Learning Level: MULTIPLE

    Once the huddle has been called by the Center and the players have assembled, only two people should be speaking: first, the player bringing the play to the Quarterback; and second, the Quarterback repeating the play.  If the plays are being called in from the sideline through the use of signals or other means, only the Quarterback should be speaking. If necessary, the play should be repeated ("Check" call).

Play Terminology.  For the most part (with some exceptions), calling the play gives the offense the necessary information to carry out the play, without having to memorize an individual assignment for each play.  To understand this, we will look at a the basic play calling formula for runs and passes.  Then, we'll look at three plays, each at a higher learning level and examine each part to discover the necessary assignments.
 

Our primary example is a play called "Twins Right Richie 83."

    "Twins Right" - the first word represents the formation and the second word the strength. Thus, the first two words would give us the look below:

     "Richie" - a key word that has significance for two specific aspects of the play:   first, it signifies to the Quarterback that this play requires a three step drop to the right; second, it signifies a split-back protection scheme with the F-back blocking on the offside and the H-back blocking on the playside:

    "83" - this signifies the routes for the receivers.  The routes always begin inside-out on the play side.  Thus, the Z runs a "8" ("Flag") and the X runs a "3" ("Hitch").  Our final play, thus, looks as follows:

    Our intermediate example is a play called "Zip to Pro Right Strong 18 Read-Switch" (this play uses motion/shifts).

    "Zip to Pro Right" - a "motion-to" term for the Z; in other words, the Z should end up in the Pro Right formation.  His starting location is often the opposite side.  "Strong" places the fullback between the onside guard-tackle gap:

    "18 Read-Switch" - 18 would normally be a running play, in this case, "Read" identifies this as a play-action pass; the play mimics the 16 off-tackle; the "8" gives the option for the QB to keep the ball in the rollout.  The "Switch" reverses the Y and Z routes.  Our final play, thus, looks as follows:

    The last, and advanced example, is rather cumbersome but it illustrates virtually every part of the play-calling system.  Preferably, very few (if any) plays should require this much information.  But for purposes of illustration, here is Ace to Doubles Right Strong Zap 8 Richie 21 Dupe:

    "Ace to Doubles Right Strong" indicates the intial formation (Ace Right), the formation to shift to (Doubles Right), and the associated backfield modifier (Strong).  "Zap 8" is Z motion to the offside guard, reversing and returning to the 8 hole.  "Richie" is a three step drop with the back blocking on the play side.  "21" identifies receiver routes; the Y runs a "2" or "quick out" while the Z runs a "1" or "slant".  Finally, the modifier "Dupe" signifies to the offside receivers to duplicate the route patterns run on the playside.  Here are more play examples.

    Calling the Play.  Probably the most common way to call a play is for the Offensive Coordinator (or whomever calls the plays) to send in the play with a substitute.  This play is then given to the Quarterback, who tells the players in the huddle.  I don't have any particular problem with this format, per se.  While this terminology system is designed to tell players what to do, it does have the weakness of being a potentially lengthy process when using motion and/or shifts.  My solution in some cases would be to use a simple letter-number combination passed from the play caller to the Quarterback.  The Quarterback could use a wrist band which tells him the play (see Wrist Band Management and Ideas by Robert B. Babcock for some great ideas).  This might sound like an unneccessary complication but it should be understood that this "code" is not meant to be "learned" or "memorized" by any of the players, including the Quarterback.  The Quarterback simply transfers the letter (formation) and number (play) from the wrist sheet into the correct play.  This system gives flexibility by effectively allowing two methods of play-calling while avoiding a potentially difficult memorization process.

Breaking the Huddle.  After repeating the play to his team, the Quarterback should say "Ready?" and the team should respond with a simultaneous "Break!" and hand-clap.  Players should then run up to the LOS, not walk.  Furthermore, the TE(s) should move into a two-point stance until the Quarterback begins his cadence (the importance of which will be described later).