🎃Happy Halloween! When to Use a Trick Play + 3 Examples

Oct 31, 2024 2:35 pm

Coach -

Happy Halloween! Today we have some tricks for you and some thoughts on when to call them. Let’s look at some things to consider when calling a trick play, and then we will share some examples.

When to Use Early

There are several philosophies on using trick plays. Some coaches use them early when players are keyed up and likely to react aggressively. If you are playing a team with a lot of aggression and emotion (or in a game with a lot of emotion), early in the game might be the time to use a trick play.

When Not to Use Early

Other teams come out and play smart and are cool, calm and collected. Usually, these teams are trick plays aware and doing something early while they are physically and mentally fresh may not be the right time. Swinging for the fence early against these types of teams can backfire. Tricks against these teams need to be off a common look you are using in the game.

Condition the Defense

You are looking to condition the defense into reacting to something you’ve done over and over, or using an alignment or situational tendency to create the opportunity you need.

Not Too Late

Time of game and score should be a consideration as well. You don’t necessarily want to save your tricks until you are desperate and need to get something going. Defenses are more alert for gadget plays when they are up and can play a little looser in the secondary. However, some trick plays like a “Hook and Ladder” can work well in late-game scenarios.

When up a Score

Striking after you’ve been up a score or two, and when the defense is now trying to make something happen usually gives your play a better chance for success.

Consider Field Position

Another consideration is field position. Running a long developing trick play with plenty of moving parts deep in your end is usually unwise. If it works out, it can dig you out of a hole, but you must consider whether the risk is worth the reward.

Examples:

Call it Early - Aquinas uses the same trick play to start their season and in the first play of the state championship. Offensive Coordinator at the 3-peat state champions (‘21-’22-’23) shares the play in this video.

Video: Double Reverse Pass

Double Reverse with Pass-Screen Option (PSO) - Mercer Offensive Coordinator Bob Bodine shares this unique trick play that includes a PSO. PSO on its own is tough to defend, and it gives the offense a chance to gain yards regardless. Adding it as a component of a trick play makes that play even better because now it’s not an all-or-nothing proposition.

Video: Double Reverse Pass with Screen Option

Tackle Eligible - While the player who is catching the pass is not technically a tackle, he is aligned at tackle and uncovered, which keeps him eligible. Tyler Schneider utilizes tempo as a way for the defense to not be able to identify him as a tight end and he is wide open on a play popularized by Gus Malzahn called “Fight Song.”

Video: Tackle Eligible