Years ago while consulting with a small college staff, I learned an alternative to Bill Walsh’s openers method for calling plays at the beginning of the game and the beginning of the half. I utilize Walsh’s openers for beginning a game, but I have adapted the alternative method for putting together calls for between series.

The method is relatively simple, and it allows coaches to plan out calls and have a disciplined approach as part of a game plan that has been thought out and practiced throughout the week. Play calling with a “feel” for the game leaves a lot to chance. I am not saying it’s not a good approach, as I use it at times, but having a methodic way to attack the defense is a more sound practice.

A game plan isn’t randomly pulled together, so why should gameday play-calling. This method involves putting together first and second down calls prior to the game in the office or staff meeting room where coaches have the luxury of time in a calm environment. It allows coaches to put together an attack that utilizes different components of the game plan in a well-orchestrated manner – creating a balance between run and pass.

For example:

	Left hash	Right hash
First down	Run it (Brown) Rip 6 Power Right	Run it (Brown) Liz 7 Power Right
Second  down	Run it (Brown) Liz 6    Flash 65 Slash	Run it (Brown) Rip 7   Flash 65 Slash

First down and a second down plays are planned from both hashes. The same tempo (Run It) and personnel group (Brown) are utilized in both play calls.

	Left hash	Right hash
First  down	Check (Patriot) North 6 65 Spacing P Spot	Check (Patriot) South 7 65 Spacing P Spot
Second down	Picture 1 (Patriot) North 6 Stick-Draw	Picture 1 (Patriot) South 7 Stick-Draw

 

In this example, a check is utilized on first down for the quarterback to adjust a route based on presnap indicators. The second call utilizes the same personnel with picture boards and a run-pass option play for a fast-tempo attack.

	Left hash	Right hash
First down	Run It (Falcon) Rip 0 Zone Rt Naked Left	Run It (Falcon) Liz Zone Rt Naked Left
Second down	Run It (Falcon) Rip 0    F Counter Left	Run It (Falcon) Liz1 F Counter Right

This series utilizes two back personnel from a base tempo. The attack starts with play action and comes back with a counter play.

The process continues until 12 first down/second down series are put together. There is no formula for how these are put together. The coaching staff assembles these two-play sequences based on the insight they gained in the game planning process. Plays can be put together for a variety of reasons:

To attack certain defenders or parts of the defense

To set up and then break an offensive tendency

To sequence a series of look-alike plays

To create a balance of run-pass

To get certain players a prescribed amount of touches

To create a rhythm for the quarterback in the passing game, building from easier throws and concepts to more difficult concepts as the game progresses

Utilizing first and second down series calls

The method works by going right down the list of two play calls that the coaches have put together. If on first down the offense gets a first down, then the next first down on the list is called. If the two plays are run and its third down, then the play caller goes to his call sheet for the third down call for that situation. The third down sheet is organized by short (one to two yards), medium (three to six yards), long (seven to nine yards) and extra long (10-plus yards). If third down is converted, then the next first down on the list is called.

Utilizing this method to plan between series

While I do not utilize this method at the beginning of the game (I utilize the Walsh method for openers), I do utilize this to put together sequence of plays between series. Thinking in terms of “What do we want to do on first down and second down based on what we just saw?” allows me to put together calls that attack the defense methodically rather than randomly. I am also able to create a balanced attack with this thought process.

Between series, I will plan two or three of these sequences as well as planning what third down calls might be utilized. A blank form like the one below can be used for this method.

	Left hash	Right hash
First down
Second down

 

	Left hash	Right hash
First down
Second down

 

	Left hash	Right hash
First down
Second down

 

 

	Left hash	Right hash
Third & short
Third & medium
Third & long
Third & extra

This approach allows for a well thought out attack. It also allows a head coach to see what the plan will be throughout the game. This can provide a sense of confidence for the head coach if he has an inexperienced play caller, providing good starting point for an entire staff to communicate and think about adjustments heading into the next series.

Keith Grabowski has been a football coach for 26 years, currently serving as an offensive assistant and technology coordinator at Oberlin College in Ohio. He previously was a head coach at the high school level for eight years and the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Baldwin Wallace University. Grabowski serves as an advisor for several sports technology companies. He is a columnist for American Football Monthly and writes his own blog at thecoachesedge.com/blog. He's the author of "101+ Pro Style Pistol Offense Plays" and five other books available on thecoachedge.comand operates Coaches Edge Technologies. Follow him on Twitter @CoachKGrabowski.