“It’s not about what play you call, it’s about what the defense shows you.”
Peyton Manning, Hall of Fame QB
Air Raid 5v5 Play Calling System
The best play callers in football don’t just pick from a menu of cool plays. They have a play calling system specifically designed to:
- Exploit weaknesses.
- Simplify communication.
- Stay ahead of the chains.
- Maintain a level of control.
- Keep the defense on its heels.
- Play up-tempo, fast-paced offense.
- Recognize and repeat successful plays.
- Identify and avoid unsuccessful plays.
This is where you win the chess match against the opposing coach.
“That’s where my magic superpower was. It was knowing the opposing defense better than they knew themselves. I had the answers to the test.”
Tom Brady, Hall of Fame QB
The Pre-Snap Process
- Always play the no huddle offense.
- Coach & QB Make pre-snap reads.
- Coach signals the play to the QB.
- QB relays the play to teammates.
- QB calls for the snap.
Step 1 – Always Play the No Huddle Offense
As soon as the previous play ends, each player hustles to the line and sets up for the next play. This forces the defense to move faster than they want, tiring them out quickly and minimizing the time the opposing coach has to make adjustments.
Since Air Raid 5v5 offense has just one formation, your know exactly where to go every play.
Step 2 – Coach & QB Make Pre-snap Reads
Here’s where you take a look at what the defense is showing you and find a play call that will exploit their weakness. Each defense they can call will have strengths and weaknesses. When you understand what you’re up against, your job as a coach becomes much easier.
Identification: One deep Safety. Front row defenders about 5 yds off the line.
Strengths: Stopping short passes and the run.
Weaknesses: Covering more than one deep route.
How to beat: QB buys time. Stress the Safety with two or more deep routes.
Where’s the blitz: QB identifies the blitz pre-snap.
What to call: #13 Three Verts, #21 Deep Cross, #23 Post-Wheel
Identification: Two deep Safeties, CBs playing about 5 yards off the line.
Strengths: Balanced defense. Guards against big plays.
Weaknesses: Large holes in the middle zone(s), especially if the LB blitz leaves the middle of the field open.
How to beat: Throw short into the holes in the zone, pick up yards after catch.
Where’s the blitz: QB identifies the blitz pre-snap.
What to call: #11 Dragon-Smash, #12 All Hitches, #21 Deep Cross
Identification: Three deep defenders.
Strengths: Defending against deep passes and long catch and runs.
Weaknesses: Large holes in the short zones.
How to beat: Throw short to people who can break tackles and score.
Where’s the blitz: QB identifies the blitz pre-snap.
What to call: #11 Dragon-Smash, #12 All Hitches, #21 Deep Cross
Identification: Defenders will call out or point to their man. Defenders line up close to the receivers. Fifth defender will either blitz or play deep Safety.
Strengths: Challenging (but not impossible) to beat if the defense has better athletes.
Weaknesses: High risk defense. One mistake can result in a TD.
How to beat: Crossing and rub routes will free up a receiver in space. Make contested catches.
Where’s the blitz: QB identifies the blitz or Safety pre-snap.
What to call: #11 Dragon-Smash, #22 Mesh, #23 Post-Wheels
Step 3 – Coach Signals the Play to the QB
After deciding based on the defense’s coverage, the coach communicates the play number to the QB. The Air Raid 5v5 offense uses simple one-hand signals
- Tens digit = # of fingers over the heart
- Ones digit = # of fingers in the air
- For example:
- #13 Three Verts = 1 finger over the heart; 3 fingers in the air
- #22 Mesh = 2 fingers over the heart; 2 fingers in the air
Advanced QBs may request a play, call an audible at the line, or even call their own plays independently depending on their mastery of the offense.
Step 4 – QB Relays the Play to Teammates
Simple. The QB calls the play by shouting the number to the rest of the offense. Everyone takes a moment to confirm the play on their wristband before getting into their ready stance for the play.
Step 5 – QB Calls for the Snap
Air Raid 5v5 QBs use a simple pre-snap cadence to call for the ball.
“Ready, Set, Hut.” with QB clap on the “Hut”.
The Air Raid 5v5 does not go on two or use hard counts. The tempo of the base offense keeps the defense off balanced enough.
Bonus Step – Hustle Back and Start Again
As soon as the play ends, start over at Step 1. Practice fast to play fast.
Using this play calling system, your team will play faster, score more points, and have more fun.
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