Chapter 8 - How To Use Forms And Charts

In general, most coaches keep some record during the game. However, all coaches can probably improve on their systems. The head coach should be provided with precise performance records, which will prove to be an invaluable source of information. There is no perfect chart or form—each one differs according to the particular ideas of the head coach.

Coaches should consider appointing a statistical manager for the season, awarding a manager's letter for keeping accurate records. His selection is most important. An untrained tabulator is of no value to you. A member of the coaching staff is best. An intelligent student manager or a future quarterback can sometimes do the job. Keep the man for the entire season. Try to furnish him with an assistant for checking yard lines, distances, etc.

The most desirable place for the man is in the press box. If this is impossible, the next best place is on the player's bench, near the quarterback's desk.

Most of the various forms and charts in this chapter have been used by the author. They are offered only as possible ideas or suggestions for the reader.

Down And Distance

It is good to have a chart made up for the quarterback that will define down and distance. The chart defines both a long gain situation and a short gain situation. As a result, it will help the quarterback determine the best play to be called.

Long gain or big yardage situations are:

A general rule could be that on first and second downs you should try to gain as much as possible. On third down the thought uppermost is to try for the first down. On first down, use strong plays that should make five or more yards if they work. When it is second down and one yard to go, it is very good to try for a long gain by using a play resembling a pass, that turns into a run, or a play that resembles a run and turns into a pass.

DIAGRAM 46 *
1 George H. Allen, How to Scout Football, School Aid Company.

Do Not Get Over-Methodical In The Usage Of Any General Rule. My opinion is that it is a poor time to pass with third down and short yardage. This play on third down should leave you in good position on the field. If it happens to be near your opponents' goal line, think of your position for a possible field goal on fourth down.

Diagram 46 illustrates a simplified method of charting the game play by play and using but one page.** An explanation of terms used follows:

1. BALL —Refers to position on the field
L-C-R  —Left-Center-Right

2. DOWN—Number of the down (1, 2, etc.) and distance refers
DIST.       to yardage to go.

3. FORM —Single-wing, T-formation, etc.

4. GAIN   —Loss in yardage is marked by a minus sign before or the number; i.e. —5, etc.
LOSS

Diagram 47 illustrates a Quarterback Play Chart whereby the coach can check each play called by the quarterback. Use one sheet for the first half and a new sheet for the second half. An explanation follows:

1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9                                    Refers to offensive holes.
T-15-100-120-130-140, etc.                     Refers to the series used.
150's—170's                                              Refer to passing game.
Spc.                                                           Any special plays.
T.                                                               All T-formation plays.
R. P.                                                          Running Passes.
J. P.                                                           Jump Passes.

**Mimeographed sheets inserted in a loose-leaf notebook are rectommended.

DIAGRAM 48

Diagram 48 illustrates a play analysis chart for both quarterbacks and coaches to examine after the game. This chart is completed while studying pictures.

1. Formation Refers to Single Wing, T, Spread, etc.

2. Play  Your play number.

3. Call  Line call made by tackle.

4. Gain Loss in yardage is marked by a minus sign before the number. Gain is marked by a plus sign before the number.

5. Defense The defense used by opponents.

6. Tackle The key tackier.

Diagram 49 illustrates    an offensive chart.

Odd and Even Numbers                 Refers to offensive holes.
Play                                                Number of play.
Result                                             Gain or loss.
7-8-9)                                           
4-5-6)                                           
1-2-3)                                            Refers to completed passes in each zone.
1)                                                   Refers to a consecutive record of passes
2)
3)
4)                                                   . called, with space for comments.

Diagram 50 illustrates a recap of the offense, and is self-explanatory.

These are mimeographed after each contest and given to the quarterback.

Diagram 50 Recap Of Whittier

Offense vs. Air force, 1957

Plays from Close Opp. Left
3 Runs
2 Passes

Plays from Tight Opp. Right
5 Runs
0 Passes

Plays from Pro Right
4 Runs
2 Passes

Plays from Close Pro Right 0 Runs

 2 Passes

Plays from Close Opp. Right
6 Runs
0 Passes

Plays from Flanker Left
3 Runs
1 Pass

Plays from Close Opp. Left
2 Runs
2 Passes

Plays from Close Flanker Left
4 Runs
1 Pass

DIAGRAM 51
QUARTERBACK NUMBER PLAY CHART

Please circle the correct play number—
104-107-QB6-132-31-31P-138XX-138XXL-132JP.122
-123-124-125-128-128B-41-41P-142-143-144-145-46
-47-140A-159SP-151-152-154-155-57-170FPR-170SP
-171-172-173-174-175-177-178-179-RH9-RH9P-RH9PF
-H1-LH1P-LH1PF-LH7-LH4-RH6-F9-F1-TP7-TP3-19
-18-16-15.Fake punt run-Fake quick kick-Punt quick kick.

Players name   

Special comments        
 
Diagram 51 illustrates the Quarterback Play Number Chart.

This chart is used to test quarterbacks during examinations. The quarterback simply circles the play number in red pencil which corresponds to the play number on a verbal or written test given by the coach.

The player signs his name and makes any special comments he desires.

Diagram 52 illustrates an Offensive Game Chart that is recorded on the sidelines during the game.

Play Called                Refers to the play called in the huddle.
Ball Carrier                Write name of ball carrier.

Field Position             O 42—Our 42. T 27—Their 27.
Yards Gain                Plus or minus yardage.
Remarks on Play       Any comment on why play failed or succeeded.

Cumulative Offensive Chart

Diagram 53 illustrates a cumulative offensive game chart. A complete report of each game can be kept on this chart for the season. After each game a line is drawn in red below the last play recorded for that game.

The dotted lines are filled in to correspond to the formation from which the play is run. Each formation is recorded on a separate sheet.

Quarterback Pass Summary Chart

There should be some sheet, form or chart which presents a pass summary for the quarterback. This is invaluable for the quarterback to study and then follow up in a conference with the head coach. The Summary Chart is also valuable for future references (see Diagram 54).

Quarterback Run Summary Chart

Diagram 55 illustrates a summary of the running game and is desirable in completing any quarterback chart.

DIAGRAM 52

Quarterback Strategy Field When studying strategy, it is often helpful for both the coach and quarterback to have a miniature field chart as represented in Diagram 56. The strategy field chart helps the field general visualize tactical situations. Each quarterback should have extra blank copies in his quarterback notebook.

 

Football Attitude Chart

This attitude chart was formed by Coach Charles Mills of Pomona College and presents a complete check list on every fundamental necessary for playing good football (Diagram 57).

Many times a player does not know where he stands on the team. By the use of this Attitude Chart, the coach can meet with individual players and present them with clear, complete evaluation of their abilities, but most of all, make them aware of team obligations and responsibilities.

Quarterback Guide

It is important that the quarterback be as familiar as possible with the opposition prior to game time. The more time he spends acquainting himself with his available information, the better prepared he will be.

We have found it very practical to present a Quarterback Guide, which is a complete report on the strengthened weaknesses of the defensive team. This report should be given to the quarterbacks no later than Thursday, preferably on Wednesday, if the information is available.

Of course, it is impossible to tell before game time exactly what defense the opponent will employ. However, the coach will not be too far wrong in his preparation provided he has made a complete study of previous games. We have every defense diagrammed that our opponents have used against our offense during the past three years. Thus it is difficult for an opponent to surprise us with something different.

Recommended plays to be used against the anticipated defenses are listed for each defense. By studying these beforehand, the quarterback should be better prepared to adjust his attack.

When the guides are ready for distribution on Wednesday, a meeting is held and the coach goes over the complete report with all of his quarterbacks present. Each week a new Quarterback Guide is made for the next opponent. Whenever the quarterback has free time, he is requested to study the report. The Quarterback Guide also has a favorable effect on other players, showing them that their field general is preparing himself for the week. Anything that will build confidence in the other players is essential. It also provides the quarterback with more self-confidence, which is essential. It has never failed, when we delay issuing the guides, that the quarterbacks stop at the coach's office and ask when they will be ready. So we know the quarterbacks look forward to receiving them and that they have proved very practical.
The guide gives both the quarterback and the coach something to start the game with. After the game is under way, and if changes are necessary, they can be made; but at least, we have had something to start with.

Diagram 58 illustrates a sample quarterback guide.

DIAGRAM 58

Quarterback Guide

Whittier College vs. Arizona State

This week we will be tested more thoroughly than last. Arizona lost and that will make them hungry for us. We cannot afford to let down at any time. Arizona has quick linemen whose speed may give us trouble. Our quarterbacking was good against Santa Barbara. You can all see how important it is for our quarterbacks not to hesitate in the huddle and to be aggressive and leaders, as you were last Friday. Arizona will be ready—they have always given us tough games. We must not make mistakes. This second game means much to our morale. We must not take any situation for granted. Know the information on the following pages. If you have any questions, bring them along to our next quarterback meeting.

cc: Palmer                                Clevenger
Vallance                                   Bevilacqua
Allen
5—3
T 122-122

T 123-123
 
138 XX—they will follow fakes

Traps

If they stunt guards run T 104 or 104—we beat them in '53 on wedge blocking.

6—2

T 122-122

T 123-124

128-138 XX They will probably overload the strong side after the Santa Barbara game. Look for this; we have usually made yardage to the weak side against them.

The most significant information we have is that their ends are not strong—run them to death—use flankers.
 
31 31 138 XX
172 174 175 177 178 179
Running Plays
120 series 140 series LH7 RH3 F 5 LH 1 RH9

Our Offense

Running Plays

31 31
138XX

120 series
140 series
LH7
RH3
F 5
LH1
RH9

R. Pass—P Plays

41 Pass
31 Pass
132 Jump pass
LH 7 Pass
LH 1 Pass flat
RH 9 Pass
LH 1 Pass break
RH 9 Pass break
 
70 Passes 50 Passes

172 151 Long
174 152
175 154
177 155 Box
178 155 Spec.
179 157

159 Spec.
 
Long Yard Plays

170 SPFB
159 SPFB
170 FPR
Also pass to WB on 4 pattern

Short Yard Plays
T 104-104
T 107-107
132
104
QB sneak
 
Goal Line Strategy

1. 104
2. 107
3. 132
4. 172
5. RH 9 Power
6. RH 9 pass "switch"
7. QB sneak

Division Of Playing Field

Teaching Strategy

Many times strategy is a difficult thing to teach young players. It must be done in a systematic manner and through logical reasoning. The coach must never second-guess his field general's judgment in such a manner that the quarterback will lose confidence in himself. The first result will be lack of confidence in the quarterback's judgment by the entire team. Criticism by the coach must be of a constructive nature and encouraging.

Strategy Map

Strategy must be built around the quarterback, step by step. One method is to develop a strategy map by division of the playing field. This map, or chart, should divide the field into four or five zones. The coach should then set up certain fundamentals of generalship which will help guide the quarterback.

In 1953, we worked out a system of playing-field division that appealed to both quarterbacks and coaches.

See diagram 59.

Key to division of playing field into strategy zones:

1. Red light zone—From our own goal line to our 20-yard line.
2. Yellow light zone—From our own 20-yard line to our 40-yard line.
3. Green light zone—From our 40-yard line to opponent's 40-yard line.
4. Scoring zone—From opponent's 40-yard line to opponent's 20-yard line.
5. Intense resistance zone—From opponent's 20-yard line to opponent's goal line.

A secondary division of the playing field would list the territory between our goal line and our own 40-yard line as defensive territory, with the remainder of the playing field as offensive territory.

See diagram 60.

DIAGRAM 59 DIAGRAM 60

Quarterback Examination

The tactics and strategy employed in a football game depend upon numerous factors, including the offensive formation, the strength of the opposition, the experiences in previous contests, the individual abilities of members of the team, the head coach's particular theories regarding strategy, and the elements, condition of field, etc. Some form of pregame testing is essential. What about the instruction of the quarterback? This perhaps is the most difficult thing in football coaching; therefore, in addition to his work with other members of the squad, the coach should spend considerable time with his quarterbacks in meetings. Strategy is extremely difficult to teach young men in high school and college. It must be done in a systematic and organized manner. The quarterback learns by logical reasoning and by continual repetition. Strategy can be soundly built by proceeding slowly step by step.

One method which we have successfully used is the quarterback examination. We start our quarterback meetings at least one week before the entire squad reports. These lectures last for at least two hours, six days per week. It is advantageous to hold these meetings where there is no distraction. We have used the gymnastic room where no telephone is available. We always lock the door. All three quarterbacks stretch out on the mats with a smaller mat rolled up behind their backs for support. In this manner, they are comfortable. We usually have a soft drink available. We sit directly in front of them on a platform or high chair. With no interruptions, much can be accomplished in a short period of forty-five minutes.

Every conceivable question is asked the quarterbacks in these meetings. It is better to do this orally than have the quarterbacks take written examinations, although occasionally a written exam that does not require too much time is effective. Early in the season, a meeting five days per week is necessary. After the season is under way and the quarterback seems to be making progress, three early meetings a week should be sufficient.

Summary

If properly employed forms and charts can be useful in teaching generalship, well-organized forms and charts are an absolute necessity both during the game and afterwards. However, be sure to keep the same man on for the entire season. Remember, an untrained tabulator is of no value to you.

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