Tip of the Day - 3/31

One common misconception about the No Huddle is that it is all about going fast, when it is really all about speed.  These two words are similar yet distinctly different.  Fast is a rate of movement relative to other movements while speed implies the pace at which something is traveling.  To some this may seem like trivial, but this difference is crucial in understanding why people that run the no huddle well are successful.  Going fast is nice, but not always the best course of action.  Instead good coaches realize that controlling the speed, or pace, of the game is what can give the offense an additional advantage on the field.  Many times this means pushing the pace and going "fast," but other times / situations may call for playing at a slower speed.  Lets look specifically at the "4 minute offense" situation.  You have the lead, the game is under control.  All you have to do is not do something stupid and all they want to do is get the ball back.  Going fast would not be the best idea in this situation, instead we would slow down to our "1st Gear" and try to control the clock.  We watch the back judge and milk the clock for all its worth.  In the end, controlling the speed of the game is the goal and sometimes you have to "Go Slow to Go Fast." (I think I heard that on Nascar this weekend)