“They Call Your Number. You Make The Play!”
I recently read something about Hall of Fame wide receiver Lynn Swann. He was describing his mindset when it came to being in the huddle of the Pittsburgh Steelers during those 70s dynasty years. “They call your number. You make the play,” said Swann.
What a simple, yet impactful statement. Some would call it a bit bragadocius, or just smacking of pure arrogance. Think about it, though. It’s a thought process we all should be following. Too many times, we overthink our situation.
How does a player make the play after his number is called? It certainly doesn’t occur magically inside the huddle. It is called preparation. It starts with doing everything possible to prepare for the moment. It is attending off-season workouts. It is watching opponent video during the off-season. It is understanding the playbook, and having the ability to adjust accordingly.
Having your number called isn’t just for one person in the huddle. On offense, it’s for each player to know what his role is consists of to make it a successful play. There are blocks to made. There are fakes to be carried out. If it’s a pass, there are secondary routes to be run. Players on the opposite side of the play call sometimes will take a play off. I’ve heard coaches, especially with two-way players, say offense is where certain players can do that. That’s not the mindset we should instill. What if a strong side run is stacked up, and the running back cuts back? That backside tackle who took a play off gets to watch a backside backer fill the cutback and make the tackle.
On the defensive side of the ball, it would seem more clear-cut, but there’s always the freelance potential to come into play. It’s the nature of defense to act quickly and make the play, but much of today’s defensive schemes require a disciplined approach of 11 players having 11 assignments. One guy freelances, and the offense scores six or gets a splash play. The reality on defense is every player’s number is called. Know the assignment. Complete the assignment.
Here’s where the most difficult part of the ‘making the play’ concept becomes a bit difficult for some. Listening and learning is such a simple concept, but it becomes difficult for some. Think about it. A person hears the play, and lines up. This is where the thought process needs to kick in.
Here’s where I am going to be talking out of both sides of my mouth. What if your number isn’t called? You still have to be prepared for the ‘if this, then that’ scenario, and it better be clearly planned out during the week’s practice. Coaches have to explain the ‘if this, then that’ approach.
Let’s go back to the ‘cut back’ play. On offense, the backside players need to be prepared to go a bit extra and carry out a block, or adjust on the fly and pick up that backer filling the cutback lane. Defensively, the backside plays need to be aware not to overflow and be out of position for that cutback.
See where I’m going here? You’re number may not be called, but at the snap that all changes. As a player, understand what coaches are explaining during the week. As a coach, don’t get upset if a player overflows/misses a backside block if you didn’t take the time to go over it during the week.
