Football Play Fake

Sometimes, in football, you will hear TV announcers or commentators refer to a “play fake” or “play action.” What do these two terms mean? In actuality, both of these terms refer to the same thing, and here, we will take a look at what a play fake is in football, examining when, where, and why it is used, as well as the players involved.

What is Play Fake in Football?

A play fake in football is another term for a play-action play. A play-action play is a play in which a fake handoff occurs, or any sort of fake occurs. In most cases, a play-action play is a passing play in which the quarterback fakes handing the ball to the running back, then passes the ball downfield.

Play fakes aren’t limited to play-actions. Play fakes can be fake tosses to the running back, decoy punt and kick returners, and fake ball carriers.

Why Do Teams Use Play Fakes in Football?

Teams use play fakes in football to trick the other team into thinking a certain play is developing. For example, a team may fake a handoff to the running back to confuse defenders into thinking the offense is running the ball. This will draw the defenders out of position, making it easier for the offense to complete a pass.

Which Players Are Involved in a Play Fake in Football?

Typically, the two most important players involved in a play fake are the quarterback and the running backs. These two players are key to the play fake, as their motions during the play form the deception that is designed to trick the defense into believing that the ball is being rushed, rather than passed.

If the quarterback and running back do not execute the play fake correctly, the defense will be aware that a pass is coming rather than a run. Meanwhile, if they perform their task correctly, the defenders will believe that the running back is rushing, and will flock towards him to make a tackle, leaving one side of the field open for the quarterback when he loops around, thus facilitating an easy pass.