Sending a receiver in motion?

Question

I know a lot about football but one thing I've always wondered is why the QB sends a receiver or tight end in motion before the snap. And is it tapping the ground with a foot that signals the receiver? Or is it a certain part of the snap count? And how does the QB decide which receiver to send in motion?

Answer 1

One of the biggest reasons they send receivers or backs into motion is to get a better read on the defense.

If an offense is running a single back, 3 WR offense against a nickle defense and sends the slot WR in motion to the other side of the formation, the QB will get a better idea whether they are playing a zone or man-to-man by whether or not the nickleback moves in coverage to cover the slot WR, or if one of the LB's or safeties move over to pick him up.

As stated earlier, it is also done to set up mismatches or to redirect the attention of the defense. Look what the Saints have done with Reggie Bush by lining him up in the slot position, in which probably all of the team do not have an answer at LB, SS, or FS to cover Bush in the open field. A Pro Form set for the Saints with Deuce and Bush in the backfield would be hell to figure out, especially if they move Bush in to the slot position.

Answer 2

The most common reasons receivers and tight ends or even running are sent in motion is to give them a running start for the play or to get them into a position for the play whether they will be used as a blocker or to set themselves or others up for the play. The main reason is to keep the defense off balance. When someone is in motion they have many more options than someone who isn't. As far as the signal, they vary depending on the team/quarterback. Most QB's use the foot tap as the signal only because the snap count can't be heard by the receivers way out on the end. QB's like Peyton Manning use hand signals along with others as his signal.

Answer 3

Motion is usually used to check or move the defense. If a corner or safety doesn't move with the motion then he's probably blitzing. Also, its an easy way to check if the secondary is in a man-to-man or zone coverage. Also, its easier to burst of the line if your already in motion, rather than standing still.

Most teams use a leg lift to signal motion sometimes hand signal are used but its an actual movement performed by the quarter back.

A motion man is an established part of the play, predetermined.

Answer 4

it's all part of play design. you motion into a certain formation because the defense will run a certain defense to a certain formation(i.e. motion to a twin formation which likely will give you man or cover 3). most use the yo yo motion (going and then returning to position) to determine coverage. plus shifting and multiple motions cause a defense to simplify what they do. the Redskins shift a lot which causes teams to stay in base defensive formations.

the foot does signal the motion and the motion man is determined by the play call.

Answer 5

motion is part of the scripted play. anytime you have motion, you are trying to confuse the defense and create mismatches. it is triggered by the snap count by the qb or a simple gesture like a tapping motion of the foot or hand by the qb...

Answer 6

They send them in motion to create mismatches. They send them in motion by lifting their foot and they know what receiver to send by which play is called. They also do it to determine if it's man coverage or zone coverage.

Answer 7

sending the reciever in motion is too see what kind of defense they are in . if the defense runs with them they r probably in man and if they dont probably zone. the tapping of the foot i think is too put him in motion.

Answer 8

Guess to confuss the defense. I think on the most part it is called in the huddle. Sometimes it could be an audible

Answer 9

It's all part of the designed play.