end around v. reverse v. double reverse

[Easy Mac]

Can someone explain the difference to me on these plays? I was listening to Musberger, and just said Nebraska ran a double reverse when the qb handed the ball to a receiver running behind him, who then handed to another receiver.

Now, as I understand it, that should just be a reverse, correct.

My understanding for each type of play.

end around: QB hands off to a receiver, running across the field behind the QB.

reverse: QB hands off to a RB/FB/WR, who runs one way and hands off to a QB/RB/WR/FB coming in the other direction, thus the ball reverses field (question, if the QB goes on an option and hands off to a receiver running the other way, is that a reverse or an end around?)

double reverse: QB hands to RB/FB/WR, who runs one way and hands off to a WR/RB/FB who runs the other way, who then hands off to a WR/RB/FB who runs the other way. Thus, the ball goes one way after the first handoff, reverses field on the next handoff, then reverses a second time on the final hand off.

Do I have this correct, or should I just defer to whatever the announcer tells me?

[Celeval]

You've got it right, but the twist is if the QB actually starts running first. Straight handoff = end around, etc... but if the QB starts running along the line before handing off the other way, I consider that a reverse.

[Easy Mac]

Yeah, thats what I assume, but most announcers seem to consider a normal drop-back handoff to a WR a reverse.

[Raiders Army]

Originally Posted by Celeval

You've got it right, but the twist is if the QB actually starts running first. Straight handoff = end around, etc... but if the QB starts running along the line before handing off the other way, I consider that a reverse.

I agree with all of the above.

[gstelmack]

Tuesday Morning Quarterback on ESPN rails on this all the time. A quick search on his columns will give an explanation.

FWIW, on this play the Nebraska QB did start running before handing it off, so it appeared to correctly be called a double-reverse.

[larrymcg421]

Announcers are stupid. I can't tell you how many times I see them call a formation a "Power I" when there are only two running backs behing the QB.

[Joe]

Originally Posted by Easy Mac

I was listening to Musberger

This is where the problem begins

[Crim]

Originally Posted by larrymcg421

Musberger is stupid.

Fixed.

[st.cronin]

Originally Posted by larrymcg421

Announcers are stupid. I can't tell you how many times I see them call a formation a "Power I" when there are only two running backs behing the QB.

I believe a Power I can also refer to an I formation with two tight ends. I could be wrong, though.