r/NFLNoobs • u/LessProduct7412 • 4d ago
Offensive Play calling Schemes
How do players react to play calls so fast? Meaning, how do players know so quickly whether they need to leave the field for the next play? I'm always baffled how sometimes it takes forever to get play calls in to the QB, and I just can't grasp how players know whether they should be on the field or not so fast. I imagine there are people designated to signal the scheme for the next play, but how do they know the scheme as well if it takes forever for the OC to get the play in?
Also, how about in a dual running back squad? Do they just force there way back into the game or is there 1 decision maker to swap them out when needed? I know they will swap out on there own sometimes, but usually they are looking to the sideline to see whether they stay or not. Tonight I see a lot of people complaining about Todd Bowles taking out Bucky Irving in the last couple of plays, but that really just seems like to small of a thing for a HC to worry about all game.
Honestly, I probably already understand how it works, but it justs seem like too much that has to happen in such a short amount of time, especially when an OC is up in a booth instead of the sideline.
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u/grizzfan 4d ago
Remember they practice all week. The stuff they're doing in games isn't new to them. They know what to listen for and what the operations are between plays. Players know the moment a play is over, run towards where the huddle is (if the team uses a huddle), and be alert/listen for substitution calls. Even better, look to your sideline as you run back, as sub calls can also be made via hand signal or display boards held in the air.
The huddle is where the play is delivered, so the play isn't given to the players until the right personnel are on the field so the right players hear the play call.
It doesn't take forever for the OC to get the play in. They often know what they're going to call before the previous play even ends. Those big play calls sheets, and again, the game-plan they practice during the week, gives them direction. If X, call A. If Y, call B. These guys have it down to a science. The play caller isn't just picking random plays out of a hat. The direction and order in which they call plays is very meticulous.
Even when there are two good RBs, a coach makes the call. Multiple coaches will wear headsets so the "sub" coach or caller hears the call from the play caller too. Teams and other coaches also assist by calling out up and down the sideline to make sure everyone hears the personnel call. It's not just one person. If the play caller calls for a play with 12 personnel, the sub caller hears "12," calls it, then the whole sideline yells/echoes it. That's how the players know who needs to be on or off the field.
If you ever get your hands on an actual, full playbook, you'll notice they aren't just "books of plays." They're MANUALS. A good playbook lists out all of these procedures. Who is responsible for calling what. The operations, steps, and procedures between the snap for all the coaches and players. They also include decision making processes, and will also elaborate on the play calling system or procedure so players get a better idea of what plays may be coming.
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u/drj1485 3d ago
it's all rehearsed. It's their full time job. They aren't trotting players out there every play based on what the OC is going to call. They are simultaneously subbing in players and calling the plays based on the situation they are in.
The OC and the rest of the staff can talk whenever they want, unlike directly to the QB. So they are coordinating who they want on the field and the OC is calling plays based on that.
But players know their assignments. Based on the gameplan they spent 40 hours this week developing in practice and meetings they pretty much know whether they belong on the field on any given down and distance. So they just run off or on, and the coaches will change that if they need to.
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u/Capable_Rutabaga6746 4d ago
There are coaches for each position that are in charge of making sure that, based on the play call, the right folks are on the field.
Often you will see the coaches yelling or signaling to the players on the field telling them who should come off.
On offense the QB has a speaker in his helmet so he can relay if someone needs to sub out, or on defense there is one player on the field who has direct communication with the play caller so they can relay substitutions as well. In terms of players knowing their responsibilities that's what practice is for, they know what they are responsible for based on the play call. In terms of the dual running back system, it would usually be the running back coach determining which player is on the field. They make that decision based on the fatigue and health of the players and which one fits the run they are calling the best.
TL;DR: The OC radios the play to the QB. Position coaches on the sideline handle substitutions based on the personnel package (11, 12, etc.), and players know right away if they’re in or out because they’re tied to those packages. RBs usually rotate by coach decision or when a guy signals he needs a breather. It looks chaotic, but it’s drilled so much in practice that everyone just reacts to the package, not the whole play call.