The Complete Handbook of Clock Management

by Homer Smith, Steve Axman

Have you ever tried squeezing in a next-to-the-last play, before a field goal kick, and had time expire before you could kick? Or have you tried kicking and missed, from too far away, when you had time to get closer? Squeezing in a next-to-the-last play, while protecting time for a last play, is one of a football coach's most difficult tasks and the one with the most potential for criticism. You need a system for approaching a moving clock, multiple variables, necessary barriers, ever-changing relativities, and demanded decisions. You need a system with structures, reference points, procedures, and warnings. You need a system for thinking ahead. The Complete Handbook of Clock Management describes such a system in detail.

Topics covered

Figuring time
Playing fast
Using the intentional incomplete pass, the spike
Using time-outs
Squeezing in next-to-the-last plays
Using up excess time before scoring
Letting your opponent score a TD
Using clock offense in a wind
Deciding on kicking a FG or going for a TD
Deciding on punting or going for a first down
Deciding on an extra point in final seconds
Trying for two points
Taking a safety
Keeping the clock moving
Playing clock defense

Genres: Football, Sports

174 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2008