A football question.

[Longhorn]

How do the players know who goes in and out for each play? Does it depend on the play that's called, or is it a coach's job to stay on top of that and call them in and out? Since it occasionally goes wrong (penalty for too many men on the field) and it's not a "formal announcement" such as in basketball, I'm just curious.

Thanks! (Hook 'em, Horns!)

[tcfrogs]

1. Depends on the play

That's why there are so many coaches/assistants on the sidelines, to coordinate that.

[Longhorn]

5. I understand that different plays call for different personnel.

I was just wondering if they call a play and the players themselves know, "Oops, that's not me" so they take themselves out or put themselves in.

Come to think of it, that sounds pretty stupid, huh? Well, I'm a fan, obviously not a player! :silly:

Thanks!

[Champ]

2. -

Usually a coach will tell their sub to go in and whose coming out, then that player runs in the huddle and tells the player that's in that he is being replaced for the coming play. That is how it usually is in High School and College, I'm sure it's the same way in the Pros

[ScreamingMeemie]

3. It depends upon the team and it depends upon the play.

For example, Mike Sherman and the Packers began the season by scripting their first 10 plays of each game. I think they have abandoned this though. :hi:

[SmileyBoy]

4. I'm on the staff for a college football team...

So I can tell you the best I can. Each player is assigned a "personnel" position for different formations. They'll be assigned a position depending on the type of offense the opponent is attempting. The offense usually never rotates players unless the reciever/back set they're running is changed up. Linemen and the QB stay on the field, assuming they're starters. There's a lot more substitution on defenses.

[Longhorn]

6. Thanks! Shows why those occasional mix-ups occur.

Lots of personnel to keep track of! Go Team, Coach!