Trick plays or elaborate set pieces is something Ted Lasso devised after a conversation with Rebecca Welton when Ted is unsure about his future at the club if they got relegated. Rebecca noted how Ted sees the game from a totally different perspective compared to other managers as he had never played, seen, or understood English football before. This means he can cause confusion and chaos for opposition teams. Inspired by this, Ted decides to drum up some trick plays with the AFC Richmond players.
The Plays[]
In a team meeting, Ted asked his players for their top trick plays. Two key ones included:
- The Sandman - this play was suggested by Dani Rojas and involved a player kicking the ball from a corner to a player near the center of the pitch, through the legs of other teammates, tricking opposition players. Catching them off guard, this meant the striker could take a shot at goal.
- Lasso Special - this play was suggested by Ted himself and involved players lining up along the center line of the football pitch in American football style and then moving forwards slowly then quickly, unnerving opposition players. With the opposition defenders scrambling, passes can be made, allowing for a shot at goal.
Other plays mentioned included:
- Pepper Shakers by Sam Obisanya
- Beckham's Todger by Colin Hughes
- Midnight Poutine by Thierry Zoreaux
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Jeff Goodman
- The Broken Tap by Moe Bumbercatch
- Loki's Toboggan by Anders Rosenfeldt
- The Upside Down Taxi by Declan Cockburn
- Hadrian's Wall by Tom O'Brien
- Dirty Martini by Gareth Canterbury
During the meeting, Ted doesn't know the word 'Todger' and Beard explains that it's a dirty word. When Thierry suggest Midnight Poutine, Beard says that it's a Canadian thing. Moe explains why it is called The Broken Tap; because the opposition will leak some goals. Ted thinks that Dirty Martini is the best name because he likes a glass of martini.
Effectiveness[]
Two of the plays, "The Sandman" and "Lasso Special", are proven effective against Manchester City F.C., the latter resulting in a goal for Richmond, scored by Dani. Richmond, however, go on to lose the game and be relegated from the Premier League.