Remember that incredible game-winning play you saw last Sunday? The one where everyone was totally fooled? Those moments are pure magic in football! But for coaches and players, designing and executing a successful trick play can feel like trying to solve a giant puzzle. You want to surprise the defense, but picking the wrong play can lead to a huge loss or even a turnover.
It’s frustrating when your big surprise falls flat. You spend hours practicing, but which trick play actually works best for your team’s strengths? We know the struggle of wanting that element of surprise without the risk of embarrassment.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down some of the most effective and exciting football trick plays. You will learn exactly what makes these plays work and how you can start implementing them safely.
Ready to leave the defense scratching their heads? Let’s dive into the playbook and uncover the secrets behind game-changing trick plays!
Top Football Trick Plays Recommendations
- Tappa, Scott (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 149 Pages - 07/19/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Adams, Ike (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 120 Pages - 10/24/2024 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Holloway, Jerrett (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 138 Pages - 05/10/2022 (Publication Date) - Callisto (Publisher)
- Playbooks, Coach (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 122 Pages - 11/19/2018 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- The Trick Play - College Football/NCAA (Author)
- French (Publication Language)
- Football game Trick
- Football refers to a number of sport s that involve, to varying degrees, kicking a ball with the foot to score a goal .
- In this App you can see this topic.
- Audible Audiobook
- Jerica MacMillan (Author) - Neill Thorne, Lidia Dornet (Narrators)
- English (Publication Language)
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Football Trick Plays
Football is exciting! Sometimes, teams need something special to win. That’s where trick plays come in. These surprise moves can change the game. This guide helps you choose the best resources for learning and executing these awesome plays.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a guide, book, or video series about football trick plays, look for these important things:
- **Clarity of Diagrams:** You need clear pictures. Good guides show exactly where every player moves. If the drawing is messy, you will get confused.
- **Step-by-Step Instructions:** The best resources break down complicated moves into small, easy steps. You should understand the setup, the snap, and the final action easily.
- **Variety of Plays:** A great resource offers many different trick plays. Look for options for offense (like fake punts) and defense (like unexpected blitzes).
- **Situational Use:** The guide should tell you *when* to use the play. Is it good on 3rd down? Is it best near the goal line? Context matters.
Important Materials and Formats
Trick play resources come in different forms. Decide which format works best for your team or personal study.
Video Content: Videos are fantastic for showing movement. You see the timing and speed needed. High-definition video quality is crucial. Poor video resolution hides important details.
Printed Guides/Books: Books allow you to study diagrams away from a screen. Look for durable binding. If the pages fall out easily, the guide won’t last a full season.
Digital Downloads (PDFs): These are great for quick access. Make sure the file size is reasonable so it downloads fast. Check if you can easily print the diagrams from the PDF.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a trick play resource really affects how well you learn.
What Makes a Resource Great?
Expert input greatly improves quality. Resources created by experienced coaches who have actually run these plays successfully are better. Look for testimonials or endorsements from reputable sources. Clear, simple language also boosts quality; complex jargon confuses young players.
What Lowers the Quality?
Outdated information reduces quality. Football rules and player tendencies change. A guide from 20 years ago might suggest plays that defenses easily stop today. Also, resources lacking visual aids are low quality. You cannot learn a complex movement just by reading words.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the resource determines its value.
For the Coach:
A coach needs materials that help them teach quickly during a short practice. The resource must translate well onto a whiteboard or practice field. Look for sections that offer quick reminders for game day.
For the Player:
Players benefit most from clear visuals. They need to see their role instantly. If a player can study the diagram and understand their job in under a minute, the resource offers a great user experience.
Use Cases:
You use these guides to surprise opponents. They are perfect for high-pressure situations when a standard play won’t work. Always practice trick plays safely before trying them in a real game!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Football Trick Plays Resources
Q: How often should I update my trick play collection?
A: You should check for new, modern trick plays every two to three seasons. Defenses adapt quickly.
Q: Are trick plays risky?
A: Yes, they carry risk. If the execution fails, you often lose yardage. That is why practicing them a lot is important.
Q: Should I buy a video series or a book?
A: Most people find videos better for seeing movement, but books are good for quick, quiet review.
Q: What is the most important part of a trick play diagram?
A: The starting alignment of the players is the most important part. It shows the deception.
Q: Can I use these plays in youth league football?
A: Yes, but choose simpler versions. Very complex plays confuse younger players.
Q: What defines a “successful” trick play guide?
A: A successful guide teaches you the play and helps you understand *why* the play works against certain defenses.
Q: Do these resources explain necessary personnel changes?
A: Good resources always explain which players need to be on the field for the trick play to work.
Q: What if I see the same trick play used twice by the same team?
A: It usually means the coach felt the first attempt was not executed perfectly, or they are running a variation of the original play.
Q: How much practice time should I dedicate to learning one trick play?
A: Dedicate at least three full practice sessions to mastering the timing before you even consider using it in a game.
Q: Are there guides specifically for trick plays on special teams?
A: Absolutely. Look for guides that specifically mention ‘fake punt’ or ‘fake field goal’ sections for the best special teams content.

Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!
