Pass the Play Telephone
Communication & Teamwork
Legend
- player
- coach / parent
- movement path
How it works
Build communication and teamwork by relaying a simple play call through a chain of players from coach to last receiver.
What you need
- football
- cones
Your focus
Young players learn that team success depends on each link in the communication chain doing their part accurately. Relaying a message tests both listening and speaking clarity, foundational communication skills. This fun game format teaches players that everyone on the team is responsible for shared information.
Five players line up in a relay chain about 3 yards apart; coach whispers a simple play name to the first player.
Each player whispers the play name to the next player down the chain as fast as possible.
The last player runs to the coach and says the play name out loud.
If correct, the team runs the play together; if incorrect, the team identifies where the breakdown happened.
Helpful cues
- Say it clearly, not just fast
- If you're not sure, ask, better to check than to pass it wrong
- We all win or we all fix it together
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Use only one-word play names to start.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add a two-part play call with a formation and a route name.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.