Tricks ARE Treats: The Direct Snap and 2007 Fiesta Bowl

Today we wrap up our series on trick plays with perhaps the simplest of all:  the direct snap.  Then, we’ll take a partial review of our October tricks with a look at a college game that showcased three of them.

The Direct Snap

As you know, on a typical play, the center snaps the ball to the quarterback, who either:  (1) keeps the ball and runs with it; (2) hands it to a running back who runs with it; or (3) passes it to a receiver (a wide receiver or tight end).  With a direct snap, the center snaps the ball directly to the player who is to be the ball carrier, usually the running back.  That player either takes off with the ball, or he might toss it back to the QB for a flea flicker.

This is effective because it eliminates the time it takes for the quarterback to look for, and transfer the ball to, a teammate.  The defense counts on this delay, and uses that time to try and break up the play before the QB can get rid of the ball.  With a direct snap, the defense doesn’t have time to react to the offense and the ball carrier has the opportunity to make a big gain.

The direct snap is simple, but the offense can add another wrinkle to confuse the defense further.  One option is for the quarterback to pretend that the snap has come to him but something has gone wrong.  He can do this by leaping up as if the ball went over his head, or by searching the ground as if the ball is rolling around loose.  If the QB is convincing, the defense will try to recover the loose ball for a turnover while the runner is taking off with the ball.

Another bit of acting you might see is the quarterback leaving his place behind the center and walking toward the sideline as if to talk to the coaches.  If he does this, the defense will relax, expecting a time out to be called by the offense.  As the QB walks away, the ball is then snapped to the running back.  Why is this legal, you ask?  Under the rules, the offense can have one player behind the line of scrimmage that is “in motion” before the ball is snapped.  As long as that player does not move toward the line of scrimmage, and the rest of the offense stays completely motionless, the play is legal.

The 2007 Fiesta Bowl

I want to revisit the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, which I used as an example for a Statue of Liberty play.  This game, between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Boise State Broncos, was hotly contested and will forever be considered one of the closest and most exciting games in college football.  It is also interesting for the fact that Boise State used not only the Statue of Liberty play, but two other trick plays in its final efforts to win the game in overtime, 43 to 42.  Here they are in one clip: starting with a hook and lateral with 18 seconds left in the fourth quarter; then a halfback pass in overtime; and finally, the Statue of Liberty for a two-point conversion to win the game:

Well, I hope you enjoyed our look at trick plays this month, and I especially wish you and safe and happy Halloween!

 

Tricks ARE Treats, You Big Faker!

As we near the end of October, I wanted to be sure to get some fake plays in for our “Tricks ARE Treats” series, so you get them all in one post:  the fake punt, the fake field goal attempt, and the less common fake spike.

 

Fake Punt

 

As you know, in most situations, it is wise for the offense to punt the ball to the other team when it is facing a fourth down.  Unless the yardage needed for a first down is very short (maybe less than a yard), or the offense is very close to the end zone, it is no surprise when the punter comes onto the field on fourth down.

However, if an offense wants to be tricky, they will run a fake punt.  In a typical fake punt, the punter takes the snap and instead of kicking the ball, looks for an open wide receiver and throws the ball.  Another possibility is that the running back, who is standing near the punter to help protect him from the rushing defenders, takes the snap.  That player then either runs with the ball himself or looks for an open receiver.

Why does this work?  In a typical punt, it only takes a couple of seconds for the punter to kick the ball away.  Once the punter kicks the ball, the defenders who were rushing the kicker fall back downfield to block for their player who will catch the punt.  In a fake punt, the defense should relax a couple of seconds after the snap and prepare to backtrack down the field.  This gives the punter or whoever has the ball time to make the play.

 

This is a very cool fake punt that took place a couple of years ago in the Hall of Fame Game, which takes place every year in the preseason:

Not only was that a fake punt, but the play included a fake reverse and a variation of a Statue of Liberty play!  Too bad it was just a preseason game…

Fake Field Goal Attempt

 

Another option for the offense on fourth down is to attempt the field goal, if they are close enough to their opponent’s end zone.  However, as with punting situations, there is always a chance that the offense will fake their field goal attempt.  In a typical field goal attempt, one player (the “holder”) takes the snap, places the ball on the ground (standing on end), turns the ball so the laces face the end zone and the uprights, and holds the ball by his fingertip for the place kicker to kick it.  Picture Lucy and Charlie Brown, but without Lucy jerking the ball away before Charlie Brown kicks it. 

In a fake attempt, one of two things happens:  (1) the holder, who is usually the team’s quarterback, takes the snap then stands up and runs with the ball himself or throws it to an open receiver; or (2) the punter takes the snap and runs with the ball or throws it to an open receiver.  As you might imagine, the defense is usually even less prepared to cover the ball carrier than with a fake punt, because after the kick there is usually no further action so the defense relaxes that much more after the ball is snapped.

Fake Spike

When time is running short at the end of the first half or the end of the game (so, within the last two minutes), the team that is behind must move as quickly as possible to score when it gets the ball.  This is especially true if that team has no time outs left (remember, each team has three time outs per half).  Teams develop and practice what is known as a “hurry-up” offense to prepare themselves for these situations.  For example, to buy his team some time, the quarterback can take the snap and immediately throw the ball into the ground, which stops the game clock.  This is called “spiking” the ball and is legal under the rules.  In fact, it is expected to happen at least once when a team with no time outs left is trying to drive down the field.

 

Spikes are most typical after the offense has completed a long play down the field and the runner did not get out of bounds, which also stops the game clock.  Much of the game clock is eaten by the time it takes the rest of the team to catch up to where the runner was tackled.  Therefore, the quarterback will hurry his team to the line of scrimmage, take the snap and spike the ball.  With the game clock stopped, the coaches now have time to decide what the next play will be.

This scenario is so common and so expected that the offense can really surprise the defense by executing a fake spike.  In this trick play, the quarterback running a “hurry-up” offense pretends to spike the ball, but instead of throwing it to the ground, he keeps the ball in his hand while making the spiking motion.  The defense believes that no play will be run and is not ready for the play that develops.  The following is a rather famous fake spike executed by former Miami Dolphins QB Dan Marino against the New York Jets in 1994:

As you can see, instead of an exaggerated spike motion after the snap, Marino “sold” the fake spike by making the spiking signal to his teammates before the snap.  It is typical for quarterbacks to do this when they plan to spike the ball so that his teammates know not to expect a play to be run.   Here’s a more obvious example at the college level:

Tricks ARE Treats: The Reverse, Double Reverse and Reverse Option

We continue our series on trick plays with the reverse and the even trickier double reverse.  While other trick plays fool the offense on the type of play, like the Statue of Liberty play, or on who is getting the ball, like the hook and lateral, the reverse and its variations are literally plays of “misdirection.”

The reverses will typically start as either:  (1) a bootleg, where the quarterback runs parallel to the line of scrimmage before handing the ball off to the runner*; (2) a sweep, where the running back takes the ball from the QB and then runs parallel to the line of scrimmage before running up the field; or (3) an end-around, where a wide receiver runs behind the line of scrimmage toward the opposite sideline, taking the ball in a handoff from the QB on the way. 

In any of these plays, the reverse occurs when the runner that received the ball from the QB hands the ball, or laterals it, to a teammate before crossing the line of scrimmage.  That teammate is running across the field in the opposite direction from the first runner—hence the term “reverse.”  A double reverse is just what it sounds like:  the second runner hands, or laterals, the ball to yet a third player, who is heading in the opposite direction.  Of course, the double reverse carries more risk of a turnover or loss of yards because it takes more time to develop.

So, why is the reverse effective?  Once the quarterback gives the ball to the first runner, the defense commits its pursuit laterally across the field toward the same sideline as the runner.  When the play changes direction with the handoff to the second ball carrier, it is very difficult for the defense to change direction, and the final ball carrier can usually outrun the defense for a big gain.

Here is an example of a reverse with a further wrinkle: the “reverse option,” where the second ball carrier passes the ball to a teammate downfield.  This play was part of the Pittsburgh Steelers victory in Super Bowl XL.   Steelers wide receiver Antwaan Randle El played quarterback in college, at Indiana University, before coming to the pros and was the perfect candidate for this play:

Sending the ball downfield made it even harder for the Seattle Seahawks to catch up to the play, as most of the secondary would have already been committed to covering the opposite sideline, where the first ball carrier was running.

*Remember, the term “runner” is used to refer to whichever player has the ball, also referred to as the “ball carrier.”  Therefore, it does not necessarily refer to the running back; the runner can also be a wide receiver or tight end.

Tricks ARE Treats: Hook and Lateral

Today’s trick play is the “hook and lateral,” although you will also hear it called the “hook and ladder” by fans and commentators.  As we’ve discussed, trick plays are all about making the defense think that the offense is doing one thing when it’s actually doing another.  The tricks we’ve looked at so far—the flea flicker, the halfback pass and the Statue of Liberty play—are designed to confuse the defense on whether the play is a pass or run.  With the hook and lateral, it should be clear to the defense that the play is a pass; it’s the final target of the pass that’s a mystery. 

In the hook and lateral, the receivers—the tight end(s) and wide receiver(s)—begin the play running their normal passing routes.  The running back might also go out for a pass, perhaps after making a block at the line of scrimmage.  The quarterback then selects his predetermined target, usually the receiver running up one of the sideline, and throws the ball to that player.  Instead of running with the ball, when the receiver catches the ball, he immediately pitches it back (laterals it) to a teammate (either another receiver or the running back).  The new ball carrier then takes the ball down the field, hopefully for a touchdown or a big gain.

So, what’s the point?  Once the first receiver catches the ball, the defense is keyed on him and all players in the area converge on him.  Because they are committed to tackling that player, it is very difficult for them to change course and pursue the second ball carrier.  As with all trick plays, of course, there is also the potential for disaster.  The timing of the first receiver and the second ball carrier must be perfect, and the lateral must occur quickly after the catch.  Otherwise, they risk fumbling the ball on the lateral, or having the lateral broken up by the defense.  Remember our discussion of the lateral versus the forward pass?*  Since a lateral is not considered a pass, if it is dropped, it is not an incompletion; it is a live ball that can be recovered by the other team.

Below is a clip of one of the more famous hook and laterals, executed by the Miami Dolphins against the San Diego Chargers in an AFC Divisional playoff game in January 1982.  I apologize for the grainy video, but it is almost 30 years old (gotta love the hairdos):

Part of why this play worked is that the Miami QB, Don Strock, absolutely stared down his receiver, watching him as he ran his whole route.  This usually spells disaster, as the players in the secondary of the defense can tell who the QB’s target is, and may be able to intercept the ball.  At the very least, they will either prevent the player from catching the ball or will tackle him as soon as he catches it.  However, because the target was so obvious in this play, the Chargers’ secondary was absolutely committed to tackling that receiver.  Therefore, it was that much more difficult to pursue the running back, Tony Nathan, who took the ball to the end zone.

Cool, huh?

*Click here to see that post.

Tricks ARE Treats: The Statue of Liberty Play

Today we continue our “Tricks ARE Treats” series with an ancient trick play, the "Statue of Liberty."  It is believed that legendary University of Michigan coach Fielding H. Yost developed this trick play in the early part of the twentieth century, but it may be even older than that.*

In the Statue of Liberty play, the quarterback takes the snap and fakes a pass when he actually hands the ball to a runner.  How is this deception accomplished?  First, when he takes the snap, the quarterback makes a motion that looks like a pass (a “pump fake,” so called because he is pumping his arm in a throwing motion).   However, the ball is not in his throwing hand.  Instead, he has it hidden behind his back in his non-throwing hand.  The halfback, or a receiver who was in motion before the ball was snapped, the runs behind the quarterback and takes the ball for a run up the field.  With one arm raised and the other at his side, the QB's position is reminiscent of Lady Liberty's pose, hence the name.

Unlike the flea flicker or the halfback pass, in which the offense pretends to run but actually throws the ball, the Statue of Liberty is designed to make the defense think that the play is a pass when it is actually a run.  Therefore, the linebackers and the secondary will fall back into pass defense, leaving room for the runner to advance the ball for a big gain or a touchdown.  As with other trick plays, though, there is always the potential for disaster.

Even though it is a play with a long history, you don’t see it very often, especially in the NFL.  One reason is that it takes a while for the play to develop, but also because defenses are usually coached to watch for a pump fake and misdirection on pass plays.  However, the following clip is a recent play famously executed by Boise State University to win the 2007 Fiesta Bowl in overtime, making this one of the most exciting endings to a football game ever:**

 What you don't see in this clip is that the running back who scored proposed to his cheerleader girlfriend on the sideline after the game.  She said yes, naturally.

*See, http://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/statue_of_liberty_play

**More on this game later in the series!

Tricks ARE Treats: The Halfback Pass; Week 5 Thoughts

Today, “Naptime Huddle” continues its October series on trick plays* with the Halfback Pass.  Then, in a rare combo-platter post, some parting shots on Sunday of Week 5 in the NFL.

Oh, and by the way, “Naptime Huddle” is now on Facebook!  If you support what we’re about, hit “Like” and share us with your friends.  In addition to post links, you’ll get news updates and random thoughts throughout the week and on game days.

The Halfback Pass

If a team has a running back who is also good at throwing, it can tuck away the Halfback Pass in its playbook for a rainy day (actually, a dry, sunny day would probably be better).  The play is simple:  The quarterback pitches the ball to the halfback, making the play look like a run toward the sideline.  As happens during the flea flicker, the defense, notably the cornerbacks and linebackers, will then back off their coverage of the receivers to pursue the halfback.  Meanwhile, instead of running with the ball, the halfback will look for an open receiver downfield and throw the ball while he is still behind the line of scrimmage.

As with any trick play, if the defense isn’t fooled there is potential for disaster in the form of a loss of yardage or, even worse, an interception.  Here, though, is an example of a successful halfback pass by the Pittsburgh Steelers:

Superstar running back LaDainian Tomlinson, currently with the New York Jets, is actually a prolific passer.  So far in his career he has thrown for seven touchdowns and 143 yards.

Week 5 Thoughts

• After Week 2, NH took a look at the season’s Unexpected Undefeateds.  With five weeks in the books, we can now list the “Bewildered Beatens,” those teams who find themselves in unfamiliar territory with either zero or one win:  the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and the Arizona Cardinals.  Some teams are no strangers to winless stretches—e.g., St. Louis and Miami—and shouldn’t be so bewildered.  The New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons have put together two wins each, but as 2010 playoff teams they should be equally bewildered.  I suppose the Colts’ fortunes shouldn’t be surprising since they are missing future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, but many were under the impression that the Colts also had a talented supporting cast and coaching staff.
• Broncos fans finally got what they wished for as second-year quarterback Tim Tebow replaced much-maligned Kyle Orton after halftime in what was ultimately a losing effort against the San Diego Chargers.  Was his comeback attempt enough to land him the starting job permanently?  Will Tebow now have a Tom Brady-like run after replacing a veteran QB?  Only time will tell…
• Minnesota finally put the ball in the hands of its best player, running back Adrian Peterson, to run all over the Arizona Cardinals for the Vikings’ first win of the season.  Will they finally admit that QB Donovan McNabb is not their best player, and maybe not even their best option at quarterback? 
• How much does “Naptime Huddle” love the Buffalo Bills right now?  T   H   I   S      M   U   C   H   (I’m holding my arms open real wide now.)  Their multi-faceted play on the field is not only giving the team its best start in three years, but they are also giving the fans a real show each and every week.  The Bills’ win over the Eagles was one to remember, as RB Fred Jackson ran for almost 200 yards and the defense got four interceptions (a career high for Eagles QB Michael Vick) and a fumble.

Well, that’s it for now.  I hope you’ve enjoyed Week 5 so far.  Tune in to Monday Night Football tonight as the Detroit Lions try to stay undefeated against division rival Chicago Bears!

*Yes, I realize that the first post in this series was called "Trick and Treat."  I like the new title better.

Trick and Treat: The Flea Flicker

In honor of Halloween, Naptime Huddle will run a new “Trick and Treat” series during October, profiling several trick plays in football.  Today we begin with my personal favorite, the “flea flicker.”

Trick plays are about misdirection.  The offense wants the defense to believe it is running a particular play when it will actually be using a completely different play.  The idea is that the defense becomes committed to what it believes the offense is attempting and is therefore unable to react in time to stop the actual play.  Of course, trick plays are seldom used because if the offense is unable to “sell” the misdirection, it is vulnerable to a huge loss of yardage and possibly a turnover.

The flea flicker is designed to make the defense think that the offense will run the ball instead of throw it.  The picture below depicts an offense (in red) in the “I” formation, with the quarterback (QB) behind the center, the fullback (FB) behind the quarterback, then the running back (RB, also called a “halfback”) directly behind the fullback. 

When the quarterback takes the snap, he hands it off or tosses it to the side or behind him (called a “lateral”) to another player, typically the running back.  In our example (with the defense not shown), the QB laterals the ball to the running back (the yellow line).  In the meantime, the other backs and receivers run their predetermined routes (shown by the black lines):

At this point it is very important to distinguish a lateral from a forward pass.  Under the rules of football, only one forward pass is allowed per play.  A “forward pass” is the act of throwing the ball toward or past the line of scrimmage, or “downfield.”  With a lateral, you send the ball to another player without using up your one forward pass.  It is critical, therefore, that the QB and running back use laterals in the first two movements of the ball so that the QB can legally throw the ball downfield to a receiver.

OK, back to our play.  Once the running back catches the lateral from the QB, he then runs with the ball either toward the line of scrimmage or parallel to it.  At the same time, the QB moves back from the line of scrimamge.  Before he crosses the line of scrimmage, the running back stops and turns back to face the quarterback.  He then laterals the ball back to the quarterback (yellow line):

Once the quarterback has the ball again, he then looks downfield for an open receiver (their running routes are shown in black) and throws the ball:

From the defense’s point of view, the play looks like a run.  Therefore, the defenders who would be covering the receivers will abandon their passing defense and move back toward the line of scrimmage to pursue the runner.  Defenders who would be rushing the quarterback will also divert their attention to the runner.  As a result, the quarterback has more time to look for a receiver and there is a greater likelihood that there will be a receiver open to catch the pass.  Of course, if the defense catches wind of what's going on, there is a good chance that the running back will be tackled for a loss before he can lateral the ball back to the quarterback, or the ball could be fumbled on one of the laterals.

Here is an example of a successful flea flicker executed by the New Orleans Saints: