The Best Trick Plays For High School Football
May 10, 2025
The Best Trick Plays For High School Football
Trick plays can be game-changers in high school football, especially when executed at the right moment. Here are some highly effective trick plays that can catch the defense off guard. Note, these can also work at the youth level and college level. We have used these quite a bit at the youth level and they are really fun.
1. Double Pass
- Setup: Start in a shotgun or pistol formation with a wide receiver lined up outside.
- Execution: The quarterback throws a lateral (backward pass) to the wide receiver, who then throws a deep pass downfield to another receiver.
- Why it Works: Defenders often assume the first pass is a regular screen or short gain, leaving the deep man uncovered.
2. Hook and Ladder
- Setup: Trips formation with one receiver running a curl (hook) and another trailing behind.
- Execution: The quarterback throws to the receiver on the curl, who immediately laterals the ball to a trailing receiver running full speed downfield.
- Why it Works: Defenders collapse on the first catch, leaving the trailing runner a free lane.
3. Fumblerooski
- Setup: A lineman or fullback lines up next to the quarterback under center.
- Execution: The quarterback intentionally places the ball on the ground after the snap, allowing a lineman or back to scoop it up and run while the defense focuses on the fake play direction.
- Why it Works: Defenders follow the quarterback and running backs, ignoring the ball on the ground.
4. Statue of Liberty
- Setup: Shotgun formation with a running back lined up beside the quarterback.
- Execution: The quarterback pump fakes a deep pass while using his other hand to slip the ball behind him to a running back, who takes off the opposite way.
- Why it Works: Defenders commit to the fake pass, opening up running lanes.
5. Hidden Ball Play
- Setup: Special teams or regular offense can use this in a bunch formation.
- Execution: After the snap, multiple players huddle tightly and fake handing off the ball before dispersing. The real ball carrier stays hidden before breaking out.
- Why it Works: Defenders lose sight of the actual ball carrier in the confusion.
6. Reverse Pass
- Setup: Jet sweep motion with a receiver coming across.
- Execution: The quarterback hands off to a receiver running a jet sweep, who then flips it to another receiver or running back reversing field. The second runner stops and throws a deep pass.
- Why it Works: Defenses over-pursue the initial jet sweep, leaving a receiver open deep.
7. Center Sneak
- Setup: The quarterback steps back as if calling an audible or adjusting the play.
- Execution: The center snaps the ball forward between his legs to a fullback or running back lined up directly behind him, who then runs straight up the middle.
- Why it Works: Defenses expect the quarterback to receive the snap and don’t react in time to the quick handoff.
8. Flea Flicker
- Setup: The quarterback hands off to the running back as if it’s a normal run play.
- Execution: The running back runs toward the line, then quickly flips the ball back to the quarterback, who throws deep.
- Why it Works: Defenders bite on the run fake, opening up a deep pass.
9. QB Throwback
- Setup: Start in a shotgun formation with a running back or receiver split wide.
- Execution: The quarterback throws a short screen to the outside, then sprints downfield. The receiver immediately throws it back across the field to the now-open quarterback.
- Why it Works: Defenses don’t account for the quarterback as a receiver.
10. Swinging Gate
- Setup: Unbalanced formation on extra points or short-yardage plays.
- Execution: The offense lines up mostly on one side, leaving only the center and a few players in traditional spots. The ball is snapped to an up-back who has several options: run, pass, or lateral.
- Why it Works: Defenses often misalign, creating easy scoring chances.
These plays work best when the timing is right—usually after lulling the defense into expecting a normal play. Mixing in trick plays strategically can give your team a crucial edge! 🚀🏈
