Players on the youth football level are capable of running a no-huddle offense. In past years, we have installed the no-huddle package at our middle school and have had great success.

During the preseason, a dozen or so plays are selected for this segment of our offensive program. The plays are put on wrist bands for the players to use during practice. Starting in Week 2 of practice, 15 minutes is allotted daily for no-huddle installation.

At first, the plays are sent in by hand signals by an assistant coach and run against air with no defense to lower any stress during this period. The quarterback shouts out the opponent’s defense and the play count after play recognition. Designations can be a one word state name for a snap count of one and two word state names for two. This part of the offense is fluid as it can change not only from week to week but also during games.

After the play is run, players are evaluated by how well they lined up, the success of the play and the ability to get ready for the next play. Coaches learn real fast who is in game shape and who isn’t. After a few days, a defense is added to the drill so players can practice their assignments against defenses they will see during the season.

After as the season progresses and scouting reports better define opponents, plays can be added and deleted from the playlist. It’s important to keep a limited number of plays as too many can lead to confusion and slow down the pace. During the season, time during every practice must be allotted for the no huddle in order to increase the effectiveness of the offense.

Here’s an example of our no-huddle offensive playlists as it may appear on wristbands:

• 1-8: SR 4 Jet  
• 9-16: SL 5 Jet  
• 17-24: SL 21 Screen
• 32-40: SL Double X-0-0  
• 41-48: SL 2-6-5-8
• 49-56: SL Double X-60   
• 57-64: SR Fake 4/29 Counter
• 65-72: SR 4 Zip/11 Draw
• 73-80: SL Double X-Slant-Sluggo-Flair

This playlist is based on a rate of eight. For example, Spread Right 4 Jet can be signaled into the offense by any number that falls in the 1-8 range. Spread Left Double Cross-Slant-Sluggo-Flair can be signaled in by any number in the 73-80 range.

To eliminate confusion, coaches who do not signal in the plays will clap their hands during the signaling in of any play that has a two digit code. If they don’t clap, the play called has a single digit code.

So when planning out your no-huddle offenses, remember:

• Keep the number of plays low. Quality of execution should come before quantity of plays.
• Practice makes perfect. Allot time daily for this.
• Change the play code frequently so opponents don’t catch on. For example, go from numbers to placards of different colors or pictures.
• Highlight the play codes on the players’ wristbands as this will give them a visual separation of each play. If you don’t, they tend to run together.
• Make sure each player has a typed play code for his wristband.

Chris Booth is the head football coach at Peterstown Middle School in West Virginia. He has had four books and nine videos published by Coaches Choice – available here– and will have a youth drill book published later in 2015.