Everyone likes trick plays, right? Whether your team is winning or losing, trick plays can catch teams off guard if executed correctly. Let’s take a look at one of the most common types of trick plays in football: the reverse.
What is a reverse in football?
A reverse is a type of trick play that is called football. It involves a player carrying the ball parallel to the line of scrimmage to hand the ball off to a teammate running in the opposite direction, reversing play.
Key takeaways
The reverse is one of the most common trick plays in football and is called to catch the defense off guard.
Reverses are generally dangerous but have a great reward when everything goes as planned.
More complex reverse plays include the double reverse and the triple reverse. End arounds are not considered a type of reverse play.
Reverses can be concluded with a pass, or the ballcarrier can continue to run with it.
How do you run a reverse play in football?
Reverse plays can be repetitive and complex, but here is a simple explanation of how they are run.
- Quarterback snaps the ball.
- Quarterback hands the ball off to the running back.
- Running back hands the ball off to a wide receiver. This part of the play is known as the reverse.
- Wide receiver can run with the ball or continue with the reverse motion to another player. This would become a double reverse.
Can you pass the ball on a reverse play?
As long as the passer is behind the line of scrimmage, the passer can pass the ball on a reverse play. In fact, some reverse plays are designed to do this. Reverse plays can be designed to free up space for a receiver down the field while the passer, which can be the quarterback or wide receiver, attempts to throw the ball to the intended receiver.
What is a double reverse?
A double reverse is when the runningback hands it off to a wide receiver, then the wide receiver hand it off to another wide receiver. The ball is reversed two times.
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What is a triple reverse?
A triple reverse is the same as a double reverse, except that the ball is reversed a third time. These are rare because they are challenging to execute and at higher risk of negative yardage or a turnover. When executed well, they can lead to some huge plays.
Is running a reverse play dangerous?
Running a reverse play typically is more dangerous than most standard running plays. This is because there is a greater likelihood of a fumble since the ball is switching hands multiple times. It is also risky because if the defense reads it well, they could get a big hit behind the line of scrimmage.
Why do teams run a reverse?
Teams run reverse plays because it changes things up and can lead to big plays. Sometimes reverse plays lead to a wide-open receiver down the field or a big chunk of yardage from catching the defense off guard.
Is a reverse pass the same thing as a reverse?
A reverse pass is not the same as a reverse. A reverse pass is when the quarterback throws the ball in the opposite direction of the way he is running. This does not involve a handoff at any point, something that is required in a reverse.
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What is the difference between a reverse and an end around?
A reverse involves the running back getting the first handoff from the quarterback. On end arounds, however, the first handoff is to a wide receiver. End arounds are commonly called reverses, but they are not.
Common penalties on reverse plays
When you get guys doing stuff that they don’t usually do, that can lead to penalties.
- Holding– Sometimes, this is done to save a teammate from getting rocked; other times, it is done because they don’t normally in for these situations.
- Illegal block– Similar to holding, this can occur to save a teammate from a tackle or because they are not familiar with their position.
- False start– Trick plays like reverses are highly anticipated by the offense and can end up backfiring before the play even begins. If any member of the defense jumps before the snap, they will be backed up five yards.
- Illegal formation– Sometimes, players aren’t set where they should be. This can be based on confusion or lack of concentration.
Overtime
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