How to Learn an NFL Playbook

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The alien language above is a play call in the NFL, and each word we scream in the huddle provides instruction to the O-line, running backs, wideouts, and tight ends on their job for that play. All of the definitions for this jumble of words are found in the playbook, and as a quarterback, you need to know your playbook as well as a southern Baptist preacher knows their bible. So what is the process for getting to that level of familiarity?

Of Note: I changed vernacular to protect NFL teams' proprietary information in this blog.

Learning Methods

Before we get to step one of learning the playbook, you need to have a methodology to retain the information. Here are some thoughts:

Use flashcards: Make a set for formations, motions, shifts, concepts, etc., and quiz yourself whenever you can.
Voice memos: Make recordings on your phone of key material and questions. Pause the recording before you listen to the answer and see if you know it. Rinse and repeat until you have it down. This can be done on the field, during a walk, or in your room.
Study with teammates: Discuss and walk through these concepts with others to help cement them.

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Step 1: Learn the Basics

The basics include the following: the cadence, the personnel groupings, the formations, the motions, and the shifts. These are usually at the front of the NFL playbook and are not very complicated. These are the bones of the offense and everything is layered on top of this so you need to have them down pat.

The Cadence:
The cadence is the snap count or the words/signals the quarterback uses to time the snap and communicate with the offense. These are just memorization and not very hard to learn.

Personnel Groupings:
Read this blog.

Formations:
Formations are the specific alignments of offensive players before the snap. There can be 50+ of these and you need instant recall. I typically make acronyms or word associations to learn them. For example, in Los Angeles we had a formation called Bowl Rt and from inside out, the wideouts were Z then Y then F. So, while I do not smoke weed, I created the story that "ZYF" is a strand of weed, and then when I hear the formation "Bowl Rt" I can recall it instantly.

Motions:
Motions involve an offensive player moving to a different position before the snap. These can be memorized with flashcards or voice memos.

Shifts:
Shifts involve multiple players changing positions simultaneously before the snap. Unlike motions, all players must be set for at least one second after a shift.

Step 2: Learn the Run Game

You need to know your footwork, how it's blocked, the responsibilities of every player involved, and when to audible out of them.

Footwork:
Your footwork changes for inside zone versus outside zone versus gap scheme. It changes again if you are in the gun or under center. You need to associate the run call with the footwork e.g. 19 Weak = wide zone footwork.

Blocking Schemes:
Learn the different blocking schemes, like zone blocking versus gap and trap schemes. This will help you direct the o-line to "mike" the appropriate defender.

Player Responsibilities:
Understand what each player—running back, offensive line, tight ends—is supposed to do on every run play. This isn't as vital early on but your ownership of it will help you understand when to audible out of plays.

When to Audible:
Some run plays are just not great against blitz's right into them. If you run open side zone to the right with a safety blitzing then you need Barry Sanders to come out of retirement for that play to yield positive yardage. So knowing when a certain run, is bad versus a certain defense, is required so you can audible out of the play.

Step 3: Learn the Pass Game

Pass game includes route names, route concepts and progressions associated with them.

Route Names:
Study the route lingo. Each playbook may have it's own unique words to describe routes. Get these down so you can speak the same language as your coaches and teammates. Flashcards are good to use here.

Concepts:
Routes make up concepts. For example if I say "cashier" that tells the Z Receiver, the F Receiver and the Y Receiver to run a flat, arrow and corner respectively. There are 100+ concept variations in an NFL playbook and you need to know them all. Voice memos and flash cards help here.

Progressions:
Learn the progression for each passing play and concept. This means knowing which receiver is your first, second, and third read based on the defense. Flashcards and voice memos are also good here.

Step 4: Tying it All Together

The play calls themselves tie together formations, motions, shifts, cadence, the run game concepts, the pass game concepts, progressions and potential audibles into one play call.

Z-Mo to Craft Rt. X-Short Alert Return 17 Wanda Push Sift (can) 3 Jet X-Dino F-Blimp on the Turbo

So, the best method to learn the plays once you have mastered the bones of the offense, is to record play calls, play them in your ear, pause and see if you can call the play out loud and visualize every detail on the field. Then walk through them over and over and over.

Conclusion

Mastering a playbook is no small feat. It demands effort day in and day out, especially when the process becomes tedious and monotonous. It's in these moments that you need to flip a switch and keep pushing forward. This is how you distinguish yourself—through consistent effort when it's not enjoyable. By doing so, you pave the way to savor the wins when the lights are on and everyone is watching.