"Called the play" is a phrase used primarily in the context of sports, specifically team sports, to refer to the act of a coach or a team captain giving instructions or signals to their teammates on what action or strategy to employ during a particular play or game situation.
In this context, "called" signifies the act of verbal or non-verbal communication from the individual in charge, such as issuing a command, signaling with hand gestures, or using predetermined codes or signals known to the team members. The purpose of "calling the play" is to effectively coordinate the team's movements, maximize their chances of success, or exploit weaknesses in the opposing team's defense or strategy.
When a coach or captain "calls the play," they typically convey specific instructions to the team, dictating a specific sequence of movements, formations, or tactics to execute. These instructions may involve assigning specific roles or positions to individual players, arranging offensive or defensive strategies, or implementing pre-planned set plays. The play can encompass a wide range of actions, from offensive maneuvers like passes, runs, or scoring attempts to defensive strategies like coverages, double-teams, or interceptions.
Furthermore, "called the play" can also extend to non-sports contexts, referring to a person's act of making a decision or issuing a direction in a particular situation, similar to how a coach or captain guides their team. It denotes an individual taking charge and guiding the actions or movements of others towards a specific goal or outcome.
