{
  "id": 11795857,
  "title": "49ers head coach explains methodology behind his trick plays",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/49ers-head-coach-explains-methodology-behind-his-trick-plays",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T23:30:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/49ers-head-coach-explains-methodology-233045449.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kyle Shanahan, the head coach of the 49ers, explained the reasoning behind his use of trick plays. Most trick plays have a clear purpose, he said, such as exploiting a defensive weakness or creating a scoring opportunity. However, the hook-and-lateral play is different, he added. \"We just put that in randomly,\" Shanahan said, describing it as more of a desperate measure when the team is facing a difficult third down situation. The play was used against the Arizona Cardinals when Shanahan was frustrated by false starts and failed plays earlier in the game. With two star players ready to execute, Shanahan decided to run the play, which ultimately paid off with a 80-yard touchdown from Deebo Samuel. The team only practiced the play once, to ensure the players didn't forget it, Shanahan explained. Shanahan's call sheet includes a section for \"specials,\" typically two plays per game, but he reserves trick plays for crucial moments rather than using them during blowouts.",
  "summary": "Kyle Shanahan (mostly) has a plan for when to deploy his trick plays.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}