Coaches Insider

Formation Flexibility – Moving Your Best Athletes Where You Need Them

American Football Monthly — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 11:15:29 +0000

Formation Flexibility - Moving Your Best Athletes Where You Need Them

By: Steve Pyne - Head Coach • Portland Catholic High School

Provided by: American Football Monthly

To set the stage, we run a multiple set, no huddle offense at Central Catholic and have been since 2003. We have evolved over the years with the intent of trying to go as fast as we could to gain an advantage over our opponent. Our evolution has led us to what we feel is a very efficient way to be multiple in formation and multiple in player alignment.

Because of our desire to run up tempo and snap the ball within 7-10 seconds of it being put into play by the officials, we often struggled getting our best player(s) in multiple positions where we could utilize their varied skill sets from one play to the next. For example, moving our tailback from one side of the QB to the other or into the Pistol or moving our slot receiver to the backfield or aligning him on the outside of the formation would slow us down from play to play and we struggled to communicate this effectively to our players.

As with most teams, there are 3-5 playmakers who bring varied skills to the field but they often get locked into one position and are limited in how those skills can be utilized within an offensive scheme. For example, our goal is to be able to move from a 3 x 2 empty formation to a tight end, 2-back formation with the same personnel on the field.

In the spring of 2013 we moved to a numerical formation system that allowed us to move our playmakers where we wanted them and where they could create match up issues for our opponents. When we introduce the concept to our players we begin everything out of a 2 x 2 spread set (we refer to this as our ACE set). This allows our players to easily conceptualize where they need to line up, based on formation and play call (there are always alignment issues that need to be considered based on the concept of the play).

For the purpose of this article we identify our left outside receiver as the H, our right outside receiver as Z, one slot receiver as Y, one slot receiver as B and our tailback as A. We have created 11 "rooms" for our players to occupy based on the numbers they are given. The call from the sideline is written on a dry erase board and also verbally communicated to the players. The players on the field will then echo the call to their teammates. The first number is assigned to the "Y", the second number is assigned to the "B" and the final number (or letter for Pistol) is assigned to the "A."

With much greater ease we are able to get our two or three best skill players easily lined up on the same side of the formation or on opposite sides of the formation with little effort. We do not need to identify them on a particular series or individual play as the "H, Z, Y, B or A" and be limited as to where they align in the formation. This system allows for far greater flexibility to create match up advantages. We feel this stresses our opponent and makes it difficult for them to substitute based on our personnel. It also limits their defensive playbook as they have less time to adjust to our formations and difficulty matching our personnel with theirs at various spots on the field.

As you can see by diagram 1, all the rooms are labeled 0,2,4,6 & 8 to the right and 1,3,5,7 & 9 to the left and P at 8 yards behind the center.

The Z and H receivers will always land in rooms 8 & 9 unless the "Y, B or A" are assigned to that room, which then bumps them down to the next open room. The H and Z are on the ball the majority of the time, but we can adjust that if necessary - this will be explained later in the article, in the "Over Rules". For example, if the formation call is 98P, the Y would line up in the 9, the B in the 8, and the A in the P. The H would then bump to the 7 and the Z would bump to the 6 (see Diagram 2).

We can easily get into a 2 back formation on the next play by calling 160 (Diagram 3).

With the same personnel we can then jump into an empty set with 769 (Diagram 4).

When we go into a tight end set (either a true tight end or a sixth offensive lineman) we give a tight left or tight right signal from the sideline. We designate that player at the "Y." When we give a tight left call the H is assigned the 1st number in the formation call and when we give a tight right call the Z is assigned the 1st number in the formation call (Diagrams 5 -8).

Within our Ace formation package we also have the ability to move the H and Z to the same side of the formation. We do this by making an "Over" signal from the sideline and if there is a "9" in the formation call the H will fill the first "open room" on the right side of the formation. If there is an "8" in the formation call the Z will fill the first "open room" on the left side of the formation (whichever receiver moves will now be an off ball receiver). (See diagrams 9 and 10).

Bunch left/right gets the Z, H, and Y to the bunch side and the B opposite the bunch. The A is the only player that gets a number. We can move the bunch tight or wide with a simple wide or tight signal from the sideline. (See diagrams 11 and 12).

The year prior to making the switch to how we call our formations currently the 2012 season) we averaged 50.6 plays per game and advanced to the state quarter-finals. The year we made the switch we averaged 56.7 plays per game and won the State Championship. In 2014 we averaged 56.2 plays per game and repeated as state champions. Through this system we were able to utilize our skill players and their different abilities in every different position on the field, this leading to greater production and results.

Best of luck with your preparations for next season and beyond. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions (spyne@centralcatholichigh.org).

Goal Line Bunch Concept

American Football Monthly — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 14:51:29 +0000

Goal Line Bunch Concept

By: Jeff Hancock - Offensive Coordinator, McMurry University

Provided by: American Football Monthly

If you run some Bunch Formation concepts, you may want to consider incorporating this play at the goal line (7-yard line to the 4-yard line). This is a very good concept for any 2 high safety looks (including man under). The back side of the formation is reserved for a 1 high safety beater.

Let's start with the "point man" or the #2 Wide Receiver as labeled in the diagram.

He will come off the ball first and run a ten-yard corner route. His primary responsibility is to get an inside release on the defender lined up across from him to get the defender's hips and eyes turned to the inside so as not to be able to see the #1 wide receiver's route. In addition to this task, he needs to attack the safety and get him to deepen and run with him on the corner route.

The #1 Wide Receiver will come off the ball at the same time as the #2 Wide Receiver and push straight up field to one yard past the goal line then break off his hitch route, turning back to the inside.

The #3 Wide Receiver comes off the ball after #1 and #2 go. He will run an arrow route slowly gaining depth of 3-4 yards. It's important for this Wide Receiver to not get too deep too quickly. His job is to get the corner to widen out to help create the "window" for the #1 Wide Receiver when he breaks off his route.

#4 Wide Receiver, or the back side singled up WR has a built in route on this concept to run a ten-yard post route. This is the route that the quarterback will look to throw to first if the defense rolls to a 1 high safety look. If the post isn't open the QB will check it down to the Running Back who will run an arrow route if not needed in protection.

The Quarterback's read vs. a 2 high look are the #1 first on his third step in a gun formation drop. If the #1 isn't open, the QB will reset his feet "or hitch back up" and read the corner route to the arrow route high-lowing the cornerback. If the defense moves to a 1 high look, the QB will look to throw the post route on his third step in drop, or reset to lay off the ball to the running back in his arrow route.

A great tag to add to the back side out of this formation, keeping in mind that you will need a 1 high beating concept here, is to get the running back and #4 Wide Receiver on a concept similar to "Read".

The #4 Wide Receiver will run directly to the near upright on the goal post when the ball is snapped. The running back will run a "Wheel" Route working to the bottom of the numbers on the field as he gets vertical.

3-Step Passing Route Concepts

American Football Monthly — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 14:19:56 +0000

3-STEP PASSING ROUTE CONCEPTS

Various 'concepts' gives the quarterback run and pass options for each play.

By: Stan Zweifel - Head Coach • University of Dubuque

Provided by: American Football Monthly

The foundation of our passing game is built on the three-step passing game. Over the years we have combined a variety of concepts for our three-step foundation to make these concepts more difficult to defend. These are the staples of our three-step passing game.

"Now" Concepts

• This is a concept used extensively to beat soft coverage by the corner.

• We use it by calling a run in the huddle followed by the word "Now".

• The term "Now" alerts the QB and WR's that based on the depth of the coverage (7 yards or greater) the QB has the option on the snap of the ball to stand up and throw a "Now" route to our receivers.

• On a "Now" route, the receiver simply turns his numbers to the QB on the snap, catches the pass, and makes a defender miss.

• The rest of the offense merely executes the run play that was called in the huddle and blocks it like a run.

Queen Right 24 Now (Diagram 1)

"Look" Concepts

• Similar to our "Now" concepts are the "Look" concepts. The "Look" concept is called exactly like the "Now" concept in the fact that we tie a run together with it.

• However, the "Look" concept has the receivers running quick slants.

• We use this concept versus heavy blitz philosophies because it allows us the opportunity of making a big play on down and distance situations.

• The entire offense runs the play called in the huddle but the two WR's run slant routes to beat man coverage.

Double Call Concepts

• Each side runs a quick concept that is independent of the opposite side of the formation.

• When playing a defense that plays multiple coverages or you want to assure the best chance of success, call one side of your formation to beat a specific coverage and the other side to beat a different coverage.

Deuce Right 41-40 Drive (Diagram 2)

Deuce Right 44-41 Switch (Diagram 3)

"Kill" Concepts

• This is a new concept we used a little last year and are looking for ways to expand in our package.

• A "Kill" concept has two plays called in the huddle. For example: Queen Right 41-42 Kill 24.

• When the QB goes to the L.O.S. he decides if the play called is viable.

• If it's not, he just calls, "Kill", "Kill" and we run the second play that was called in the huddle.

• We put this into our quick game for purposes of not having to audible to the corresponding run.

Queen Right 41-42 Kill 24 (Diagram 4)

Run/Pass Dual Calls

• One of our most exciting concepts for our quick game is our run/pass combination calls.

• We call both a run and a pass in our play call and then the QB makes the decision on which play to run based on the scouting report.

• The TE, OL, and RBs run the run play, the WRs run the pass play, and the QB decides which play to run.

Note: Tie pass routes into the run game so the offensive linemen will not be down field.

Queen Left Twins 24 Bob/40 (Diagram 5)

Quick Game/Sprint Out Concept

• Another "Now" concept that we have implemented the past few years is our quick game on one side and sprint out concept to the other side.

• We use this concept out of our 3 x 1 formation.

• The X receiver (SE) runs a quick slant route – if it's there, the QB throws it in rhythm.

• We teach the QB to stare down the route and if it isn't there he then sprints out to the opposite side of the formation and, depending on the route called, he reads an intermediate combination route being run.

• We use full slide gap protection to make this route work.

• An important aspect of this route is that the TE is used in the slide protection and then, after blocking his gap, he leaks out into the flat just like a naked or boot concept.

Trey Right 44-80 Go (Diagram 6)

Choice Concepts

• This is one of our oldest concepts but still one of the most effective concepts.

• In our 3 x 1 formation we give the single receiver a choice to which quick game route he wants to run based on the coverage.

• It requires the receiver and the QB to be on the same page but with a good WR this is very difficult to defend.

3 X 1: Trey Right 41 Turn – 40 Choice (Diagram 7)

2 X 2: Deuce Right 40 Choice 41 (Diagram 8)

Check With Me Concepts

• This is a standard concept for us.

• "Check With Me" concepts give the QB two choices: a run and a pass.

• The QB checks into the play at the L.O.S.

• How this concept differs from the "Kill" concept is that we tie about four absolute "Check With Me's" into our packages.

• QB comes to the L.O.S. and determines whether we are going to run it or pass it based on the defensive alignment.

Deuce Right 22/42/41 Check with Me (Diagram 9)

Drive Concept

• This is a route that we have developed over the years when we want to get the ball to a receiver who has reliable hands.

• The "drive" is a route where the receiver makes an adjustment to the coverage he gets.

• The QB must see the same things as the WR.

(See Diagrams 10-12)

Diagram 10.

Diagram 11.

Diagram 12.

Spot Concept

• For years we have tried to get our TE involved in our 3 step and our entire throw game.

• One of our favorite concepts is to add the word "Y spot" as a route to control the underneath drops.

• The spot concept tells the TE to inside release and set up at a spot at five yards deep over the alignment of the center.

Spot Concept – The QB always knows the TE will be there

(Diagram 13)

Double Move Concepts

• We use a variety of double move routes.

• We add the word "stutter" to the number and it tells the receiver to double move the route.

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About the Author: Stan Zweifel just finished his seventh season as head coach of the University of Dubuque. He previously coached at Minnesota State-Mankato where he served as offensive coordinator. Zweibel also coached at Wisconsin-Whitewater from 1991-2007. He was a head coach at both Minnesota-Morris and Yankton College.

Linemen Speed Sled Training with Dan Dalrymple – New Orleans Saints

American Football Monthly — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 14:38:26 +0000

Watch as Coach Dan Dalrymple explains and a player demonstrates these Linemen - Speed Sled Training Exerices.

Defending RPOs with Sky/Cloud – Tommy Lewis – Victory Christian Academy (FL)

American Football Monthly — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 06:51:46 +0000

Watch as Coach Tommy Lewis explains and shows clips of defending RPOs with Sky/Cloud.

Post – Season Priorities – Wrapping Up One Season and Transitioning…

American Football Monthly — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 12:27:54 +0000

Post - Season Priorities - Wrapping up one season and transitioning to the next are critical times for successful programs

By: John Allen Snyder - Head Coach, Indiana High School (PA)

Provided by: American Football Monthly

When your season ends, do you kick back, relax and get away from the game for a couple months? Of course not. Whether it's formulating and implementing an off-season strength and conditioning program, ushering in a new group of players and preparing them for the following season or putting together motivational exercises, every successful coach knows that winter presents an opportunity for physical and mental team building. To find out how the best coaches approach the post season, AFM asked six state champion head coaches to share their strategies and priorities for the winter months. They include:

Gary Joseph, Katy High School (TX)
Steve Harshman, Natrona County High School (WY)
Josh Nicewarner, Bridgeport High School (WV)
Jay Roth, Archbishop Rummel High School (LA)
Rick Streiff, Indianapolis Cathedral High School (IN)
Tom Westerberg, Allen High School (TX)

What are your priorities for your football program during the winter?

Joseph: We have three priorities:

A. Mental toughness.
B. Develop kids from a strength and speed standpoint.
C. Develop leadership within the program.

Harshman: Our priorities really don't change much throughout the year. We run 4 short cycles every semester and focus on our core lifts of squat, power clean, dead lift, and bench press. During these months, though, we do add gymnastics and self defense (combatives) in the wrestling room.

Westerberg: Our key focus is gaining strength and building mental toughness. It starts in January (we have played into late December the last 3 years) and goes through mid-March.

Nicewarner: We spend the first three months of off-season workouts building mass. We use a low rep-high weight formula on four core lifts; bench, incline, squat, and power cleans. Our auxiliary lifts are a heavy dose of dumbbells and working on flexibility (hips especially). We also spend a lot of time developing the neck and shoulders (concussion prevention). I always try to get our athletes to understand the weight room is as much about injury prevention as it is getting bigger, faster, stronger.

Roth: Whether our season ends late November or early December, it is my goal for the players to get away from football until school resumes in January. In January we set up workout schedules for our players. Nobody is excused from lifting in the off season so it is important for the two and three-sport athletes to have workout times that do not interfere with their spring sports. We emphasize that you can play as many sports as you want but you also need to be in the weight room.

Streiff: My goals for the off season time are building size on the older kids and flexibility as well as joint strengthening in our younger players.

How critical is your off-season strength and conditioning program?

Joseph: We would not have a program at Katy High school without an offseason. We emphasize the need to improve as an overall athlete. Getting better as an athlete should help you become a better football player. Practicing football makes a better football player.

Harshman: It is one of the foundations or cornerstones of our program. We lift year-round and are trying to get stronger and with that we will get faster.

Nicewarner: My famous saying is that championships are won January through July. Results will speak for themselves. I have found there are far more success stories of players who dedicate themselves in the weight room succeeding on the field than those who don't. We are a power run team, so strength is of the utmost importance to us. However, we do spend a significant amount of time on foot speed. I am a firm believer that speed is hereditary but it never hurts to be a step faster than you used to be. We will use the dot pads, speed ladders, and cone drills throughout the entire off season.

Roth: I believe your team chemistry forms in the off season, in the weight room and doing agilities. My main focus in the off season is strength, gaining or losing weight, and building body mass.

When do you test your players to see their progress? Do you compare from previous seasons?

Joseph: We test our players at the beginning of off season, after 6 weeks, and before Spring Training. We compare from test to test from year to year. Also, we test by position every year. Harshman: We test our entire team every four weeks. We do not use any comparison data from previous seasons.

Westerburg: We test at the beginning and then at the end. We have individual testing in the middle on specific lifts. We track their progress throughout their career.

Nicewarner: We test our players every four weeks (12 workouts). I spend an entire week for testing, but still keep up our auxiliary workouts. Starting in January, we lift lightly and teach technique for about three weeks and then will max out for a baseline. Then we start our 12 workout cycle using low reps with heavy percentages. After about three cycles (max outs), we switch over to a high rep with low percentage workout. Recently, with technology, I have the results of past years at my fingertips so I've used it to show progress from previous years. I would highly recommend using an iPad or tablet to record your data.

Roth: We test our players normally after an eight week cycle, depending where Mardi Gras and Easter holidays fall. We grade each cycle comparing their progress from the last lifting period.

Streiff: We test every nine weeks in our class.

When and how do you evaluate your assistant coaches? Is there a procedure in place?

Joseph: The assistants are evaluated at the end of the football season and finalized at the end of year. There is a KISD system in place, and a Katy High School Football evaluation done.

Westerburg: I have a one on one meeting with each of them at the end of the year. This usually occurs in December or January.

Nicewarner: I am extremely fortunate to coach with guys who I call my friends. They are very knowledgeable and professional men who take coaching very seriously. Five of my eight coaches are alumni of Bridgeport High School and its football team. As for evaluation, it is very informal. If I don't think a coach is up to the task or isn't doing the job I want them to do then I will tell them. My staff are professionals first and friends second. The assistants are there to coach and that is what I allow them to do. I do not micro-manage them as long as what needs to be accomplished is getting done.

Streiff: I do not have a set procedure I follow for evaluation. I need to be better at this. My staff has been together a long time so we all know what is expected. I do have conversations with our young coaches.

Do you let your assistants evaluate you?

Joseph: No. KISD Athletic Director and Katy High School principal do. All coaches are required to give written input, and are free to voice their opinions orally during evaluations.

Harshman: The athletic director is my formal evaluator.

Westerburg: One question I always ask them is what would they have done differently if they were in my position? I use that as a self-evaluation. We go to different clinics and colleges through the spring.

Nicewarner: No! If they don't like the way I am doing things then I encourage them to speak up (BEHIND CLOSED DOORS). I don't claim to know everything about football and am more than open to different ideas and ways to do things, as long as there is an understanding to not argue or disagree in front of the players. Once we get in the office its fair game, but we never have disagreements out on the field (and my brother is my defensive coordinator so it's tough sometimes).

When do you meet with next year's players? Is there a timeline in place as you get ready for spring practice?

Joseph: We meet after determining test goals and expectations are laid out. Then each player that wants to be a captain for the following year goes through an interview process with me.? Leadership and qualities of leadership are covered.

Harshman: I see them daily throughout the year and there is a timeline for spring and summer activities. The biggest thing for us is to get our guys to be three sport athletes with a winter and spring sport.

Westerburg: We have them year round so we meet every day. We start adding skills to offseason workouts in March and April to get ready for spring ball. We have 30 days to get in 18 practices.

Nicewarner: We never formally meet. The players know when lifting starts and are expected to be there when they can be. We have a small school and have many multiple sport athletes. Unfortunately, we don't have spring ball, but do have a three week period in June when we can work with our players.? We encourage our players to participate and vary practice times to accommodate other sports and work schedules.

Roth: I do not formally sit down with each player, but I am the kind of coach who is constantly among the players. So, sometime in early spring I informally let them know what my expectations are of each one of them in the upcoming season.

What about talking with parents? Do you meet with them to outline the coming months?

Joseph: I meet with all senior parents at the conclusion of spring training. I discuss how each coach has done a comprehensive written evaluation of their son, their projected role, how much playing time can be expected and where they are on the depth chart.

Harshman: We just meet in the fall and have not had spring meetings in the past. I give the information to our kids and they take it home. In addition we have a website, facebook, and twitter account to get the word out.

Westerburg: I don't meet with the parents. I have been at this school 12 years so most know the schedule and expectations. I will meet with the incoming ninth grade parents in the spring.

Nicewarner: We have a few events over the summer months to get the parents involved with the program. We have “senior moms” who generally run the show during the season for a Thursday spaghetti dinners, post game meals and any sign making, pep club activities. My only message to them is everything has to be TEAM oriented. There are no varsity only or senior only activities. We do everything as a team or we do nothing. I also have an end of off season/beginning of football season picnic that allows me to outline the upcoming season and what to expect.

Roth: I have a parent/player jambalaya dinner in early August to inform both players and parents as to what is to be expected of them. Each player receives a handbook and a team contract in which they and their parents must sign. In it, we cover every topic but playing time.

Streiff: We have a call out meeting in mid-April with returning parents and then with incoming freshmen. We give an overview of the program, summer expectations and calendar, and then our parent organization addresses the team.

What assistance do you give to graduating seniors that want to play at the next level?

Joseph: I explain to them and their parents about the following things/processes:

1. Scholarships and what has to be done before their senior year.

A. We? can only recommend.
B. Difficult to play at next level.
C. College coaches - evaluate and decide.
D. Recruiting services - be careful.
E. Formal clearinghouse (NCAA)

https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/student/index_student.html

2. When taking the ACT or SAT, request test scores to be sent to the eligibility center.

3. Complete amateurism questionnaire and sign the final authorization signature online on or after April 1 if you are expecting to enroll in college in the fall semester. (If you are expecting to enroll for the spring semester, sign the final authorization signature on or after October 1 of the year prior to enrollment).

4. Have your high school guidance counselor send a final transcript with proof of graduation to the eligibility center.

5. Questionnaires are sent in and list given to college coaches.

6. Unofficial transcripts are made ready for coaches.

7. Hudl-highlights are made ready.

Westerburg: We have a coach in charge of recruiting and academics that assists them on whatever they want to do.? We sign on average 15 kids a year to play college football at all levels.

Nicewarmer: In addition to filling out questionnaires from colleges, I encourage all my players to attend as many camps as they can. I am not a big combine guy, but do see the benefits. The greatest invention in football has been Hudl. The players can make their own highlight films and send them out to any school they want. I believe it has really changed the recruiting process and has made my job a lot easier.

Roth: I give them an honest assessment at what level I think they can play in college, if at all.? If they think they can play at a higher level I tell them to let the colleges be the judge of that. I will contact college coaches for them. I also tell them about making their own highlight tapes and what college coaches are looking for.

Streiff: I help them connect with schools. I usually encourage those who want to play to find a school first and then, as coaches, we get football involved.?

Running Backs: Hit The Hole Bag Drill with Doug Heslip

American Football Monthly — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 05:00:37 +0000

Watch as Coach Doug Heslip explains and a running back demonstrates this Hit the Hole Bag Drill.

A Quick, Simple, High Rep Progression for Defeating Blocks

American Football Monthly — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 12:28:47 +0000

A Quick, Simple, High Rep Progression for Defeating Blocks

By: Tim Cooper - Defensive Coordinator, Butler University

Provided by: American Football Monthly

Repetitions with four different ways to defeat blocks – the rip, punch, slip and cut techniques – will help improve your overall defense.

One of the many great things about being at Butler University is being centrally located and having so many terrific football programs very close to use as professional development resources. Let's be clear, no one is inventing a new defense. However, there are many different schemes, philosophies, fits, terminology, etc. This is where I think all defensive coaches need to start. You need something to "hang your hat" on. For us it is our base defense, which is a 4-3, cover 4. We know that we can defend any formation, or play, with our base defense. The reason for establishing a base defensive philosophy (system) is because all your individual drills and group work need to be relative to what techniques you use in your system. In other words, practice what you play and get really good at it.

Our linebackers are "fast flow" backers. This simply means that we teach four basic block defeats. All of them involve showing up and surfacing past the blocker. We are not a "2 gap" unit but a single gap defense. The number one basic key in a single gap defense is being able to "clear up" the picture so that the next man can fit off of you. Therefore, you can never get covered up by a blocker. The four block defeats I coach are the rip, punch, slip, and cut defeat techniques. We're going to concentrate on a quick, simple, high rep progression of teaching these block defeat techniques. The progression also incorporates reading a key and understanding leverage relative to a ball carrier.

Teaching of the RIP TECHNIQUE

When "ripping" through a blocker, you must minimize the surface area the blocker can make contact. It is imperative that you run (cross over) and get your shoulders turned downhill. The shoulder turn will decrease the surface area for the blocker. When you "rip" in the first drill of the progression (Diagram 1) there is a slight side step, so you can press upfield (vertical) after you surface through the blocker. The coaching point I emphasize the most is when ripping (with the inside arm) make sure your hand actually crosses your face. This move will make sure there is good shoulder turn.

Diagram 1.

Next we add in the aspect of reading a key and transitioning the eyes to a "down block." The key in this drill is the RB. The LB will read a key to press the line of scrimmage (LOS) either to his right or left. Once he has made his initial key and presses the LOS, he encounters a blocker. This is where he needs to execute a "rip" technique and continue his pursue to the ball. I will set two potential blockers to the LBs right and left with the LB in the middle looking at his key (Diagram 2). Both blockers will come out and attack the LB in the middle. The LBs key will give him the direction of the play and the side that he needs to defeat the down block. In this drill the LB needs to see his key, then transition his eyes to the blocker that he needs to defeat and finally back to the ball carrier.

Diagram 2.

Finally we will use this drill (Diagram 3) to teach pursuit angles and fits, and leverage in relation to the ball carrier. Again, being a single gap, fast flowing LB unit, I do not talk a lot in terms of "gaps."It's about sprinting to the heels of the defensive linemen as fast as we can and making them right.

Diagram 3.

Teaching of the PUNCH

The "punch" needs to be an explosive upward movement that shocks your opponent. In order to do this, there are several coaching points that must be executed. You must start to transition into a power stance, with your inside foot up, and step with the inside foot into the blocker while punching. To achieve maximum power you need to have your arms locked out and finger tips up. I have gone away from teaching thumbs up and elbows in. Now I coach fingers up, heavy hands and lock out. We are not trying to control this block but we are punching and showing up in the next gap.

Teaching of the SLIP

The "slip" is used as a curve ball. For the most part, you have three pitches – fast ball, change up and curve. The "rip" is your fast ball, "punch" is your change up which is what you use 95% of the time. The slip is generally used when blockers are "over reaching" our players out in space. Ultimately, you want to be able to use your speed and athletic ability to make the blocker miss – this is what we call "slipping" the blocker. You will give a hard shoulder fake to simulate a rip then go under the block as tight as you can. We call this a "credit card" position. Your body position will be square and get into a quick shuffle. The point of this is to "stack" the blocker so that he cannot turn back into you. The next step is to quickly transition back into a run and get to the ball carrier with your correct leverage. Again, we don't use this as our number one block defeat technique; however, it does become very helpful when it comes to using alternative techniques to defeat blocks.

The three step teaching progression can be used with all three of the block defeat techniques and some of the steps you can combine techniques. For example, in the "2 on 2" drill, I will instruct the frontside LB to use a punch while the backside/tracking LB will use a rip.

I really like this progression because part of developing good linebacker play is teaching them that playing linebacker is not a world of "absolutes". There is some "gray" area and ultimately you have to get to the ball. I do think it is possible to develop vision and an aggressive attacking mentality in your linebackers. We keep our keys simple. Our motto is "see key – go!" Trust what you see and commit to it.

About the Author: Tim Cooper was named an assistant football coach at Butler University in March, 2010. Now in his sixth season on the staff, he serves as both the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Cooper has also coached at both Miami (Ohio) and Carroll College. He most recently served as a defensive quality-control coach at Indiana. He began his coaching career at DePauw and was a three year starter at the school, earning four varsity letters.

Locking Down a Slot Wide Receiver

American Football Monthly — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 09:25:11 +0000

Locking Down a Slot Wide Receiver

By: Clayton White - Safeties and Co-Special Teams Coach, North Carolina State University

Provided by: American Football Monthly

Learning some techniques and progressions on covering a slot receiver will give you a foundation to improve your one-on-one match up in the slot. There are a variety of drills specifically for man-to-man technique that you can practice.

Offensive coordinators are placing a premium on using spread systems. Therefore, the DB’s have to possess the skills to cover all types of players all over the field. Covering in the slot is a different facet of their craft and needs to be emphasized. Defensive coordinators can be limited when the safeties struggle covering in the slot. They still want to be aggressive by blitzing and disrupting offenses without changing personnel. We use four different techniques and drills that focus on the principles of being efficient in the slot as a defensive back.

1. Catch Technique - This is where the DB aligns at 6-7 yards, staying at that distance with hot feet. He slides to his release staying as square as possible. He then re-routes the receiver with his nose and near shoulder. Having great hand placement and the proper leverage are keys to this technique.

Coaching Points:

• Eyes on thighs of WR.

• 6 yards from the WR.

• Inside leverage (adjustable).

• Inside foot up – outside foot back.

• Vertical release – don’t give any ground.

• Lateral Release – slide technique to keep leverage and stay connected to the WR.

• Hand Placement – One hand down the middle and the other hand on the shoulder. It is based off the direction of his release.

2. Creep Technique – This technique is similar to the catch technique but before the snap, the DB comes down to four yards. This is when the down and distance is very short and you are expecting a short route concept and collision.

Coaching Points:

• Eyes on thighs of WR.

• Start at 6 yards but right before the snap creep down to 4 yards. Use Catch Technique.

• Inside leverage (adjustable).

• Inside foot up – outside foot back.

• Vertical release – don’t give any ground.

• Lateral Release – slide technique to keep leverage and stay connected to the WR.

• Hand Placement – One hand down the middle and the other hand on the shoulder. This is based off the direction of his release.

3. Catch/Creep Technique – This is used on medium down and distances to help match short route concepts. It allows for the DB playing the slot to play aggressively for intermediate routes.

Can also be used during these conditions:

> When there is a post player present.

> In the red zone.

> Vs. a team with a high tendency of 3-step passes.

> Third down and 3-6 (medium) or shorter.

4. Scooch Technique – is pronounced like ‘pooch.’ It is a man-to-man technique where the DB plays off the WR and uses a ‘scooch’ technique which is a short compact kick slide. Once the WR eats up the cushion, the DB puts his nose on him and wins the leverage battle. It allows for the DB playing the slot to be aggressive on deeper routes.

Coaching Points:

• Eyes on thighs of WR.

• Start at 5 yards.

• Inside leverage (adjustable).

• Inside foot up – outside foot back. ?

• Vertical release - take 2 short kick slides between 6-7 yards, no deeper Let the WR eat up your cushion. Use catch technique from here. The goal is to reroute the WR 10 yards before he breaks.

• Lateral Release - slide technique to keep leverage and stay connected to the WR.

• Hand Placement – One hand down the middle and the other hand on the shoulder.

When to use the Scooch Technique:

> Use when there is a post player present.

> Vs. a team with a high tendency of deeper concepts where the routes breaks between 8-10 yards.

> Third down and 7+ yards.

1-Step Release Drill (Diagram 1)

Coaching Points:

• Eyes on thighs.

Stay square.

• Reroute.

• Stay on top.

Speed Release Drill (Diagram 2)

Coaching Points:

• Eyes on thighs.

• Slide-stay square.

• Reroute.

• Stay on top.

Catch Drill (Diagram 3)

An agile bag is placed a half yard behind the DB. The purpose is to let the DB slide and not open up right away.

Coaching Points:

• Eyes on thighs.

• Slide – stay square.

• Reroute.

• Stay on top.

Scooch Drill (Diagram 4)

Use an agile bag first so the DB will not scooch back to far.

Coaching Points:

• Eyes on the coach.

• 2 short kick slides 6-7 yards apart.

• Use catch technique.

Route Break Drill (Diagram 5)

The WR has three options – a five-yard break, 10 yard break, or going vertical. The DB fights the pressure when the WR breaks. The drill should be practiced in both directions.

About the Author: A three-year starter at linebacker for North Carolina State, Clayton White just completed his third year as safeties coach and co-special teams coordinator for the Wolfpack. He previously coached at Connecticut, Western Kentucky, Stanford, Western Michigan and Western Carolina. White also played in the NFL for both the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Conditioning for an Aggressive, Up-Tempo Offensive System

American Football Monthly — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 12:08:55 +0000

Conditioning for an Aggressive, Up-Tempo Offensive System

By: Scott Salwasser - Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach • Formerly at University of California

Provided by: American Football Monthly

Up-tempo offenses have become more and more popular at all levels of football and whether this is your team's offensive philosophy or not, chances are that there are several teams like this in your conference or on your schedule that you must prepare for. Before we can begin to discuss the particulars of conditioning for an attacking, fast-paced style of play such as the up-tempo offense, we have to take a look at the dynamics of a typical football game and how we try to alter those dynamics based on style of play. Finally we will look at what it takes to prepare physiologically and psychologically to perform at the highest level in this type of system.

The first question we have to ask ourselves is what are we getting ready for? Last year, among all FBS teams, the median number of plays run per game was 73. At Cal we ran 85 plays per game, which was tied for 6th in the country. The top 5 teams were all similar philosophically to us, with the top team running 90 plays per game. Since a typical drive consists of on average 5-6 plays, we are already looking at having to be prepared for an extra 2+ drives per game. Additionally, the average rest time between plays in a typical game is just over 30 seconds, while our goal is to run the next play in under 2/3 this time. That is, approximately 20 seconds so immediately we are talking about more total plays with significantly less recovery between them. Obviously, the time per play, from snap to whistle, will be relatively constant at roughly 5 seconds.

As we begin to narrow the focus even further we know that within these time constraints, each position will be performing radically different tasks. For instance, linemen won't cover as great of a distance but will work against a large resistance the entire play. Skill position players will cover a vastly greater distance at drastically higher speeds. Big skill position players will obviously fall somewhere in between. "Sport specific" is a bit of a misnomer in the football sense as most of the differences take place at the positional level, and must be accounted for.

Finally, beyond just positional differences, we must look at the function of specific positions within the context of the role that they serve in an offensive playbook. For instance, when we look at our GPS data vs. that of a team that runs a more "traditional" offensive scheme over the course of a similarly designed practice, we see that our receivers are accumulating almost double the volume of total yards and, more importantly, high velocity yards, as their peers. This is a result of not only tempo of play but also different routes, patterns and responsibilities. Since all of the above must be taken into account when looking to prepare a team for this style of play, how do we go about putting together a plan?

The first thing to remember is the importance of output; that is, qualities such as strength and speed. There is no level of conditioning that will help a team that is far too slow or weak to begin with. A faster team will have a greater speed reserve. For instance, a 4.4 receiver can play at 4.6 and still beat the "in shape" DB running a 4.8. Obviously this is strictly in terms of running speed, not taking into account instincts, football skill, etc.

Therefore, we have to always keep in mind while striving to be the fittest team in the country that we must also develop their strength and speed qualities in order to be ultimately successful. We can't just run them into the ground and disregard output quality and quantity. If an athlete were a car, this would be their engine. For us this means taking time out of the year to focus on lifting heavy on basic compound movements such as squat, clean and bench, running fast, both linearly and multi-directionally, and jumping high and far, with sufficient recovery to do each maximally.

Next, we have to have a thorough understanding of the dominant energy systems at play in a football game. Yes, in isolation, a football play is anaerobic. However, when strung together over the course of multiple minute long drives and several hour long games, there is a significant aerobic component. Aerobic training has gotten a bad rap in football circles over the years because it doesn't always look to the casual observer like guys are "getting after it" but it is essential to performance as it is a crucial factor in your team's ability to recover between plays and series.

Think of this as the athlete's gas tank - it provides fuel for the engine. I am certainly not advocating sending your team out on 5k runs, since as previously mentioned, we must keep in mind that they are power athletes. For us, a common means of aerobic training are tempo runs, which for example, could simply consist of an athlete continuously running the length of the field at roughly 70% effort, then walking the width for recovery before immediately repeating. This allows us to stay in our target heart rate zone for aerobic development. While we have the luxury of heart rate monitors, they are not a necessity. Just keep your athletes breathing hard without getting heavy in the legs. They should be able to maintain the same speed over each repetition with the same level of effort. There are many other appropriate ways to develop aerobic capacity, such as medicine ball circuits or MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) which we've used successfully with our linemen to get them extra conditioning while sparing them the structural stress of extra running. Even sled pushes can be Aerobic. It's all about working within a specific heart rate zone (moderate intensity) but emphasizing duration and/or volume.

An athlete lacking aerobic development will over-rely on their anaerobic system and burn out sooner, quickly finding themselves fatiguing more with each play and seemingly unable to "get their legs back." However, an athlete with sufficient aerobic capacity will be able to recover over the course of the game and seem to always have that extra burst when they need it, like an afterburner on a jet, since their anaerobic system has been sufficiently refueled.

Once athletes' have developed this ability to recover over the course of multiple high intensity repetitions, they will be able to more fully reap the benefits of specific conditioning. This type of conditioning is fairly simple. Just match the work-to-rest ratios that you want to play at and gradually add repetitions each session. This is also a good time to address the pattern specific differences between positions.

For example, we will separate the team first into offense and defense, and then by position, with each position given different patterns to complete. Receivers have the greatest distance to cover (typically 30-35 yards) while offensive linemen have the shortest (typically 15-20 yards). DB's backpedal while LB's lateral shuffle for part of their pattern, etc. They all have to accomplish their unique pattern in 7 seconds and they get roughly 20 seconds of recovery between plays, based on our desired pace offensively.

By alternating between offense and defense each drive, they get approximately 6 minutes between series which is in line with what they will experience, on average, on game day. We are training the athletes' aerobic gas tank to efficiently pump fuel to their anaerobic engine so the athlete can "floor it" for a powerful 5-7 second effort, or one play, and then repeat over and over again without losing output.

Another important component that is often emphasized during speed development then suddenly forgotten during conditioning is movement quality. The brain treats the ability to execute a specific movement pattern under fatigued conditions as a separate skill than performing the same pattern when fresh. Therefore, just screaming at an athlete to go faster or harder is not enough. We must also demand and coach a high level of movement execution regardless of how grueling the conditioning session is. Only coaching effort will result in sloppy movement patterns that will result in injuries when the athlete becomes fatigued in live action.

For instance, we treat the aforementioned drill as a competition between offense and defense, but in order to score a point each position must not only complete their pattern in 7 seconds but they must complete it with correct technique and execution as judged by a coach assigned to that position group, who will either give them a thumbs up or down. If every position on that side of the ball gets a thumbs up, then a point is awarded.

The last, but certainly not the least, factor is the psychological component of preparation. We preach mental toughness and the ability to be relentless in the face of any and all forms of adversity, including the challenging training regimen required to perform in this type of scheme. But in order for this mindset to fully take root in a team, it requires far more than just torturing kids during conditioning and screaming at them to push harder.

It requires creating an honest belief among the ranks that the potential reward of this type of training outweighs the temporary discomfort of challenging the body. Our team wears shirts that proclaim proudly "Toughest Team Wins," and fully believe that this is our advantage as a team. We believe in emphasizing tempo in everything we do, including hustling between pieces of equipment in the weight room. We want to move at a NASCAR pace because we don't think our opponents can continuously keep up with us, due largely to our preparation, physically and mentally.

Every team will likely encounter this pace of play multiple times over the course of a season and should be prepared to handle it. This requires thorough development by creating strong, fast, powerful athletes with robust work capacities that execute complex movements technically and efficiently even when fatigued and have a resilient mindset forged in a thorough belief in the process of their preparation.

To conclude the car analogy, we don't want only a dragster's power or a Prius' economy. Rather, we want the best of both, with a confident, focused driver behind the wheel.

About the Author: Scott Salwasser recently joined the strength and conditioning staff at Texas Tech. He had previously been the assistant strength and conditioning coach for four seasons at the University of California. Salwasser has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of California-Davis and a Master's Degree from Sacramento State.