2 first games, and the biggest issue (or to be more exact, the question I cannot answer for now, due to my lack of knowledge) is the linemen positioning.
For now, we play with that rule of position (we play on a 42x22" field) :
1base width between the linemen
this should be the normal case for the size field
3 yards (= about 1/2base lenght) lenght between linemen and QB, running backs, etc...
most of the time it is a base lenth between the O-line and the QB... same doe Defense to be a base lenth from the back of the D-line
pivots/angles allowed (on first placing sequence) for the linemen
mostly no pivots on O-linemen.
It's working, but...I'm not confortable with. First, it's quite ugly and messy to see that linemen angled. It makes the LOS vision difficult to control too.
Some people advised me to turn bases dials instead of angle the linemen themselves...but in a timed squad placing, if I have to turn each dial...it's quite impossible in my opinion. And this turning dial system it forces you to use only dialed bases (so you can't use rookie bases or DDB bases wich are good for strenght).
you don't have to turn the dails every play...you can use your line to do other things by moving them around. For example, if your team is a 'wedge blocking' (left side blocks toward the right and the right side blocks towards the left and the center is going straight) you can just put the left side on the right and right side on the left...your blocking is now different where now the O-line is blocking to the outside...this will create running lanes inside...you can still use the DDB or Rookies - you just need to know which way they run.
the last solution I see is...simply to not allow any pivot or angle to the linemen.
In one word, I don't know what should be the best.
secondary, the spacing : the 3 yards lenght is good to avoid stacking...it's what I readed in some rulesets.
But sometimes, it should be great to be more compact (for example, to open holes for runners). Instinctively, sometimes we should make more compact placings and strategies. But since our ruleset doesn't allow it...we can't do it for now.
My goal is to make the game playable, but also quite realistic and "good looking". Of course, our ruleset is not burned in stone. Any help is welcome
Dimitri