Learning 5 man mechanics keys

[dammitbobby]

Working really hard on understand keys, specifically for 5 man mechanics, specifically for wings*... I've got the diagrams in the mechanics manual, printed them, even laminated them, so I can continue working on speedily recognizing formations (such as when watching football on TV, for example.)

Any tips or tricks, memorization techniques, analogies, rhymes, phrases, sayings, etc. to help with memorization and quicker recognition? 


*I know a good official knows all the keys for every position, but baby steps, people... we don't use set crews, and any given game I may be on a 2, 3, 4 or 5 man crew, so on-field reps are a bit limited, specifically for 5 man key recognition.  I'll probably be a wing forever, which is totally fine, I just want to get excellent in one position as much as I can, before trying to complicate it and add in more positions.

[JasonTX]

It is imperative to know who the B is keying.  By deduction, the wings will have who he doesn't.

[dammitbobby]

Thanks - that is exactly the kind of of learning trick/cue I am looking for

[ElvisLives]

You will be all the better for thoroughly knowing your keys. Unfortunately, if the other members of the crew are not as fluent, there may be gaps in observation. If you haven't, make it known to your leadership that you would like a thorough presentation on keys at a chapter meeting, expressing the importance of everyone knowing their keys, and employing that knowledge.

As far as tips/tricks, there is nothing wrong with verbalizing the number of your key(s) as you identify him/them. Perhaps you will be the only one that hears you(rself). "I've got 42." "42 is my guy." But, I promise you that it will help you maintain your attention on that guy, until you can come off of him to look at a situation of greater threat. As you say, baby steps. Knowing when/how to look for 'greater threats' is an advanced technique. Start with knowing, identifying, and staying with your key until you have fully mastered that. Then, when that is second nature, start looking to see how tightly your key is covered. If he is being closely covered right off the line, stay with him as long as he is closely covered. If he is able to break away, then look for a greater threat.
If he is not closely covered, take a look at another receiver in your field of vision, and see what is happening to/by him. Then come back to your guy, if necessary.

Start by knowing your key (at the snap), and staying with him until it is second nature. Then move on the 'greater threat' methodology.

Good Luck!

[JasonTX]

Another tip would be during pregame with your B and suggest that he tilt his body to the side he is keying.  By reading him, you'll also know that you either have help or don't.

Another thing that you will need to recognize is if you have an inside player "covered up" on the line.  You are the only one who will know that so you have to own him as the play develops and whether he commits an IDP or ILT.  It's possible that same player ends up on the opposite side of the field and a co-official has a flag down for DPI and he is the player that got fouled.  You'd need to be able to relay that information that he was an ineligible receiver, thus no foul for DPI. 

As Elvis said, saying numbers out-loud to myself works.  Coaches probably think I'm crazy as they hear me talking to myself when I work on the wing.  I'm constantly saying numbers, saying the time on the clock, line to gain.

[Etref]

Just remember, your key is at the snap and shortly there after.
Man—— key
Zone—- area of your coverage
Man—— man in your zone

[dammitbobby]

Thanks guys - incredibly valuable information!