What is a Pick Play in Football? And Why Does It Feel Like a Chess Move on the Field?

Football, often described as a game of inches, is also a game of strategy, deception, and precision. Among the many tactical maneuvers employed by teams, the pick play stands out as one of the most intriguing and controversial. At its core, a pick play is a designed offensive strategy aimed at creating separation for a receiver by using another player to “pick” or block a defender. But to truly understand its nuances, we must dive deeper into its mechanics, legality, and impact on the game.

The Anatomy of a Pick Play

A pick play is typically executed in passing situations, often in short-to-intermediate routes. Here’s how it works:

1. The Setup: Two receivers line up close to each other, often in a stacked formation or bunched alignment. This proximity is key to the play’s success.
2. The Execution: As the play begins, the receivers run their routes in such a way that one receiver intentionally crosses paths with a defender covering the other receiver. This crossing action creates a natural screen or “pick,” momentarily impeding the defender’s ability to stay with their assigned receiver.
3. The Outcome: The picked defender is either slowed down or forced to switch assignments, giving the targeted receiver a clear advantage to gain separation and make a catch.

The pick play is particularly effective in creating mismatches, especially against man-to-man coverage. It exploits the chaos of defensive assignments and relies on precise timing and route running.

The Fine Line Between Legal and Illegal

While pick plays are a staple of modern football, they exist in a gray area of the rulebook. The NFL and other leagues have specific rules regarding offensive pass interference (OPI), which can be triggered if a pick play is deemed too aggressive or intentional.

• Legal Pick Plays: These involve subtle movements where the receiver running the pick does not initiate contact or impede the defender beyond what is considered incidental. The key is to make the action appear natural, as if the crossing of routes is purely coincidental.
• Illegal Pick Plays: These occur when a receiver deliberately blocks or obstructs a defender, creating an unfair advantage. Such plays are often flagged for OPI, resulting in a penalty that negates any gains made on the play.

The distinction between legal and illegal pick plays often comes down to the judgment of the officials, making it a high-risk, high-reward strategy for offenses.

The Strategic Value of Pick Plays

Pick plays are more than just a trick to fool defenders; they are a testament to the chess-like nature of football. Here’s why they are so valuable:

1. Creating Mismatches: By forcing defenders to navigate through traffic, pick plays can isolate slower or less agile defenders against quicker receivers.
2. Exploiting Defensive Schemes: Against man-to-man coverage, pick plays are particularly effective because defenders are assigned to specific receivers. The chaos caused by the pick can lead to blown coverages.
3. Timing and Precision: Successful pick plays require impeccable timing and chemistry between receivers. This level of coordination can demoralize defenses and keep them guessing.

The Controversy Surrounding Pick Plays

Despite their effectiveness, pick plays are not without controversy. Critics argue that they undermine the integrity of the game by relying on deception and borderline-illegal tactics. Defenders often express frustration at being “picked” without recourse, especially when the play is not flagged.

On the other hand, proponents of pick plays view them as a legitimate part of the game’s evolution. They argue that football is inherently a game of strategy, and pick plays are simply another tool in the offensive arsenal.

Famous Examples of Pick Plays

Throughout football history, pick plays have played pivotal roles in key moments:

1. The New England Patriots: Under Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, the Patriots have mastered the art of the pick play, using it to great effect in their high-powered offense.
2. The Kansas City Chiefs: With Patrick Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs have utilized pick plays to create explosive plays, particularly in their Super Bowl-winning seasons.
3. College Football: Pick plays are also prevalent in college football, where creative offensive schemes often push the boundaries of the rulebook.

The Future of Pick Plays

As football continues to evolve, so too will the strategies employed by teams. The pick play, with its blend of artistry and controversy, is likely to remain a staple of offensive playbooks. However, as defenses adapt and rules are refined, the execution and legality of pick plays will continue to be a topic of debate.

FAQs

Q: Is a pick play the same as a rub route?
A: Yes, the terms are often used interchangeably. A rub route is essentially another name for a pick play, emphasizing the “rubbing” or screening action against the defender.

Q: Can pick plays be used in the running game?
A: While pick plays are primarily associated with passing plays, similar concepts can be applied in the running game to create blocking angles and confuse defenders.

Q: Why don’t defenses just switch assignments to counter pick plays?
A: Switching assignments is a common counter, but it requires perfect communication and awareness among defenders. In the heat of the moment, this can be difficult to execute consistently.

Q: Are pick plays more effective in certain formations?
A: Yes, pick plays are often more effective in formations where receivers are aligned close together, such as bunch formations or trips alignments. This proximity makes it easier to create the necessary traffic.

Q: Can a pick play be called for offensive pass interference even if no contact is made?
A: Yes, if the officials determine that the receiver’s actions were intentionally designed to impede the defender, a penalty can be called even without direct contact.

In conclusion, the pick play is a fascinating blend of strategy, skill, and controversy. It exemplifies the complexity of football and the endless cat-and-mouse game between offense and defense. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying its impact on the game.