There have been a number of innovations I’ve seen recently that try to take account of the radically different timing that occurs in 2-minute offense situations.

Each to their own I say, and whatever you feel comfortable with is right for you. For me personally, I’ve used manual timing inside the 2-minute warning for some time now. In my opinion, it’s the only realistic way you can replicate hurry-up timing, or go to slow-down when a team wants to milk the clock. Manual timing involves going away from APBA’s half-play system and requires you to record the timing completely separately. For those that record play-by-play (as I do), it’s not a problem to incorporate the play clock as well.

Here is my latest version of the timing rules I use. I use manual timing inside the last 2:30 of any half or OT period. I’ve benchmarked them against more than 50 actual NFL gamebooks and they are remarkably accurate.

The timing rules require use of a Timing Chart, that lets you know how much game clock is used depending on the length of the play or return.

I’ve also developed a chart for use when the FG unit needs to hurry on at the end of the half with the clock ticking down. Is there enough time left to get the kick away?

As always, comments welcomed.

2-minute timing