What it is

A trick play is a surprise play designed to fool the defense, such as a reverse, a flea flicker or a pass thrown by a player who is not the quarterback.

In a game

Teams use them rarely and at moments when the defense is not expecting them, such as after a long series of simple plays. Success depends on timing and on every defender biting on the fake.

More detail

The risk is a big loss or a turnover if the defense is not fooled. Coaches often save a trick play for a key moment, such as fourth down, and practice it all week.