Communication 101: The Symbol System

In contrast to the numeric / body clock system, the symbol system can be as complex as you want.  Coaches are not restrained by a limited number of digits, but only by his imagination in developing new signals.  This is the most common approach used at the high school and college levels among both huddle and no huddle teams alike.  Below are a list of pros and cons as they relate to this system of communicating plays in a no huddle system.

Pros:

1. Wide range of options.  Like I mentioned before, this system is only limited by your own imagination.  Each coach has a different way to signal different plays, formations, tags, and so on.  
2. Easily adaptable to weekly changes.  Because of the infinite options to communicate the play it is easy to add signals to adapt for your opponent.  It is much more flexible to absorb different tags as well.
3. Connectedness to plays.  From a player memorization standpoint, this system can create mental images that connect the play to the motion.  To use the previous example, sweep could be a sweeping motion.  This is a simple trigger to help the players remember the play and the concept and hopefully their assignment.

Cons:

1. More signals to memorize.  Many times a strength can also be a weakness and I believe that is obviously the case in this system.  The many different signals creates more memorization and can stress the less intelligent players on the team.  Remember, you need 11 players on the same page for a play to work.  If one doesn't know the signals he hurts the whole team.
2. Signals can be stolen.  Because many times the plays are related to the words of the play the can be easier to connect signals to plays.  Most teams will be more worried about getting their guys in the right place to focus on your signals, but some teams will work very hard to "break your code."  For that reason, the coach must find ways to complicate the signals.  (email if you need suggestions)
3. Need for false signals / signalers.  Connected to #2 is the need for additional signals to throw off the defense.  You see this every Saturday as every college team has three back-up qb's signaling in the plays.  This helps protect the integrity of the system, but requires more people that are quick handed and well versed in the offense.  This can be a problem for high school teams.  Others choose to add false signals to the end of the play similar to baseball signals.

In conclusion, this system is obviously very effective as many teams use it, but it has its drawbacks as well.  The biggest hurdle would likely be the first year, after it is installed you have the language established and you can build from there.  

Stay tuned for further installments of the Communication 101 series.