APBA FOOTBALL

Conducting Season Replays & Tips for Solitaire Play Introduction

• Preparation • Standardization • Setup • Method of Play (Neutral Downs) • Method of Play (Trick Plays) • Method of Play (Situational Downs) Preparation

• Recommend using Phil Milloy’s “Dice Range Calculator” as an alternative to Section III of the APBA rule book • Determine Receiver, Sack, & Allocations for every team • Accurately reflects the substitutions within all personnel packages – Pro-Set, 2TEs, 3WR, Standard, Nickel & Dime Defenses • Speeds up play – Only one dice roll required instead of rolling until a starter is selected – Eliminates having to “rotate” players • Reserve players are active participants Dice Range Calculator Preparation

• Optional Innovations – “Fletch67” Defensive Ratings (S.Fletcher) – H. Ahlskog’s “Forced & Recovery” Charts – H. Ahlskog’s “Fumble Frequency Number” for skill/special teams players – Sack Modification (Barath) • Upon sack, determine defender through “Allocation” system • Roll dice, if dice roll is between 11 – 51, award defender full sack. • If dice roll is 52 -66, roll dice again and check for new defender via “Allocation” system. • If same player, award defender full sack. If different defender, each player is awarded ½ a sack. Proprietary to Mark Zarb

• Optional Innovations – “Sack & Interception” Ratings • Based off each team’s sack & interception per attempt – "Yards Per Catch" (YPC) Receiver Ratings • Distinguishes between deep threats, possession receivers and RBs catching out of backfield – “Penalty Tables” & Charts • Rates teams propensity for being penalized against a particular opponent – “Kick Coverage” Tables • Rates team’s ability to cover kickoffs & punts – “Kick Returns” Tables • Rates team’s ability to return a kick or Preparation

• Create team index cards for each team – List all receivers on team roster • Ratings, allocation number & YPC ratings – List offensive & defensive indexes – Fletch67 ratings with associated keying rating – Sack/Interception rating – Annotate actual rushing long for rushers • Back of team index cards – List all defensive players who recorded a sack or an interception • Sack/Interception allocation numbers – Skill & special team players FFN, if applicable Team Index Card Preparation

• Create data collection Excel workbooks for each team – Capture team & individual stats – Comparison of Actual/Replay Stats • Create Master workbooks for each League (AFC & NFC) – Link Team workbooks to Master • Standings & points scored/allowed • Team Offense & Defensive Categories – Compare league average against replays • Individual Statistical Categories – Passing, Rushing, Receiving, , Sacks, Field Goals, Punts, Punt & Kick Returns Team Workbook Master League Workbook Standardization

• “RP Plays” – Only allow one per team per situation • Run Plays (RP1- RP4) • Pass Plays (RP5 – RP 8) • Kicks (RP9 – RP 10) • Punts (RP18 – RP 20) • Placekicking (RP11 – RP 13) • Returns (RP14 – RP 17) – Any additional RPs will be treated as a penalty (board result 35) Standardization

• Running Plays – Outside Run • Carded runners 5, 7, 9 (100%) • Carded runners 15, 16, 17 – Outside & Inside Runs (50/50) – Monitored in increments of 10 – Inside Run • Carded runners 4,6, 8 (100%) • Carded runner 15, 16, 17 – Outside & Inside Runs (50/50) – Monitored in increments of 10 Standardization

• Running Plays – Outside Run • Carded runners 5, 7, 9, 15, 16, 17 – Outside & Inside Runs (60/40) – Monitored in increments of 10 – Inside Run • Carded runners 4,6, 8, 15, 16, 17 – Outside & Inside Runs (40/60) – Monitored in increments of 10 – Limit runners to their actual long gain • Board results 1, 2, 13, 14 & 31 - 36 Proper Usage of Cards Standardization

• Passing Plays – Short Pass & Screen Passes (60%) • Monitored in increments of 10 – Medium & Long Passes (40%) • Monitored in increments of 10 – Limit receivers to actual long for board results 13, & 31 - 36 • Kickoff Returns – All kicks that land 4 yards into end zone must be returned – The return is optional if kick is 5 or more yards deep into end zone Setup

• Print J. Hart’s modified Detailed Score Card • Review actual box score (Pro- Football Reference.com) – Customize Detailed Score Card to reflect box score – Annotate QB, HB, FB, K, P, KR, & PR that participated in actual game – List all receivers on team roster – Annotate indexes, Fletch ratings, keying ratings, fumble ratings, etc. – Pre-position QB, RBs, K, P, KR & PR cards on playing surface Pre-Game Detailed Score sheet Completed Detailed Score sheet Method of Play – Neutral Downs

• Neutral Downs – Offensive Formation (Pro-Set) – Defensive Formation (Standard) • 1st down unless greater than 15 yards • 2nd & 10 yards or less • 3rd & 2 to 4 yards • 4th and 2 yards • Any two-point conversion attempt • Determine offensive index – Roll dice, check “APBA Football Floating Index Locator” • Use for duration of offensive series APBA Football Floating Index Locator APBA Football Floating Index Locator

• A* rating – Run Plays - Always in “A” index – Pass Plays • All receivers in “A” regardless of rating • Remain in “A” against Nickel/Dime • “D” rating – Run Plays & • Always in “C” index • Remain in “C” against Nickel/Dime – Still add 1-yard to any gain – Pass Plays • Always in “C” index Floating Index Locator Demo Method of Play – Neutral Downs

• Neutral Downs – Offensive Formation (Pro-Set) – Defensive Formation (Standard) • 1st down unless greater than 15 yards • 2nd & 10 yards or less • 3rd & 2 to 4 yards • 4th and 2 yards • Any two-point conversion attempt • Determine offensive index – Roll dice, check “APBA Football Floating Index Locator” • Use for duration of offensive series Run/Screen Pass – Neutral Downs

• Run Play (2 dice rolls) & Screen Pass (3 dice rolls) – If run play, designate runner – Roll dice, check defense’s “Run” rating against “Fletch67” • Repeat prior to every neutral play • If defense is in best alignment – Run (G) – Check if dice roll is within key rating – If screen pass, roll dice, check allocation ratings to determine receiver – Roll dice, check runners RPN for run or QB RPN for a screen pass • If pass complete, check receiver’s YPC rating and make yardage adjustment – Annotate Detailed Score Card – Move football, down, & distance marker accordingly Run Play Demo Pass Play – Neutral Downs

• Pass Play – Minimum of 3 dice rolls • Roll dice, check Fletch67 – Defense S or G • Roll dice, check allocation ratings to determine receiver • Roll dice to determine play result – If pass complete, check receiver’s YPC rating and make yardage adjustment – Annotate Detailed Score Card – Move ball, down & distance markers accordingly Pass Play – Neutral Downs

• Pass Play – Maximum of 4 dice rolls • Roll dice, check Fletch67 – Defense D – Check if dice roll is within key rating – If not, roll one dice » 1-5 no blitz, 6 is a blitz • Roll dice, check allocation ratings to determine receiver • Roll dice, check QBs RPN – If pass complete, check receiver’s YPC rating and make yardage adjustment – Annotate Detailed Score Card – Move ball, down & distance markers accordingly Pass Play Demo Yards per Catch (YPC) Demo Method of Play – Trick Plays

• Trick Plays (i.e., bootleg, end around, & non-QB pass) – Can be called once per half against Standard or – Roll dice to determine defense • Result 11, 33, or 66 indicates “” defense was called – 7 yard rushing loss by the ball carrier/intended passer • For all other dice rolls – Read the board number 2-lines up (i.e., 5 to 3) – “D” alignment against run, “G” against pass • On run plays, if card number is 1, 2, 3, 4, 13, 14, 15 or 31 – 36, USE IT AS STANDS • On pass plays, if card number is 1, 13, or 21 – 36, USE IT AS STANDS Situational Down & Distance Unique to Situational Down & Distance • The first four lines of this chart apply only to passing situations • The last line applies only to run situations • Audibles can only be used on situational downs – If Standard defense is in “G” alignment on a called run play (includes screen pass) – If any defensive (standard, nickel or dime)alignment is in “D” alignment on a called passing play – Each team is allowed one per quarter • Keying runner/ on receiver – Standard defense can key a runner & double cover a receiver – Nickel/ can NOT key a runner, only double cover a receiver • Nickel/Dime defenses can only be in either “D” or “S” alignment against run – If dice roll results in “G” on a passing play this indicates “Blown Coverage” – Read play result from “G” column Personnel Groups

• 1st & >15 or 2nd > 10 – Offensive Formation () – Defensive Alignment (Standard) 1st & > 15; 2nd > 10

• Run Play (2/3 dice rolls) & Screen Pass (3/4 dice rolls) – If run play, designate runner – Roll dice, check defense’s “Run” rating against “Fletch67” – If screen pass, roll dice, check allocation ratings to determine receiver – If defense is in “G” alignment • Check if dice roll is with Key Rating – Roll dice, check for Audible • No Audible: Dice rolls 21 – 66 • Audible: Dice roll 11-16 (1 per quarter)

– Roll dice, check runner’s or ’s RPN • Annotate Detailed Score Card • Move ball, down & distance markers accordingly 1st & > 15; 2nd > 10

• Run Play (2 dice rolls) & Screen Pass (3 dice rolls) – If run play, designate runner – Roll dice, check defense’s “Run” rating against “Fletch67” – If screen pass, roll dice, check allocation ratings to determine receiver – If defense is in “S” or “D” alignment – Roll dice, check runner’s or quarterback’s RPN • Annotate Detailed Score Card • Move ball, down & distance markers accordingly 1st & > 15; 2nd > 10

• If Pass play is called (5 dice rolls) – Roll dice, check “Situational Down & Distance” for defensive alignment – If defense is in “D” alignment • Check if dice roll is within key rating • If not, roll one dice (1-5 no blitz, 6 is a blitz) • Roll dice, check for Audible – No Audible: Dice rolls 21 – 66 – Audible: Dice roll 11-16 (1 per quarter) 1st & > 15; 2nd > 10

• If Pass play is called (continued) – Roll dice, to determine receiver – Roll dice, check QBs RPN – If pass complete, check receiver’s YPC rating and make yardage adjustment • Annotate Detailed Score Card • Move ball, down & distance markers accordingly 1st & > 15; 2nd > 10 • If defense is in “S” or “G” on a Passing Play (3 dice rolls) – Roll dice, check “Situational Down & Distance” chart to determine defensive alignment (“S” or “G”) – Roll dice, check allocation ratings to determine receiver – Roll dice, check QBs RPN – If pass complete, check receiver’s YPC rating and make yardage adjustment – Annotate Detailed Score Card – Move ball, down & distance markers accordingly Personnel Groups

• 3rd & 5 to 7 yards • Pre-1981 – Offensive Formation (Pro Set) – Defensive Alignment (Standard) • Still use the reduction rule (i.e., B to C) • Reminder - Standard defense can be in “G” • Post-1981 – Offensive Formation (Pro Set) – Defensive Alignment (Nickel) 3rd & 5 to 7 • Run play, designate runner (2 dice rolls) • Roll dice, check “Nickel” defense’s “Run” rating against “Fletch67” – If dice result is “D”, defense is in “D” alignment – If dice result is “S”, defense is in “S” alignment – If dice result is “G”, defense is in “S” alignment • Roll dice, check runners RPN • Raise index & add 1 yard to positive gain • Annotate Detailed Score Card • Move ball, down & distance markers accordingly 3rd & 5 to 7 • If Screen Pass is called (3 dice rolls) – Roll dice, check “Nickel” defense run rating against “Fletch67” for defensive alignment • If dice result is “D”, defense is in “D” alignment • If dice result is “S”, defense is in “S” alignment • If dice result is “G”, defense is in “S” alignment – Roll dice, to determine receiver – Roll dice, check QB RPN for a screen pass • Raise index & add 1 yard to positive gain • Screen pass check receiver’s YPC • Annotate Detailed Score Card • Move ball, down & distance markers accordingly Screen Pass on 3rd & 5 to 7 3rd & 5 to 7

• If Pass play is called (5 dice rolls) – Roll dice, check “Situational Down & Distance” for defensive alignment – If defense is in “D” alignment • Check if dice roll is within key rating • If not, roll one dice (1-5 no blitz, 6 is a blitz) • Roll dice, check for Audible – No Audible: Dice rolls 21 – 66 – Audible: Dice roll 11-16 (1 per quarter) 3rd & 5 to 7

• Pass play against “D” alignment – Roll dice, to determine receiver • Reduce index by one (i.e. A to B) • Don’t if receiver has a * or in A* index – Roll dice, check QBs RPN – If pass complete, check receiver’s YPC rating and make yardage adjustment • Annotate Detailed Score Card • Move ball, down & distance markers accordingly 3rd & 5 to 7

• If Pass play is called (3 dice rolls) – Roll dice, check “Situational Down & Distance” for defensive alignment • If defense is in “S” or “G” alignment – “G” indicates blown coverage by secondary • Roll dice, to determine receiver – Reduce index by one (i.e. A to B) – Don’t if receiver has a * or in A* index • Roll dice, check QBs RPN – If pass complete, check receiver’s YPC rating and make yardage adjustment • Annotate Detailed Score Card • Move ball, down & distance markers accordingly Personnel Groups

• 3rd & ≥ 8 • Pre-1981 – Offensive Formation (Pro Set) • Exception: SD Chargers late 70s – Defensive Alignment (Standard) • Still use the reduction rule (i.e., A to B) • Post-1981 – Offensive Formation (3 WR set) – Defensive Alignment (Dime) 3rd & ≥ 8 • Run play, designate runner (2 dice rolls) • Roll dice, check “Dime” defense’s “Run” rating against “Fletch67” – If dice result is “D”, defense is in “D” alignment – If dice result is “S”, defense is in “S” alignment – If dice result is “G”, defense is in “S” alignment • Roll dice, check runners RPN • Raise index & add 1 yard to positive gain • Annotate Detailed Score Card • Move ball, down & distance markers accordingly on 3rd & ≥ 8 3rd & ≥ 8

• If Screen Pass is called (3 dice rolls) – Roll dice, check “Dime” defenses run rating against “Fletch67” for defensive alignment • If dice result is “D”, defense is in “D” alignment • If dice result is “S”, defense is in “S” alignment • If dice result is “G”, defense is in “S” alignment – Roll dice, to determine receiver – Roll dice, check QB RPN for a screen pass • Raise index & add 1 yard to positive gain • Screen pass check receiver’s YPC • Annotate Detailed Score Card • Move ball, down & distance markers accordingly 3rd & > 8

• If Pass play is called (5 dice rolls) – Roll dice, check “Situational Down & Distance” for defensive alignment – If defense is in “D” alignment • Check if dice roll is within key rating • If not, roll one dice (1-5 no blitz, 6 is a blitz) • Roll dice, check for Audible – No Audible: Dice rolls 21 – 66 – Audible: Dice roll 11-16 (1 per quarter) 3rd & > 8

• Pass play against “D” alignment – Roll dice, to determine receiver • Reduce index by one (i.e. A to B) • Don’t reduce if receiver has a * or in A* index – Roll dice, check QBs RPN – If pass complete, check receiver’s YPC rating and make yardage adjustment • Annotate Detailed Score Card • Move ball, down & distance markers accordingly 3rd & > 8

• If Pass play is called (3 dice rolls) – Roll dice, check “Situational Down & Distance” for defensive alignment • If defense is in “S” or “G” alignment – “G” indicates blown coverage by secondary • Roll dice, to determine receiver – Reduce index by one (i.e. A to B) – Don’t if receiver has a * or in A* index • Roll dice, check QBs RPN – If pass complete, check receiver’s YPC rating and make yardage adjustment • Annotate Detailed Score Card • Move ball, down & distance markers accordingly Third & Long Passing Demo Personnel Groups

• 3rd/4th & 1 • Either on or within opponents 5-yard line • Pre-1981 – Pro Set vs Standard – Full House vs Goal Line • Post-1981 – Pro Set vs Standard – 2 TE vs Goal Line – Full House vs Goal Line • Recent seasons teams have implemented this formation Goal Line (Running)

• Either on or within opponents 5- yard line • Defense is automatically in “G” alignment against the run • If Run play is called (2 dice rolls) – Roll dice, check if dice roll is within “Key” rating – Roll dice, check runners RPN • Annotate Detailed Score Card • Move ball and down marker accordingly Non-Goal Line (Running)

• 3rd or 4th Down & 1 between own goal line & opponents 6-yard line • If Run play is called (2 dice rolls) – Roll dice, check “Situational Down & Distance” for defensive alignment • If dice roll is 11, this indicates blown “ control” by defense read from D column – Roll dice, check runners RPN • Annotate Detailed Score Card • Move ball, down & distance markers accordingly Goal Line & Non-Goal Line (Passing)

• If Pass is called (3 dice rolls) – Roll dice, check “Standard” or “Goal Line” defense pass rating against “Fletch67” for defensive alignment • If dice result is “D”, “Goal Line” is in “S” alignment • If dice result is “S”, “Goal Line” is in “S” alignment • If dice result is “G”, “Goal Line” is in “G” alignment – Roll dice, to determine receiver • Pro Set Offense – any receiver on the team’s index card can be intended receiver • 2 TE Offense – Replace o1 with second TE, intended receiver must be actually in the lineup – If any other player is selected, the intended receiver is o1 (i.e., second TE) Goal Line & Non-Goal Line (Passing)

• If Pass is called (3 dice rolls) – Roll dice, to determine receiver • “Full House” backfield – Replace o10 with another halfback, intended receiver must be actually in the lineup – If any other player is selected, the intended receiver is o10 (i.e., additional halfback) – Roll dice, check QB RPN for play result • If pass complete, check receiver’s YPC rating and make yardage adjustment, if applicable • Annotate Detailed Score Card • Move ball, down & distance markers accordingly Pass on 3rd and 1 Conclusion

I hope that these tips are useful, however, there is no “right” or “wrong” to play this game. For any questions regarding this presentation, I can be contacted at [email protected].

Greg “Oguard62” Barath