Wristband Playcards

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Sep 11, 2014
229
0
Pa
I have seen some teams locally use the football style playcards. I have searched on here, but don't quite understand how to use them. So, can someone explain them to me and maybe put up some pictures with the explanation? I have heard about using just numbers, colors and numbers.
 
Oct 22, 2009
1,532
0
PA
We use a 3 number system:
First number is the indicator - odd, even, whatever number you choose to let your player know the play is on.
Second number - dummy number
Third number - this is the play call. I list the calls 0-9 on a card that the players put in their wrist band.

For example, if the indicator is even, and 1 is a steal, I will call "231", or "841".

You can switch the order so that any number in the sequence is the indicator, and any number in the sequnce is the play called.
 

Ken Krause

Administrator
Admin
May 7, 2008
3,911
113
Mundelein, IL
IIRC, the actual commercial system uses a grid system (sort of like a Super Bowl pool), with the individual plays randomly generated and inserted into those squares. So if the coach wants a steal, he/she finds "steal" on the grid and then looks to see which two numbers point to that square. (I've never used it so I could be wrong about those mechanics.)

I think the same play is in multiple squares, so if the first steal is 2-3, the next time the coach wants a steal it could be 9-4. Since each number is only used once (ideally) it makes it dang near impossible to steal the signs. For the next game, you generate a new set of "codes."

At most levels it's probably overkill. Not that much sign stealing is happening, and even if it is it doesn't necessarily guarantee that the team stealing the sign can execute the play that counters it. But it sure is popular. I've seen a lot of teams that don't really need that system using it.

On the plus side, players don't have to be able to recognize signs as a coach throws them, or pick them out of a long string. The coach says 2-3, the player looks it up on her wristband and you're good to go. That's probably the best reason to use it. Being a bit old school in that regard it takes some of the artistry out of giving signs, but as long as your players can read two numbers it also means your runner on third isn't hung out to dry because the hitter missed the sign for a suicide squeeze.
 
Sep 11, 2014
229
0
Pa
My team is 10u, but I was thinking of pitching this to the organization. I think we should use the same system throughout. Right now we all use the same hand signals. Works good for when girls move up.

Think this is to much for 10u or will it help them in the long run starting now?
 
Nov 18, 2013
85
0
Indiana
We created ours out of a spread sheet. We have a member of our org that is very savey with Excel. I would be willing to share if you like.
 
Sep 11, 2014
229
0
Pa
We created ours out of a spread sheet. We have a member of our org that is very savey with Excel. I would be willing to share if you like.

I would like. I am pretty good with excel also and after seeing the examples on the nevermissasign site think I am getting it. Would like to see one that is being used though. Mainly for offense. As I said, its 10u, so the signs for the catcher are simple plus the ball regularly goes somewhere other then where its called. :)
 

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