Game version
Call-the-play: a partner shows a hand signal or color before the snap and you say what you saw. Swap, and count correct calls together.
Down and Distance Decisions
Practice thinking like a coach: what is the smart play in this situation?
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
A partner calls a down, distance, score and time.
Core: Two. Beat your own best out of 10.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Notebook
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Awareness
The steps
How it works
- A partner calls a down, distance, score and time.
- Say what the offense and defense should expect.
- Explain your own job on that play.
- Do 12 situations and write down any you got wrong.
Coaching point
Know the situation before the snap.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (one signal), Core (two), More (a surprise signal). Beat your own best out of 10.
Story
You are the quarterback of a spy team, reading the signals.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best out of 10. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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