Audibles Called by the Center

Question
Coach,

I am guessing the Center is directing blocking schemes.  Can you tell me more about what he is doing.  How does he disguise his audibles through the game so the defense does not understand them?

I know QB audibles can really be disrupted by crowd noise.  How about center calls?

Thanks

Answer
Dear Ken,
I never felt the need to have my center disguise his line calls. Just because you might guess the blocking scheme does not mean that you know the play or wether it is a fake call or not.

The center's job is to make things easier for the linemen to execute their blocks. For example, let's say that the right guard is suppose to cut off the right line backer on all sweep plays to the right side. And let's say that the line backer lines-up behind the nose guard on most plays. It would be easy for the right guard to do his job.

However, let's say that the offense calls for a sweep right and the line backer is no longer lined-up behind the nose, he is now behind the tackle. There is no way that the guard will be able to cut off the right line backer from the play. That is where the center comes in. He will change the blocking scheme so that it is easier for someone to seal off the right line backer from the play. For example, the tackle might be asked to cut off the right line backer while the guard might be asked to block the tackle's man.

If you want to know more about line calls, you might want to read: "Attacking Football Defenses with Radar Blocking" By Leo Hand.

Now about you second question, the quarterback has to communicate with everyone on the offense, while the center only needs to communicate with the linemen standing next to him. This is why crowd noise does not disrupt a center's calls.
I hope I was of help. If you have anymore questions please let me know I will be happy to help you.
Your friend, Coach Louis