If you coach football long enough, you start to see clear tendencies in how defenses react. They study your formations, motions, and favorite concepts. This is exactly why football trick plays can be so powerful. They break patterns, force hesitation, and create opportunities you won’t get from standard calls.

The best trick football plays are strategic, well-timed, and built off your identity. When used correctly, they can flip momentum, create open looks, steal a touchdown, or punish a defense that’s selling out to stop your base offensive scheme. Some of the gutsiest trick plays have been called in playoff games, NCAA bowls, and several memorable moments in past Super Bowls.

This guide walks through when to use American football trick plays, how to coach them, and how to make them part of your weekly plan.

What Are Football Trick Plays?

Trick plays are unorthodox concepts in American football that aim to deceive the opposing defense. Some refer to these designs as gadget plays or gimmick plays. Coaches design trick plays to look like a standard play, using offensive formations the team runs normally, but incorporating a twist to catch the defense off guard.

They’re high-risk, high-reward calls that require meticulous practice time and an understanding of various game situations. If executed properly, a surprise call can lead to a large gain or a touchdown. When things don’t go as planned, you may end up with a significant loss of yards or, worse case, a turnover. One play can change the game in either direction.

Trick plays create misdirection by forcing defenders to make split second decisions and commit to fake actions, leaving their zones and creating gaps for the actual play.

Why Are Trick Plays Important To Have In Your Playbook?

Trick plays are valuable at every level of play. Youth football coaches can have a lot of fun with creative designs, as defenses are less experienced and more susceptible to deception. While high school football players have more experience, there’s still plenty of opportunity to capitalize on unsuspecting defenses.

At the college and professional levels, coaches and players need to be precise in executing trick plays to fool some of the most talented athletes and smartest players in the game.

Common Trick Plays In Gridiron Football

Let’s take a look at some of the most common trick plays in football. These plays have been run at various stages, from the youth football level all the way to the pros. There are different forms and variations for each, but the core concept and strategy remains intact. 

Popular trick plays include:

• Flea Flicker
• Statue of Liberty
• Hook and Ladder
• Halfback Pass
• Double Pass
• End-Around
• Reverse
• Swinging Gate
• Fake Punt
• Fake Field Goal
• Fake Spike
• Fake Procedure
• Muddle Return
• “Philly Special”

Flea Flicker

The quarterback hands the ball off to their running back, acting as if it’s a downhill running play. Instead, the RB stops, turns around, and tosses the ball back to the QB, who looks for one of several receivers running downfield to throw for a big completion.

Statue of Liberty

Designed to look like a pass play, the quarterback takes the snap and mimics a throwing motion as a fake pass while simultaneously switching the ball into their non-throwing hand. With the defense in pass coverage, the quarterback hands the ball off behind their back to the running back, who capitalizes on the defense being out of position.

Hook and Ladder

The quarterback throws to a receiver, who catches the pass and laterals it to another player (usually a receiver, tight end, or running back) running at full speed. Because the defense is locked in on tackling the initial receiver, they aren’t in position to stop the player receiving the lateral.

Halfback Pass

The quarterback either hands off or tosses the ball to a running back who acts like it’s a running play. After a few convincing steps, the running back winds up and throws a forward pass to a receiver who is more likely to be open with the defense attacking what they believe to be a run play.

Double Pass

The quarterback throws a screen or backward pass to a receiver lined up wide, who turns and looks to throw the ball forward to a different receiver. Because the play creates confusion for the defense, who is likely to attack the initial receiver as a ball carrier, other players are more likely to be open downfield.

End-Around

A receiver lines up on one side of the field and runs toward the quarterback horizontally when the ball is snapped. The quarterback hands off to the receiver who runs toward the opposite side they started on, confusing the defense and opening a hole to attack. It’s essential the receiver is a great athlete, because it requires speed, quickness, and agility to pull this play off.

Reverse

This play starts like a toss or sweep in one direction, but the initial ball carrier laterals or pitches to a player running the opposite direction.

Swinging Gate

Unlike other trick plays, swinging gate is a switch in formation where most of the offensive linemen line up outside with the receivers, leaving only a few bodies on the line of scrimmage to protect the quarterback. It often leads to a quick pass or run play leveraging confusion. Swinging gate is usually run in a special teams situation, predominately as a wrinkle for either a field goal attempt or point after a touchdown.

Fake Punt

On fourth down, the coach sends the punting team out as if they’re going to punt. Instead, they opt to fake the punt for one of several options to catch the defense off guard. Some options for a fake punt include a direct snap to one of the blockers who acts as a running back, snapping to the punter who follows blockers as a runner, or having the punter act as a quarterback and pass the ball to an offensive player.

Fake Field Goal

The team lines up like they’re going to attempt a field goal, but fakes the field goal in one of several ways. In some variations, the holder gets up and becomes a runner or looks to pass the ball. Other versions involve a direct snap to the kicker who either runs or throws the ball.

Fake Spike

In a scenario when a team may spike the ball to stop the clock, the quarterback fakes a spiking motion and then looks for a receiver to throw the ball to. This is a great play to try and steal momentum late in a tight game.

Fake Procedure

The quarterback leaves their position behind the center, appearing confused and looking for a call from their coach or trying to call a timeout. With the defense uncertain of what’s going on, another offensive player can take the snap and capitalize on confusion. If the defense doesn’t bite, the quarterback returns under center.

Muddle Return

More likely to be used in a youth or high school game, this occurs on a kick return. Multiple players on the receiving team gather into a huddle, then break out in various directions. This confuses the coverage team and opens lanes for a fast returner.

“Philly Special”

Famously run by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, “Philly Special” is a unique trick play that combines double reverse, flea flicker, and double pass or halfback pass concepts where the quarterback receives a pass as an eligible receiver. The ball is snapped to the running back, who runs toward the opposite side of the quarterback and tosses to a player sprinting back in the QBs direction (like an end around) who throws the ball to the quarterback acting as a receiver. Alternate variations involve snapping to the quarterback who hands the ball off to a running back before clearing out and preparing for a pass from the receiver.

Why Trick Football Plays Work (And Why They Fail)

Many coaches assume trick plays succeed because they surprise the defense. Surprise certainly helps, but the real reason great trick plays in football work comes from these four factors.

1. They look exactly like your base offense 
2. They attack a defensive rule
3. They create a temporary numbers advantage
4. They’re practiced with intention 

 1. They look exactly like your base offense

The best football trick plays start by mimicking something your team already runs. If the defense doesn’t see a reason to react differently, they won’t. That hesitation is the entire point. 

Whether you’re coaching 7-on-7 flag football, youth, high school, college, or professional-level, you’ll have some form of base offense. By designing trick plays out of your base offense, you can fool defenses at any level of experience. 

 2. They attack a defensive rule

A good trick play targets a rule the defense must follow. It’s not just a random design. As a coach, the trick plays section of your football playbook should be strategically designed to attack numerous defensive rules. 

Examples include:

• Corners reading run and triggering fast
• Linebackers chasing motion
• Safeties reading the tight end
• Edges selling out on boot or stretch

Great trick plays take advantage of these unavoidable reactions.

 3. They create a temporary numbers advantage

Throwbacks, reverses, motions, and misdirection work because defenders flow one way while the ball or key blocker goes the opposite direction. Even a two-step hesitation can open up a lane deep downfield or on the edge.

 4. They’re practiced with intention

Most bad trick plays fail because they were only run once in a walkthrough. You can’t expect to skim over the trick play portion of your playbook and expect them to be effective in crucial moments of a game. Preparation ensure the play develops and all players understand their responsibilities.

As you install trick plays, set aside enough time that players and coaches feel confident in their role. Set aside a block of your practice plan each week to review all relevant plays and get solid practice reps. The best football trick plays succeed because the timing has been built through reps.

When to Call Trick Plays in Football

Smart timing is the difference between a game-changing highlight and a drive-killer. The highest-percentage trick plays are usually called in the following situations: 

1. After repeating a tendency 
2. When your team needs a spark 
3. Against an overly aggressive defense 
4. Right after sudden change 
5. In situations where the defense expects something simple 

 1. After repeating a tendency

When you’ve shown the same run or motion several times, the defense starts to cheat. That’s when a well-designed trick play concept hits hardest. When executed properly, you catch the defense cheating and punish them with a big play. 

 2. When your team needs a spark

A trick play can energize the sideline, especially in big moments or after a lull in momentum. 

One example is a fake punt on fourth down. If your offensive momentum is stagnant, calling a fake punt to gain a fourth-down conversion can reenergize your offense and entire team. 

Another example is a flea flicker on third-and-long. The defense may jump on the run, while a speedy receiver beats their defender one-on-one in man coverage and gets open for a long completion when it felt like the team had its back against the wall. 

While those are two examples, there are countless other situations where a trick play can give your team a spark. 

 3. Against an overly aggressive defense

Teams that trigger fast or over-pursue are prime targets for misdirection plays. 

A defense may pursue a running back on a toss play so aggressively they can’t recover when the ball is transferred to a wide receiver on an end-around in the opposite direction. That opens a massive lane for the receiver to work with.  

 4. Right after sudden change

After a turnover or huge stop, defenses often lose discipline. These moments are perfect for scripted trick plays.

If your defense forces a turnover that gives your offense the ball in the red zone, that could be the perfect time to unleash a trick play. Calling a halfback pass with the defense on their heels and momentum in your favor can put the finishing touches on a close game. 

Make sure to emphasize ball protection in these scenarios, so you don’t turn it back over and lose that momentum. 

 5. In situations where the defense expects something simple

Short yardage, end of half, and backed-up scenarios all create predictable defensive behavior. That predictability is an opportunity.

Hook and ladder plays are often used at the end of the first half, or when a team is down to their last play, in hopes of confusing the defense enough to score. A successful trick play at the end of a half can steal points, or even the game.  

When Not to Call Trick Plays

Even the best design falls flat in the wrong situation. Avoid calling trick plays when:

• Your offense is out of rhythm
• Ball security is shaky
• The defensive front is unfavorable
• Your personnel doesn’t fit the call
• The play hasn’t been repped enough

If any of these factors feel off, move on.

How to Coach Trick Plays the Right Way

Coaches bear the majority of responsibility when it comes to designing and running effective trick plays. Yes, players have to execute. But instructing, implementing, practicing, and correcting errors in practice is essential. 

Here are a few tips and tricks to follow when coaching your team on trick plays: 

1. Focus on the acting job first 
2. Explain the purpose of the play 
3. Build trick plays into your weekly plan
4. Script them into team periods
5. Create a green-light system 

 1. Focus on the acting job first

The illusion is the whole point of a trick play. Every player must sell the initial action like it’s a base concept. If your players don’t sell it, you risk tipping the defense off or not getting them to bite. 

As you introduce new plays and instruct players on their roles, emphasize the importance of committing to their role in selling the defense that it’s a normal play. 

 2. Explain the purpose of the play

Players execute with more confidence when they understand the why behind your strategy. When installing trick plays, be clear, concise, and thorough about the purpose of the play. 

Consider covering the following explanations:

• Which defender are we influencing?
• Which rule are we attacking?
• What action or motion do players need to sell and why?

 3. Build trick plays into your weekly plan

Don’t install trick plays late in the week. If you don’t give your team enough time and reps, your ambitions will fall flat when it comes to game execution. Treat them like a normal part of your offense, whether it’s 11-man, 8-man, or flag football.

 4. Script them into team periods

Show your offense different defensive formations, fronts, coverages, and disguises as you run them in practice. Trick plays shouldn’t be repped against only one look. Game scenarios don’t always mimic what you covered in practice, especially if you aren’t thorough in your preparation. 

When it comes to trick plays in football, coaches should air on the side of overpreparation. 

5. Create a green-light system

A trick play turns disastrous when mistakes are made or when they’re called in the wrong scenario. 

Only call the play when:

• The personnel group is correct
• The defensive look matches the design
• The game situation makes sense

If one of those isn’t right, don’t force it.

Six Trick Plays Every Offense Should Have

There are numerous types of trick plays you can run, and every coach likes to put their own spin on each. In the following section, we’re going to cover six examples of our favorite trick plays you can install into your offensive playbook.

1. Doubles R Statue of Liberty
2. Trey L Hook and Ladder
3. Trey R Empty Jet Reverse Flea Flicker 
4. Trey R Empty Jet Reverse QB Speedo 
5. Trips R Bunch Bubble WR Pass
6. Trips R Bunch Fly Toss Pass

For each play, we’ll explain when to call it, why it works, and coaching points to emphasize.

Trick Play #1: Doubles R Statue of Liberty

How It Works: 

The Statue of Liberty fakes a pass play, with the quarterback handing the ball off behind their back to a ball carrier. It’s, by all accounts, a draw play.

Your offensive line can apply the run game principles you would use when calling a draw. The quarterback appears to throw and receivers sell the pass, while your running back takes a dummy pass set and then attacks the gap you decide to attack (we have it drawn up through the B gap).

Some coaches would prefer to pull the center or backside guard when calling the Statue of Liberty play, it’s all on the preference of the coach and the ability of your offensive line.

When to Call It:

This play is best called against aggressive, rolling safeties or overhangs. The general idea in this setup is to sell the orbit screen while the quarterback hides the ball and hands it blindly to the running back. 

No matter the setup, the Statue of Liberty football trick play is a timeless staple of the game. The play was most notably run by Boise State to perfection against Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl for a two point conversion to win the game.

Why It Works:

Very few plays in football have the quarterback facing completely away from where the offense is going with the ball. Between the fast flow of the motion and the misdirection of the quarterback, your offense has a step ahead of the defense in this scenario. 

If the backside of the defense is asleep, you’ll find your running back in the open field with tons of space.

Coaching Points:

H: Run FAST and SELL the bubble
Y and Z: Treat this play as if you are actually trying to block the man over you
X: SELL deep
Q: Sell pass with throwing arm (play is drawn up for R handed QB), hand ball off with opposite
T: Half a hesitation, attack B gap and bounce if needed
OL: One kick set, then run block man on ahead of you

Trick Play #2: Trey L Hook and Ladder

How it Works: 

The Hook and Ladder trick play is a classic misdirection call designed to exploit aggressive defenses. It begins with a receiver running a short or intermediate “hook” route, catching what looks like a routine pass.

As defenders converge on the ball, a second player (usually another receiver or a trailing running back) sprints behind or across the catcher at full speed. The first player then laterals the ball to the trailing teammate, who now has space and momentum to turn upfield. 

The play works because it disguises itself as a simple, high-percentage pass before suddenly changing ball carriers and attacking a defense caught out of position.

When to Call It:

The Hook and Ladder is a “gotta have it” play, mostly run in long downs late in the game when you absolutely need a first down or to get in the end zone. It is a very high risk, high reward play as the ball will pass through four (possibly even five) offensive players’ hands.

Why It Works:

When the quarterback drops back and throws the ball to the X receiver, the defensive players will naturally swarm to the ball. This creates an open lane for the H receiver who is underneath to receive a lateral and advance the ball from there. 

With how we’ve drawn the play above, the T will also sprint out of the backfield to meet up with the H receiver and create a “speed option” element to the play, as well.

Coaching Points:

X: SELL deep
Y: Pass block left
H: Run a 4-5 yard drag across the field and position yourself for an easy lateral from X
X: Run an 8 yard curl, catch the ball, lateral to the H
Q: BE ON TIME, throw the ball to X on the curl
T: One Mississippi pass set, take off for speed option with H
OL: Pass set left
If needing more than 10 yards, deepen curl/drag accordingly

Trick Play #3: Trey R Empty Jet Reverse Flea Flicker

How It Works: 

The Flea Flicker has been a staple of American football trick plays for decades and is one of our favorite plays to stun the defense. In general, a Flea Flicker is most effective against downhill, run focused defensive schemes. The idea is to get the safeties to trigger, leaving the receivers running free downfield.

In this variation, we double down on trying to trigger a run read from the safeties and corners by adding a reverse to the run call. In theory, if this play is blocked up well, your Z will have a walk in touchdown against an aggressive defense.

When to Call It:

This variation of the Flea Flicker would be best called after a big play where you end up in opponent territory. This is a MASSIVE risk, MASSIVE reward play. 

You will definitely need to feel confident in your teams’ ability to execute it and your position within the game to call this one.

Why It Works:

The Flea Flicker works because the ball is handed off immediately, which brings the defensive backs downfield, giving us the ability to hit them over the top on a deep ball. 

In this scenario, we add the element of a reverse to double down on the misdirection and selling of a run play.

Coaching Points:

X: 10-15 yard drag
Z: Get to 7, stutter for a Mississippi as if you are going to block, then take off deep
T: Motion pre-snap, take handoff from QB, hand off to H, settle in flats as a checkdown
H: Take reverse handoff from T, flick ball back to QB and settle in opposite flat
Y: Pass block
QB: Hand off ball, back up three yards, wait for flick, read Z to X to T
OL: Step right, pass block

Trick Play #4: Trey R Empty Jet Reverse QB Speedo

How It Works:

Reverse plays are used to get the defense flowing to one direction, then outnumber them heavily to the backside. Defenses typically assign two, MAYBE three players as CBR (counter, boot, reverse) players.

In this scenario, we would want the Z to take care of one of those CBR players and have our running back pitch off of the other. Instead of having our quarterback block the remaining defender, why not just have him be a pitch option? Emphasize getting the defense to flow with your motion and handoff to H and then you’ll be off to the races on the backside.

When to Call It:

Reverse QB speedo would be best called in a 3rd or 4th and short scenario. Ideally, you’d see on film that their safeties roll with motion. In that scenario, this play gives you an advantage because when they roll to the motion, there will be open space left by the safety rolling up.

Why It Works:

If you have a stud quarterback, this play is for you. Defenses typically leave one, maybe two guys as counter, reverse, or wheel players to the backside. We have the Z to block back on one of them, then our running back can pitch off of the other. Our quarterback is now off to the races.

Coaching Points:

X: SELL deep
Z: LEGALLY crack block schemed defender
H: Motion to jet sweep, hand off to T
T: Counter step, get reverse handoff from H, run speedo with QB
Y: Block outside zone left
QB: Hand off jet sweep, backup 2-3 yards, wait for T and run speedo
OL: Block outside zone left

Trick Play #5: Trips R Bunch Bubble WR Pass

How It Works: 

You see it weekly at all levels of football: screen passes. Screen passes are a beauty when blocked up properly because they allow you to get your best athletes in the open field with blockers ahead of them.

When defenses get greedy and try to jump the screen pass, this is your play. Call a few screen plays, then hit the defense with this. We want the corner to think he is going to be a hero and then throw right over his head. Your quarterback HAS to be on time and your H HAS to be behind the quarterback. From there, the Z should be so open it is nearly impossible not to complete the pass.

When to Call It:

A WR pass would be best called as a “shot” play after we just completed a big pass or had a big gain on the ground. You’ll be best served running this play when the defense is already on their heels.

Why It Works:

This works against defenses that bite hard on bubbles/screens. It will force the corner to make a decision – does he want to come down and try to make a play on the bubble or does he want to try and cover the go route from the Z?

Coaching Points:

X: SELL deep
Y: Block most dangerous man in the play
Z: Make eye contact with corner as if you were to block him, go deep
H: Gain depth, catch bubble behind QB, read corner – if corner drops, run and if corner triggers, throw
T: Pass block
QB: Throw backwards pass to H
OL: Pass block

Trick Play #6: Trips R Bunch Fly Toss Pass

How It Works:

Jet toss pass works best when you have an H that demands attention. If you’ve been killing the defense on jet sweeps, you’re bound to get the defenses’ eyes when he comes flying across the formation.

From there, the toss pass will work as a play action pass away from the motion. We want our linemen to NOT climb upfield. When the back receives the toss, he needs to tuck the ball for a half second to sell the run, get the defense to trigger, then pull the ball out and throw it to our Y or Z based on who the corner plays.

When to Call It:

Toss pass would be best run on a need to have it 3rd or 4th down with 2-5 yards to go. It could easily be called as a random wrinkle on first or second down, but would be best served up in a gotta have it situation.

Why It Works:

If your opponent’s defense triggers hard on run actions, this play could pop for a massive gain. Be sure that your Y and Z act as if they are going to crack block before they break on their routes to really sell this play.

Coaching Points:

X: Deep cross/post
Y: Crack to out
Z: Crack to corner
H: Fly motion fake
T: Catch toss, read Y to Z, if everything is covered – run
QB: Toss
OL: Block outside zone left

How Trick Plays Fit Into Your Offensive Identity

Teams that excel with trick plays don’t rely on randomness. They treat these concepts as an intentional part of the offense. Good football trick plays work best when they build off your tendencies, punish defensive rules, and come from formations the defense already thinks they understand.

Trick plays aren’t random gambles with zero thought. When coached well, they’re calculated answers to how the defense is playing you.

Final Thoughts

Trick plays can lift your team, create explosive gains, and force defenses to respect every inch of the field. 

Whether you run 11-man or flag football trick plays, the core principles stay the same: 

• Coach the details, 
• Rep the timing, and 
• Call them when the moment is right.

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• Speed of install
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If you want your trick plays game-ready every week, GoRout football practice devices help make that happen. Contact us to learn more or get a quote today!