Football coaches have a challenging job. They must develop strategies to outwit their opponents, win games, and keep their players safe. One of the most important elements in this process is play-calling. Play-calling is the art of selecting which plays to call at the right time in order to have the best chance of success. But, how exactly do coaches name plays?
What is a Play?
In football, a play is an offensive or defensive maneuver that is ran by a team in an attempt to gain yards or stop their opponent from gaining yards. Offensive plays are often named according to the formation they are ran from, while defensive plays are typically named according to what coverage they are playing.
Formations
Formations are the way in which the players are arranged on the field before the snap. Offensive formations are used to create mismatches or create confusion for the defense. Common offensive formations include the I-Formation, the Shotgun, and the Spread.
Play-calling Strategies
There are several strategies coaches use when play-calling. These strategies include having a plan for each down, mixing up the plays, and calling plays that are best suited for the personnel on the field.
Creating a Playbook
Before a coach can call plays, they must first create a playbook. A playbook is a collection of plays that a team will use throughout the season. These plays are typically organized by formation, down, and distance.
Naming Plays
Once a coach has created their playbook, they must then name each play. Coaches typically name plays according to the formation they are ran from, the primary player involved in the play, or a combination of both.
Naming Plays by Formation
When naming plays by formation, coaches may use a combination of letters and numbers. Common abbreviations for formations include: I for I-Formation; S for Shotgun; and T for Trips.
Naming Plays by Personnel
When naming plays by personnel, coaches may use a combination of letters and numbers. Common abbreviations for personnel include: Q for Quarterback; RB for Running Back; and WR for Wide Receiver.
Combination Naming
When using a combination of both formation and personnel, coaches may use a combination of letters and numbers. Common combinations include: I-Q for an I-Formation play with the Quarterback; S-RB for a Shotgun play with the Running Back; and T-WR for a Trips play with the Wide Receiver.
Using Signals
Once a coach has named their plays, they must then find a way to communicate them to their players. This is typically done through hand signals or verbal cues. Hand signals are often used when the opposing team is trying to read the coach’s signals.
Play-calling Software
In recent years, many teams have begun using play-calling software. This software allows coaches to easily organize and name their plays, as well as quickly signal them to their players.
Conclusion
Play-calling is an art that requires a great deal of knowledge, creativity, and strategy. It is also a critical component to a team’s success. Coaches must have a plan for each down, mix up their plays, and call plays that are best suited for the personnel on the field. They must also create a playbook, name each play, and find a way to communicate them to their players. By following these steps, coaches can ensure that their plays are effective and their teams are successful.