The very first tournament New Jersey played in was in Ptown. I kept telling my team we only have to go ten yards for a first down. We were called for delay of game twice in a row before we ever snapped the ball and it was first and twenty before we got a play off. Delay of game can kill a drive. Thirty seconds goes by very fast. What can you do to expedite play calling?
First, have plays. Don’t try to make a play up in the huddle. It takes way too long, the rest of the team does not always understand what you are saying, and the play is not tested. What you think may work in your head does not always work that way on the field. Having set plays allows you to practice the plays, refine them, and everyone knows exactly what they are supposed to do. Also, it only takes a second to call play 1 from a wrist band.
Second, the center is in charge of the huddle but ONLY the Quarterback speaks in the huddle. There is only thirty seconds, we are huddling, calling a play, getting to the line of scrimmage, and snapping the ball. There is no time for discussion. This is not a time to present your ideas on what we should do next. It’s nice if you were open but we are moving on to the next play, so the QB talks and everyone else listens.
Third, run. Run to the huddle and run to the line of scrimmage. There is no walking in football. It’s great that we completed a twenty yard play but this is not time for a stroll. If you walk fifteen yards you are going to have about 5 seconds for that huddle. I’m sorry you ran fifteen yards and we didn’t gain an inch but you have to run back. When we break the huddle run to your position.
Remember the thirty seconds starts when the ball is placed, not when you huddle up. The ball is placed very, very fast so it’s almost thirty seconds from the end of the play. A lot has to happen in that time. Practice it. Don’t allow forever in the huddle at practice, you will take forever in a game, and before you know it, it’s first and twenty.