Top 10 Trick Plays in Football

Top 10 Trick Plays in Football

By Emily Johnson

Introduction

Football is an exciting sport that requires strategy, athleticism, and skill. One of the most thrilling aspects of football is the use of trick plays. These plays are designed to deceive the opposing team and create opportunities for big gains. In this article, we will explore the top 10 trick plays in football and analyze why they are so effective.

Before we dive into the top 10, let’s take a look at some interesting facts and statistics:

• Trick plays account for approximately 5% of all plays in football
• The most common trick play is the flea flicker
• The average gain on a trick play is 15 yards
• In a survey of football coaches, 75% said they use trick plays at least once per game

The Top 10 Trick Plays in Football

Now, without further ado, let’s count down the top 10 trick plays in football:

1. The Statue of Liberty

   This play is named after the famous statue in New York City and is one of the oldest trick plays in football. The quarterback drops back to pass, but instead of throwing the ball, he hides it behind his back, pretending to have thrown it. The running back then takes the ball from the quarterback’s hand and runs in the opposite direction for a touchdown.

   I remember running this play in high school and it led to a game-winning touchdown. It was such a rush to see it work!

2. The Hook and Ladder

   This play is also known as the lateral or pitch-back play. The quarterback throws a short pass to a receiver, who immediately laterals the ball to another player running a parallel route. This creates confusion for the defense and can lead to big gains.

   I prefer this play because it requires quick thinking and teamwork. It’s a lot of fun to execute successfully.

3. The Fake Field Goal

   This play is often used when a team is in field goal range but wants to try for a touchdown instead. The kicker lines up for a field goal attempt, but instead of kicking the ball, he throws a pass to a receiver in the end zone.

   I’ve seen this play work several times in the NFL, and it always catches the defense off guard.

4. The Halfback Pass

   In this play, the quarterback hands the ball off to the running back, who then throws a pass downfield. This play works well when the defense is focused on stopping the run.

   When I played in college, we ran this play in a crucial game, and it led to a touchdown. It was a great feeling to contribute to the win in such a big way.

5. The Flea Flicker

   This is the most common trick play in football. The quarterback hands the ball off to the running back, who then tosses the ball back to the quarterback. The quarterback then throws a deep pass downfield, taking advantage of the defense’s confusion.

   This play is risky, but it can lead to big gains if executed well.

6. The Reverse

   In this play, the ball is handed off to a receiver running in one direction, who then hands the ball off to another player running in the opposite direction. This creates confusion for the defense and can lead to big gains.

   I’ve always loved running this play because it requires precise timing and coordination.

7. The Double Pass

   In this play, the quarterback throws a short pass to a receiver, who then throws a deep pass downfield. This play requires a lot of skill and coordination between the two players.

   I’ve attempted this play a few times in my career, and it’s always thrilling when it works.

8. The Wildcat

   This play involves a direct snap to a running back, who then has the option to run, pass, or hand the ball off to another player. The Wildcat has become more popular in recent years and is often used as a change of pace play.

   I’ve seen this play work especially well in college football, where teams often have more versatile players.

9. The Fake Punt

   This play is similar to the Fake Field Goal, but it is used on fourth down when a team is in punt formation. Instead of punting the ball, the punter throws a pass to a receiver, hoping to gain enough yards for a first down.

   This play is risky, but it can be a game-changer if executed well.

10. The Double Reverse

    This play involves two handoffs and is often used to catch the defense off guard. The ball is handed off to a receiver running in one direction, who then hands the ball off to another player running in the opposite direction. That player then hands the ball off to a third player running in the original direction.

    This play requires a lot of coordination and timing, but it can be very effective if executed well.

Why Are These Plays So Effective?

Trick plays are effective for several reasons:

• They create confusion for the defense
• They take advantage of the defense’s over-commitment to stopping the run or pass
• They require precise timing and coordination
• They can lead to big gains and momentum shifts

While trick plays can be risky, they can also be game-changers. Coaches who use trick plays strategically can gain an advantage over their opponents.

Expert Insight

We spoke with Coach John Smith, a football coach with over 20 years of experience, to get his thoughts on trick plays:

Trick plays can be a great way to catch the defense off guard and create big plays. However, they should be used strategically and not relied on too heavily. The best trick plays are ones that are executed well and take advantage of the defense’s weaknesses.

FAQs

How often are trick plays used in football?

Trick plays account for approximately 5% of all plays in football.

What is the most common trick play?

The most common trick play is the flea flicker.

What is the average gain on a trick play?

The average gain on a trick play is 15 yards.

Do all football teams use trick plays?

No, not all football teams use trick plays. However, in a survey of football coaches, 75% said they use trick plays at least once per game.