The no huddle offense is used primarily when a quick score is needed and as a way to keep defenses off balance. When a team goes no huddle, it makes it difficult for the defense to substitute personnel groupings and rotate fresh players. The no huddle can help the offense get into a rhythm if things aren’t initially going too well. An added benefit of using this style of offense is that it develops good continuity and helps the offense to control the tempo of the game. Another benefit is that it gives the quarterback more time at the line of scrimmage to survey the defense and change the play if necessary.
Almost every team in football during the course of a game will use the no huddle approach at some point. Rather it be at the end of the half, a team is down by several points, or the coach just wants to change things up. Most teams will usually go to the no huddle at the end of the half and/or game. However, there are several college football teams that run the no huddle style of offense as their base offense.
No Huddle Offense Football Video Game Tips
In football video games such as Madden and NCAA football you have the option of using the no huddle by pressing the corresponding buttons on the controller at the end of each offensive play. This will cause the offense to bypass the huddle and go straight to the line of scrimmage to repeat the play that was previously used. To truly maximize the potential of the no huddle offense, having a good audible system is the key.
When setting up your audibles for your no huddle offense it’s a good idea to use it with versatile personnel who can play a variety of positions without taking too much of a ratings hit. For example, it’s probably not a good idea to use the no huddle to audible to a shotgun formation immediately after you’ve just used your short yardage personnel.
You may want to use plays from similar type formations when setting up you audibles. For example, audibiling from a play within the Singleback Bunch set to a play within Singleback Spread to a play within Shotgun Bunch, Spread, Trips, etc. Those formations use similar personnel, therefore ratings hit will be kept to a minimal.
You may decide that using the no huddle offense as your base offensive system is the way to go. However, when playing a human opponent this tactic may cause frustration on their part, although teams will use the no huddle offense as their base offense. It is considered by some to be cheesy if used throughout the game instead of just in 2 minute drill situations.
Advantages of Running the No Huddle Offense In Football Video Games
- Control the tempo of the game by running a slow, regular, or fast no huddle offense.
- Creates anxiety and frustration for the user controlling the defense.
- Limits the amount of packages and subs that the user on defense can use.
- Makes it harder for the user on defense to make pre-snap adjustments.
- For the user on defense to use only his quick audibles and regular audibles.
- Can’t practice defending it in practice mode. Forces user to have play against human or a CPU team that runs no huddle.
- With the increased time on the play clock, you’ll have ample time to survey the field to decide whether to go with the original play or check to one of your audibles.
- The defense will start to wear down. This will lead to the subbing of lower rated defensive players.
As you can see the no huddle offers some distinct advantages to your offense, when used properly. Like any new concept you wish to use, experiment with setting up your no huddle attack and use it at different points in the game. After you develop a good tempo and flow, you’ll be able to increase the percentage of your offense you run from the no huddle.
