When you’re just a casual football fan, hearing play calls like “Scatter to West Right Tight” can make you feel like you need a secret key to get into the game. The language sounds like gibberish to the untrained ear.
We can figure out what’s going on by breaking these complicated terms down piece by piece. Football fans can enjoy the game more strategically if they understand the complicated language used in it.
We’ll break down the parts of a typical play call using “Scatter to West Right Tight” as an example in this article. You’ll learn how play calls are put together and why each word is used in a certain way.
Let’s break through the football jargon barrier together!
The Anatomy of a Football Play Call
A standard NFL play call consists of several key components
- Formation – The positions/alignment of offensive players on the field
- Motion – Any movement/shifts by players before the snap
- Strength – Which side has more players (the “strong side”)
- Protection – How the offensive line will block after the snap
- Routes – The paths receivers will run on passing plays
All of these parts are in the play call “Scatter to West Right Tight.” Let’s take it one piece at a time.
Breaking Down “Scatter to West Right Tight”
Formation – “Scatter”
- The first word tells the 11 offensive players which formation to line up in.
- “Scatter” refers to a spread formation, where receivers line up dispersed across the width of the field.
- This “spreads out” the defense horizontally to create space.
Strength – “West Right”
- The second part indicates the strong side of the formation.
- “West Right” means the tight end lines up on the right side of the field.
- This makes the right side the strong side, with more blockers.
Motion – None
- No motion is specified in the call.
- Players will line up in the “Scatter West Right” formation without any pre-snap movement.
Protection – None
- Again, no specific protection is given.
- The offensive line will likely use a standard protection scheme they have practiced.
Routes – “Tight”
- The final word refers to the routes that receivers will run.
- “Tight” means short, quick routes staying close to the line of scrimmage in the middle of the field.
And there you have it – the method behind the madness. While the call sounds like gibberish at first, each part has a specific strategic purpose.
Why NFL Teams Use Coded Play Calls
The specialized wording in play calls allows NFL teams to communicate efficiently. Coded language provides several key benefits:
- Conciseness – Entire plays are conveyed in just a few words.
- Clarity – Uses terms all 11 players understand for precise execution.
- Deception – Confusing verbiage hides strategies from opponents.
The system enables the quarterback to call complex plays rapidly using the team’s shared terminology. While the phrasing seems cryptic to fans, it allows smooth coordination for the offense.
Examples of Other Common NFL Play Calls
Each team has their own unique system and words for play calls. Here are a few more examples and their meanings:
- “Ace Right 72 Y Stick”
- Ace = 2 RB, 2 TE formation
- Right = TE on right side
- 72 = Pass protection scheme
- Y Stick = Tight end runs stick route
- “Trips Left Flood”
- Trips Left = 3 WRs left
- Flood = WRs all run flood concept to one side
- “Blue Right Wham 27 Blast”
- Blue Right = 3 WRs, TE on right
- Wham = Fullback blocks defensive end
- 27 = Run play
- Blast = Running back run up the middle
While the vocabulary is unique to each team, the structure remains consistent. Formation, strength, motion, protection, routes – each part serves a specific strategic role.
Why Understanding Play Calls Matters for Fans
Learning to decode the language of play calls allows fans to gain a deeper appreciation for football’s technical side. It also provides insight into a team’s strategic approach and philosophy.
Tracking play calling tendencies shows if a team favors pass or run, complex or simple schemes, power or finesse execution. Mastering the verbiage takes time, but unlocks a detailed view of the game.
So next time you hear a call like “Scatter to West Right Tight”, focus on deciphering each component. Gradually, the code reveals itself, bringing new dimensions of the sport into view. Cracking the code of football’s intricate language opens up a more nuanced enjoyment of the game.
West Coast Offensive Play Call
As heard in the video, the West Coast system is the most complex and precise out of all the ones we’re going to list. It references the X Y Z receivers (if you’re not sure what this means, read our blog here to understand better) to direct which route they’re going to run. It gives the play-caller flexibility to adjust routes on the fly.
Our full West Coast Offense breakdown can be found here.
Here is an example of a West Coast play call:
The West Coast Offense, or WCO, is a philosophy that remains relevant at every level of competition. Coach Bill Walsh is credited with inventing this system as a quarterback coach for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Here is an example of what a West Coast Offense play diagram looks like:
At first, this “Air Coryell” offense was called the West Coast Offense. But after a player called Coach Walsh’s system “The West Coast Offense,” the name stuck. The Play call can be complex.
This style focuses on short-to-intermediate, precise routes run by receivers. Sometimes it is said that this style “nickel and dimes” defenses.
However, this is an efficient offense that has proven to be more than capable of winning championships. This contrasts with the “Air Coryell” offense mentioned above, which is known for attacking downfield.
What Does An NFL Play Look Like?
Walsh’s offense consists of 3, and 5-step drops by the QB with routes that rely on the Tight Ends, Running Backs, and Receivers. There are swing passes to the running backs and hits to the tight end, as well as a normal route tree for the receivers.
The essence of the West Coast system is rhythm & timing and ball protection. There is a smaller chance of home run type plays with a passing attack based on short throws. Consequently, higher completion percentages are expected, and fewer turnovers.
Below is an example of the type of formation and play Coach Walsh would run:
via KansasCityStarVideo on YouTube
West Coast play calls all describe what each player should do. Everything is marked in the West Coast offense, from a three-step drop to a five-step drop for the quarterback to a trap block for the offensive line.
It is important to note that Coach Walsh won three Super Bowls with this offense. Joe Montana, Steve Young, and Jerry Rice are all now in the Hall of Fame.
Additionally, Roger Craig, Dwight Clark, and Tom Rathman were among many Pro-Bowl caliber players on offense during this era. Watching their highlights from the 49ers almost certainly means you are watching the WCO.
Lastly, this means that “The Catch” came from this philosophy as well.
The West Coast system is a popular NFL system because of its variety and ability to be flexible when calling plays. Below are some more features of the system:
- Features a well-balanced attack of pass and run plays
- Originally, the system called for a zone run scheme
- Power running schemes have also worked well in the decades since they were first used.
- Bill Walsh loved the “Play-Pass,” which is also called a “play action.” The run fake was meant to give his quarterback more time to pass. When asked about this, Coach Walsh said, “I really believe it is the best way to beat a disciplined defense.”
- uses pre-snap moves to make it hard for the defense to match up and create confusion.
- Because of changes in offenses, the WCO has also been put in place for offenses involving shotguns.
- Football games with 10 to 15 core pass plays and 5 to 6 core running plays can use the WCO.
- His philosophy is in NFL offenses today
See more about the West Coast Offense in our video below.
Jon Gruden frustrated with Chris Simms
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