Player Responsibilities in No-Huddle Communication

Posted by Gus Malzahn on Oct 21st 2019

Once a head coach has determined and understands the coaches’ responsibilities within play calling for a no-huddle system, the focus shifts to the roles for players within the communication system.

Not only does your coaches’ communication system need to be organized and precise, players also must know their assignments and how to carry out their roles to be successful.

Quarterback

The quarterback is responsible for:

Knowing all of the team’s signals.

Verbally relaying the proper formation to his teammates.

Interpreting the key color on the play-calling board, reinforcing it two or three times if it is a running play. On the other hand, if the key color is a pass play, then he gives a false call, which tells the receivers to look at the board.

Relaying motion to the appropriate receiver.

Determining after the defense lines up if an audible should be called.

After recognizing the possibility that a play will not be successful, the quarterback must have the ability to audible to the correct play. The last step in a quarterback’s presnap progression is to call the cadence in a rhythmic manner.

Before every game, the signaler and the quarterbacks review all signals to reinforce their memory.

Backs and receivers

Running backs and receivers must:

Be able to read and interpret the numbers on the play-calling board.

Listen for an audible indicating a change in the play.

Recognize the color key and all of the signals in case it gets so loud during a game that it is difficult to hear the quarterback.

Listen for and anticipate the cadence.

Running backs and receivers often are the ones who tip off a defense what play is coming next. It’s natural for a receiver to read run – or a back to read pass – then turn quickly away from the board.

Keep them focused and looking at the board for the same amount of time no matter what play is called.

Offensive linemen

Offensive linemen must:

Listen to the quarterback verbalize a running play or the false call to identify a pass.

Listen for the fullback to make a pass-protection call according to the defensive alignment.

Listen for any audible indicating a change in the play.

Listen for and anticipate the cadence.

Offensive tackles must be able to recognize the color key and all of the signals in case it gets too loud during a game to hear the quarterback. It is then the job of the tackle on the side of the field where you sideline is to relay this information to his linemates.

Conclusion

Once players understand the communication system and their roles within it, it is important that they can quickly get into the correct position for each snap.

Unlike the traditional huddle-up offense that forms around the center, players need to have a general idea where the last play ended and where they are headed based on the anticipated spot of the ball.

The quarterback aligns 10 yards directly behind where the ball is spotted, facing the coaches on the sideline and awaiting the formation and play call.

Backs and receivers hustle to the line of scrimmage while awaiting the quarterback’s formation call. This sequencing puts them in a better position to get into formation at a quicker pace. While running to the appropriate side of the formation, they look at the play-calling board and listen for the play. It is important that they hustle to be set up, know their assignment and have time to recognize defensive alignment before the ball is snapped.

The center remains the key for the entire line to get set up properly at a fast pace. Linemen should set up on the center’s feet while he is waiting for the official to place the ball.

Gus Malzahn is the head coach at Auburn University, a position he accepted in 2013. Prior to that, he served as the Auburn offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, and before that he was an assistant coach at Tulsa and Arkansas as well as a head coach on the high school level in Arkansas.