Huddle

In sport, a huddle is the action of a team gathering together, usually in a tight circle, to strategize, motivate or celebrate.

The player or coach speaking can then be assured that he has the attention of the entire audience, something that often is not possible if that person is in the center of a circular huddle.

Though allowing players breathing room and providing space for more participants than a circular huddle, it is not as secure, as observers on the sidelines may be able to see hand signals or read the speaker's lips.

[4] The football team at Oregon State University was an early school nationally to use the huddle formation in a game.

Head coach Bill Hargiss instructed the starters that once they returned to the field, they were to stand 10 yards behind the ball before the beginning of each play and whisper to one another what they were going to do next.

[5] Seattle sports columnist Royal Brougham was an eyewitness to the game and stated that the team used this pioneering new formation.

[7] In some situations, teams may choose not to call a huddle and employ a hurry-up no-huddle offense to maximize time and surprise the defense.

being the final words spoken by the quarterback after calling the play but before the huddle breaks and the players go to the line of scrimmage.

In contrast to other sports, the huddle is a specific tactic in Australian football, used by the team kicking in after a behind is scored, or some delayed stoppage.