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I have an honest question about play calling boards
Posted on 9/19/14 at 9:45 am
Posted on 9/19/14 at 9:45 am
This may be dumb, I don't care.
More and more these days you see the sidelines hold up a big posterboard with a picture in each corner. What exactly is taking place here? I assume the staff has designated 1 of the 4 corners to actually pay attention to with the others being decoys, but I have no clue. Also, how do the players know the play based off a picture? Is it just shorthand, like whatever letter that particular picture starts with represents a certain play or something?
Like I said, sorry if this is stupid but I just want to understand the process a little better.
ETA: this has NOTHING to do with auburn yesterday, I've wondered this for a while now. I guess the timing is unfortunate that I posted it this morning, but that's what made me think of it again.
More and more these days you see the sidelines hold up a big posterboard with a picture in each corner. What exactly is taking place here? I assume the staff has designated 1 of the 4 corners to actually pay attention to with the others being decoys, but I have no clue. Also, how do the players know the play based off a picture? Is it just shorthand, like whatever letter that particular picture starts with represents a certain play or something?
Like I said, sorry if this is stupid but I just want to understand the process a little better.
ETA: this has NOTHING to do with auburn yesterday, I've wondered this for a while now. I guess the timing is unfortunate that I posted it this morning, but that's what made me think of it again.
This post was edited on 9/19/14 at 9:46 am
5
Posted on 9/19/14 at 9:49 am to WG_Dawg
you know when a QB calls 10 plays at the line, but only one of them is the play? same thing
Posted on 9/19/14 at 9:50 am to WG_Dawg
quote:
I assume the staff has designated 1 of the 4 corners to actually pay attention to with the others being decoys, but I have no clue.
I think you are correct.
quote:
Also, how do the players know the play based off a picture? Is it just shorthand, like whatever letter that particular picture starts with represents a certain play or something?
Yep. Let's say for example, a team called a counter run play with the backside guard and fullback pulling "cowboy".
A formation is signaled in, and the players start to line up in that formation. The board is then held up on the sideline, and perhaps Tony Romo is on the top left corner (the live square). Tony Romo is a Dallas Cowboy, so the play to run will be "cowboy".
Posted on 9/19/14 at 9:52 am to Choupique19
Aah, that makes perfect sense.
Posted on 9/19/14 at 9:52 am to NYCAuburn
Different coaches use them different ways. I've been told by other coaches that in most cases one corner is a dummy call, one is the tempo, one is formation and one is the play. that may vary from team to team.
I know at least one NCAA team that it's all dummy and they hand signal everything.
I know at least one NCAA team that it's all dummy and they hand signal everything.
Posted on 9/19/14 at 9:53 am to ElDawgHawg
quote:
I know at least one NCAA team that it's all dummy and they hand signal everything.
seems like a lot of unnecessary work.
Posted on 9/19/14 at 9:53 am to WG_Dawg
The literacy rate among college athletes is declining... pictures are great alternatives
Posted on 9/19/14 at 9:54 am to WG_Dawg
I think it's an embarrassment. It's like flash cards for kindergartners.
Posted on 9/19/14 at 9:54 am to WG_Dawg
Also, the entire playbook wouldn't be available on a board. Some teams probably have about 15 or so base plays that they can practice for all year (using the board at practice). Other special plays for that week, or any slight adjustments to the base plays would have to be signaled in other ways.
Posted on 9/19/14 at 9:56 am to WG_Dawg
quote:
seems like a lot of unnecessary work.
well I guess it would be if it wasnt college football or NFL
Posted on 9/19/14 at 10:06 am to WG_Dawg
The card is what is referred to in baseball as the indicator.
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