A playbook describes a system of plays that a player or team may run in games, in the form of a book.

It is a teaching tool that conveys a coach’s intent or advice for certain situations to their team. It usually does so by explaining a very complex set of instructions.  It uses a format that coaches can use to communicate intent to the team. It helps to ensure that nothing is “lost in translation.”

Note: The book format seems to go out of fashion though. Hardly is there a printed form any more. Playbooks come in various electronic formats now. Some are diagrams only, or even just spoken language. A coach often has some sort of notebook with diagrams, even if they do not use it for communicating. Game film often supplements playbooks. It demonstrates great execution of a play.

These images show single plays from American Football, Basketball, and Volleyball playbooks.