THE TODDCAST · WITH TODD MICHAELThe Quiet Signal
Todd Monken and Todd Gurley brought paper birds to a felt field. The birds flapped whenever anyone said “formation,” so Todd Gurley tried a hand signal. One bird perched on the whistle and looked supervisory.
The flock flew through the chalk hoop, then followed the playbook when the wind carried it away. The shoulder coach stayed behind to guard the bench.
Paper birds, one simple play
Todd Monken brought a whistle and a playbook to a field of green felt. Todd Gurley had folded a team of paper birds, ready to practice one easy route through a chalk hoop. But every time Todd Monken said “formation,” the birds flapped into the air and landed somewhere new, usually on the playbook.
Todd Gurley suggested using a hand signal instead. He lifted two fingers; the birds lined up. Todd Monken pointed toward the hoop, and the flock took off together—except one bird that had mistaken the whistle for a perch. It rode on Todd Monken’s shoulder, looking like an assistant coach with excellent feathers.
The birds passed through the hoop in a tidy loop. The shoulder coach gave a small paper flap, which the team interpreted as “snack break.” Todd Gurley folded a tiny bench; Todd Monken added a no-whistling sign. Practice ended when the wind carried the playbook away. The birds followed it home, having learned a second route by accident.
Try the Hand Signal
Todd Monken used the word “formation” and the birds scattered across the field. Todd Gurley tried a hand signal; one bird landed on the whistle instead.
They practiced without speaking. The flock found the hoop and the playbook, then returned for the bird still guarding the bench.
Paper Birds
Todd Monken brings a whistle bright,
Todd Gurley folds the birds just right.
A hand sign sends them through the hoop,
One coach-bird rides above the group.
The playbook sails upon the breeze,
The birds escort it through the trees.
They find the route, the bench, the snack,
And bring their paper captain back.