Football101

According to the NFHS rule book this is not a legal play as the coach on sideline is acting in a manner to deceive the defense.

If coaches or players not on the field of play do anything to participate in a play, including an attempt to deceive, the play is not legal.

9 Opinions On This Trick Football Play

by 9 contributors

be ready!

by Anonymous

Part of football is being ready for trick plays.

Besides, these types of plays are really fun for the younger kids.

Be ready!

Just play ball

by Tommy
(Texas)

It's a cheap play, not a trick play.

I had a team try this on my team two years ago.

I had seen them do it three games before when I was scouting the team they were playing.

My team was ready and the QB was sacked for a big loss and one of their better linemen was hurt because his head was still down when my monster back
went through him.

john arnette

by john arnette
(east liverpool,oh 43920)

This should have been a 15 yard penalty for using verbiage to confuse the opponents by thinking a play is not imminent.

coach

by Dan Chapman
(Santa Clarita, CA.)

Seen that play many times... it can work against a team that is not sharp.

Your team must be good actors!

Most teams do not fall for it.

Assistant coach

by Quinton Cermak
(Pierre, SD, USA)

I have seen a variation of this play before.

This is why I coach my defensive line to fire off the ball regardless of how it is snapped.

SharkMan

Football Plays

Hey, it's perfectly legal. The ball was snapped and the clock was moving.

Football trick plays are about catching the defense off guard. Football defenses have to stay aware.

Even in younger leagues such as Pee-Wee, I think this would be okay. Kids have to learn to be ready for anything in American football.

Coach Mac

I feel that "plays" such as this should be banned.

It is a "legal" play in that the Center gives the ball to the QB. However in the "sportsmanship" department, what is it telling our kids..."do what ever you have to do to win", "let's cross over into the 'gray' side of the rules and use it to our advantage"?

I have (as a player) ran trick plays and had them ran against me. Sure, you feel good at the moment, but then to sit back and reflect upon it.

Was it in the best interest of this great game?

I feel that if you have to resort to trick plays to win, than did you really win? I think not.

As a coach, I have and will never run such a play.

it is a form of deception

that is completely against the rules...

I know i know it's a legal snap and all that...

but in youth sports it's not about humiliating an opponent

it is a very unsportsmanlike play

Coach

It is what it is, like others have said, you have to keep the defense sharp and in the game.

I don't see where there is any unsportsmanship, it's just executed well.

Are you kidding me.....

by Thomas
( Oakton Virginia )

Cheap.

Sends the wrong message to youth football.

We constantly preach at every practice to go hard, all out, play as one, bring the pain every play.

Don't cheat yourself, your teammates or the game.

Football is about blocking and tackling and there is a whole lot of neither, tell me how this is good for the game.

I'm totally disgusted by this play.

coach

Was the right side set? Left was in a three point stance right side was upright still, but they weren't moving.