Coach ,

I hope you have some fun with your team today as we head into April. Maybe you are planning a prank on April Fool's day with them, but don't forget to be planning some trick for your opponent this fall! Here are 5 proven tricks to put into your playbook.

Pop Pass to the Guard from Jeff Walters at Del Oro HS

Well, he’s not really the guard because the player being thrown to needs an eligible number. In this play, the TE aligns as the right guard and in the shift ends up as an eligible player aligned next to the center. The defense doesn’t expect the Guard to be going out for a pass and by the time they react it’s too late. This play was for the win! (click images to see video)

“Tony Disco” from Shawn Liotta

He’s coaching in the Fan Football League now, so what plays he calls is in the hands of the fans, but he’s got plenty of gadgets that work. This is one he let his players name and they called it “Tony Disco.”  It’s a variation of Philly Special, and is great in the red zone. The Speed sweep action gets the defense flowing immediately and leaves them exposed on the opposite flank for the TD.

Tebow Jump Pass from Jason McManus

As Coach McManus says, “It’s fun for the kids.” If you like power on the goal line, you definitely have an opportunity to fool the defense with this play. Jump pass was a staple in the single-wing days, and Florida brought it back with Tim Tebow. The power action draws the defense up and leaves the backside TE wide open.

“Razorback” from Rick Darlington

He’s known for his explosive offense, and he’s not shy about using trick plays. Coach Darlington put this play into his arsenal after seeing Gus Malzahn run it while he was at Arkansas, thus the name. Again, sweep action gets the defense moving and both the player aligned at QB and the TE on the crossing route are wide open.  Coach loves this play against defenses who play man coverage.

Tight End Toss Pass from Eric Marty

Another play borrowed from one of the great coaches in the game, Steve Spurrier, is this one that has fly motion, a toss to the tailback, and a throw to a tight end who delays his release. All of the action in the backfield, and the initial block of the TE allow him to get lost in the secondary even though, as Coach Marty points out, they prefer not to run it against this coverage. It works anyway. It’s another play that’s good in the red zone.

Trick plays are always an opportunity to change the game and put your team ahead. It’s never too early to start planning these and make sure they get into your installation plans so that they start getting reps early in your pre-season.

Let me know what tricks you like. I am always looking for a new creative gadget play to fool the defense. Happy April 1!

Always be growing,

Coach Grabowski