Unveiling the Secrets of Football Play Calling

Photo: Unsplash

In the thrilling world of American football, where every play can be a game-changer, there's a hidden language that's as important as the touchdowns and tackles. We're talking about the intricate art of play calling. Have you ever wondered what those quarterbacks are doing with their iPads, earpieces and mysterious codes on the field? Let's decipher this fascinating aspect of the game.

The Technological Revolution: iPads, Earpieces and Green Dots

In the modern NFL, technology reigns supreme. iPads have replaced the old-school whiteboards with real-time analysis at the quarterback's (and coaches') fingertips. Have you ever seen the quarterback holding the side of his helmet? That's because he's trying to hear the play call through an earpiece. Only one player on each side of the ball can have this privilege, known as the "green dot," which alludes to the green dot on the helmet of the approved player for the communication device. It's a highly regulated system that adds an extra layer of strategy to the game.

Collegiate Constraints: Hand Signals and Play Cards

While NFL teams revel in the high-tech world of earpieces, college football takes a different approach due to varying budgets. College teams rely on good old-fashioned hand signals and quirky play cards. You might spot play cards featuring SpongeBob SquarePants or Superman, each with a hidden meaning known only to the team.

From Signals to Audibles: Transitioning from College to the NFL

Calling plays is a whole different ball game for college quarterbacks making the leap to the NFL. Many college quarterbacks come from spread offenses, where they rarely huddle and often use hand signals or play cards. They rarely have to call a play. In contrast, the NFL demands precision and adaptability, especially in the noisy chaos of packed stadiums.

The Enigma of "Omaha" and Audibles

Ever wondered about Peyton Manning's famous "Omaha" call? It's become legendary in football lore, but its true meaning remains a secret. (Signs indicate that it's an indicator word – but what does it mean? That's for Peyton to know and for us to guess). Audibles are crucial in the quarterback's playbook, allowing them to change plays on the fly based on pre-snap observations. This strategic flexibility keeps the defense guessing.

The No-Huddle Offense: A Fast-Paced Challenge

No-huddle offenses are like a well-oiled machine. Typically used in high-pressure moments or the last two minutes of a game, this approach relies on rapid communication through hand signals and quick decisions. It might look chaotic, but it should catch the defense off guard by design and not waste precious time off the game clock.

Cracking the Play Call Code: It's All About Timing and Cadence

Each play call is like a symphony, with carefully chosen words and a specific cadence. Linemen listen for cues that indicate their roles in the play. The timing is impeccable, ensuring everyone knows what to do before the clock runs down.

Pay attention to the quarterback's subtle cues and codes the next time you watch a football game. The art of play calling is a complex, highly orchestrated dance that adds depth and strategy to every ball snap. It's a testament to the intelligence and skill of these incredible athletes. So, the next time you hear "Omaha" or spot a quarterback signaling frantically, you'll have a glimpse into the hidden world of football play calling.

The WNBA Season Is Here - What You Need To Know

Photo: Instagram/WNBA

The action-packed WNBA season starts on May 19. Last year's season was the best yet, and it's clear that people are recognizing the incredible talents of these women athletes. This year, the WNBA is adding more games and expanding to new locations, making it even more exciting.

As a proud Las Vegas Aces fan, I can't contain my excitement for this season. With the addition of basketball legend Candace Parker and the support of celebrities like Tom Brady, the Aces are looking to continue their winning streak after clinching their first championship last year.

But the Aces aren't the only team to watch out for. With two powerhouses in the East and West, the WNBA seems to be in an era of building super teams. In the East, the New York Liberty has built a super team, adding MVP Breanna Stewart to their roster.

Now, let's talk about the Commissioners Cup, an exciting in-season tournament introduced by the WNBA. This tournament offers teams a chance to compete for a trophy and a significant payday, with a prize pool of $500,000. It's similar to European soccer, which has similar in-season tournaments and competitions. The Commissioner's Cup adds an extra element of excitement to the WNBA season and allows teams to earn a little extra cash.

Speaking of earnings, it's important to note that many WNBA players play overseas during the off-season to supplement their salaries. While the WNBA salaries may not be on par with men's professional sports yet, the growing popularity of the league and increased exposure through TV coverage and investments from celebrities like Tom Brady are positive signs for the future.

The WNBA is taking steps to improve player experiences too. While most teams have flown commercial in the past and still will, the league is adopting some changes this year. They're introducing charter flights for the WNBA Finals, Commissioner's Cup games, and select games (like back-to-back games) during the season, reducing the challenges of air travel and allowing players to arrive at games in better condition.

Grab your jerseys, and tune into our WNBA Season podcast before turning on the TV to witness the incredible athleticism and fierce competition the WNBA offers.

Moms Who Are Changing The Face Of Sports

Photo: Allyson Felix

Motherhood is an extraordinary journey filled with joys and challenges that profoundly shape a woman's life. This Mother's Day, we bring you a tribute to women who dared to balance the demands of motherhood and professional sports. These kickass women have broken down barriers and paved the way for future generations of female athletes to excel in their respective fields.

The road to motherhood is not always an easy one, and for athletes, the challenge is significant. Athletes must maintain peak physical condition to compete at the highest levels, which can be difficult during pregnancy. Even more challenging is the fact that many female athletes often hide their pregnancies to keep their careers on track.

One such athlete is Skylar Diggins-Smith, a WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) player who kept her pregnancy a secret for an entire season while continuing to perform at an all-star level. When she returned after giving birth, she faced criticism for taking time off to deal with postpartum depression. Her story sparked a conversation about female athletes starting and raising a family, leading to changes in the WNBA's family leave policies.

A decorated Olympic track and field athlete, Allyson Felix challenged Nike's policies. The previously Nike-sponsored athlete took on the company, saying she would be financially penalized for having a child per her contract. (Her daughter was born via emergency c-section in 2018). She was so fed up with their lack of support for female athletes that she left Nike for Athleta. Felix isn't the only athlete worried about being dropped for having a child – it's a far too common practice. NIKE has since changed its policies, and it will not apply any performance-related reductions for 18 months if an athlete becomes pregnant.

Taking our conversation to college hoops, former WNBA player and Arizona Wildcats head women's basketball coach Adia Barnes inspired women everywhere in her quest for her dream job. She coaches alongside her husband and is a mom to two children. During her team's March Madness run in 2020-21, she was giving a pep talk to her team at halftime and pumping as she was still nursing her six-month-old daughter. Barnes shed light on the NCAA's rules that have stifled working moms. Coaches' children, such as Barnes' six-month-old daughter, counted against a team's limited traveling party numbers, so she had to choose between her children and a staff member.

Here's to all the moms and maternal caregivers who are killing it in every aspect of their lives, whether on the court or at home. We see you, and we appreciate you.  

PS: We dive further into badass moms in sports in this week's Sports Curious Podcast, which you can listen to here.