Getting Started with Plays

Overview

Creating plays in Youth Coach Hub allows you to build a comprehensive digital playbook. Each play includes a visual diagram, formation details, and metadata that helps you organize and analyze your offense, defense, and special teams.

Accessing the Playbook

1. Navigate to your team dashboard
2. Click Playbook in the team navigation bar
3. You'll see your existing plays or an empty state if you're just starting

Creating Your First Play

Step 1: Start a New Play

1. Click the New Play button
2. You'll be taken to the Play Builder interface

Step 2: Choose Play Type

Select the type of play you're creating:

Step 3: Select a Formation

Choose from pre-built formations or create custom alignments:

Offensive Formations:

• Shotgun Spread
• Shotgun Trips
• I-Formation
• Singleback
• Pistol
• Wing-T
• And many more...

Defensive Formations:

• 4-3 Base
• 3-4 Base
• Nickel
• Dime
• Goal Line
• And more...

Step 4: Name Your Play

Give your play a clear, descriptive name:

• Good: "Shotgun Trips Right - Mesh Concept"
• Good: "I-Right 36 Power"
• Avoid: "Play 1" or "New Play"

Step 5: Set Play Attributes

Configure the play's metadata:

Step 6: Build the Diagram

Use the Play Builder to create your visual diagram:

1. Position players on the field
2. Draw routes for receivers and backs
3. Assign blocking responsibilities to linemen
4. Add motion if applicable

See Drawing Play Diagrams for detailed instructions on using the visual editor.

Step 7: Save the Play

1. Review your diagram and attributes
2. Click Save Play
3. Your play is added to the playbook

Play Code System

Each play is assigned a unique play code automatically:

• Format: P-001, P-002, P-003, etc.
• Codes are sequential and unique
• Used for film tagging and analytics
• System-generated - you cannot create custom codes

You can add your own naming convention in the play name field, which is fully editable.

Play Attributes Explained

ODK (Offense/Defense/Kicking)

Categorizes your play by phase:

• Offense - Offensive plays
• Defense - Defensive plays
• Special Teams - Kicks, punts, returns

Personnel Groupings

Standard football personnel notation:

Play Type

• Run - Running plays
• Pass - Passing plays
• RPO - Run-pass options
• Play Action - Play-action passes

Custom Tags

Add your own tags for situations:

• Red Zone
• 3rd & Short
• Goal Line
• 2-Minute
• Week 1 Install

Naming Conventions

Develop a naming convention your staff understands:

Include Key Information

• Formation: "Gun Trips..."
• Direction: "...Left"
• Concept: "...Inside Zone"

Examples by Style

Traditional:

• "I-Right 36 Power"
• "Pro Right Z-Post"

Descriptive:

• "Shotgun Spread - Inside Zone Read"
• "Trips Right - Mesh Concept"

Color/Number:

• "Blue 42"
• "Red Right 88"

Consistency Matters

Whatever system you choose:

• Use it consistently
• Make sure all coaches understand it
• Train players on your terminology

Quick Tips

Start Simple

When building your first plays:

1. Create 5-10 core run plays
2. Add 5-10 base pass concepts
3. Build from there as needed

Add Context

Use the notes field to include:

• Coaching points
• When to call the play
• Key reads for the QB
• Blocking adjustments

Link to Film

After tagging game film:

• Plays show success rate data
• See when each play works best
• Identify needed adjustments

Next Steps

• Learn the Play Builder for detailed diagram creation
• Manage your playbook as it grows
• Tag plays in film to track effectiveness