The layout of a game plan is somewhat dependent upon the personal learning style of the head coach. Personal preference and sight lines play a part in the format for the development of the game plan. All game plans share several basic functional features, including:

1.  A game plan is the result of the combined thoughts of the coaching staff.
2.  A game plan is an interactive tool for both players and coaches.
3.  A game plan must be flexible to facilitate minor strategy adjustments.
4.  A game plan facilitates the breaking of tendencies without straying from the plan.
5.  A game plan provides for alternative strategies that allow the coordinator to stay within the scheme.
6.  A game plan addresses certain special situations and allows for creativity within the scheme.
7.  A game plan provides for a situational response.
8.  A game plan allows for a counter to a specific strategy of the opposition.
9.  A game plan allows for specific strategies that consider field position.

As a general rule, coaches place pertinent information concerning their game plan on either a one or two page chart which they carry with them during a game in order to have immediate access to the information. Notice the two page sample game plan call sheet:

On the front page:

· Base runs and passes - a listing of base running plays and passes grouped by type, personnel and/or formation.

· 3RD Down - from the OPEN FIELD, a package tailored to the following down and distance situations: 3RD and short (2-4yds), 3RD and medium (5-7yds), and 3RD and long (8-11yds). Also, included is a 3RD down package versus nickel blitz and nickel zone defenses.

· Play action passes - a list of play action and action passes.

· Red Zone - plays that are normally run once a team reaches the +20 yard line.

· Goal line and two point play - a list of available goal line and two point plays.

· Short yardage - details available plays to use in short yardage situations, including down and distances of 3RD and 1 and 4TH and 1 yard or less.

· Attacking fronts - lists plays to use versus a specified defensive front.

· Base blitz - outline run plays and pass plays with audible capability that are designed for unexpected blitz situations.

· Two minute and Four minute offense - details targeted plays from two minute and four minute offense package.

· Last 4 Plays - lists the last 4 plays of a half or game

· Best Player - lists the plays which highlight the teams best offensive player and includes the specific situational criteria to which the plays are applied.

· Base coverages - categorizes the plays with regard to type, personnel, and formation versus the basic coverages available to the defense.

· Attacking coverages - lists the plays designed to exploit a particular coverage.

· Backed up - targets plays which are to be used when the offense is backed up against their own goal line.

· Must call - details a specific list of plays which are expected to produce big results against a particular defensive scheme.

· Reminders - lists personal notes with regard to opponent's tendencies, personnel, etc.

· Nickel runs- best running plays versus a defense having 6 defenders in the box.

· Screens and Specials - a list of available screens and special plays.
· Second half considerations - possible opening second half plays.

        1.  2 page Sample Call Sheet
        2.  1 page Sample Call Sheet
        3.  1 long page Sample Call Sheet
        4.  2 page Sample Pro Call Sheet
               Front Page
               Back Page
        5.  Front Side Pro Call Sheet
               Ravens Super Bowl Call Sheet

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