Coaches Insider

Identifying Culture Within Your Environment with Jeff Earls – Penn State Univ.

Nike Coach of the Year Clinics — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:20:44 +0000

Watch as Coach Jeff Earls explains that at Penn State, culture is more than just a slogan, it's a daily commitment. He stresses the importance of intentionally addressing your culture, noting that while it can often be overlooked, it's one of the most critical factors in achieving success. Coach Earls breaks down eight different types of team cultures, outlining their pros and cons, and puts a spotlight on what defines a true championship culture. He shares six key components: credible leadership, a clear and compelling vision, strong core values, a defined standard of behavior, committed and unified team members, and aligned systems. He concludes by reminding us that no matter your role, everyone contributes to building and sustaining a championship culture every single day.

QB Drill Work and Fundamentals with Mike Yurcich – Penn State Univ.

Nike Coach of the Year Clinics — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:19:23 +0000

Watch as Coach Mike Yurcich breaks down quarterback fundamental drills and read drills. He covers key basics like keeping the right foot under the right armpit, staying upright with a still head, using the core for stability, bracing with the left knee, setting the ankle-eye to align with the target, and adopting a "let it rip" mentality. Coach Yurcich also walks through several drills designed to enhance quarterback skills, including the easy hitch, easy elway, hard huff, easy combo, easy run-up, easy reclaim, and more.

Weekly Structure – Game Planning, Practice Scheduling, and Drills with James Franklin – Penn State Univ.

Nike Coach of the Year Clinics — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:18:49 +0000

Watch as Coach James Franklin discusses the core values that drive his program. He emphasizes that core values and beliefs should remain unwavering and explains that while their four key values are football-specific, they are also designed to help players build habits that will benefit them in all areas of life. The core values are maintaining a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, competitiveness, and a willingness to sacrifice. Coach Franklin highlights that sacrifices might include getting proper rest, eating nutritious foods to fuel your body, and avoiding distractions like parties the night before a big game in order to stay focused on your goals.

D-Line Fundamentals and Drills with Kenny Martin – Univ. of Central Florida

Nike Coach of the Year Clinics — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:17:28 +0000

Watch as Coach Kenny Martin dives into the key elements of developing dominant defensive linemen. He focuses on critical fundamentals like blow delivery, foot drive at the point of contact, gap control, block destruction, athleticism, and pass rush technique, all essential for building a disruptive and effective D-line.

Implementing Special Teams Situations in Practice with Brian Blackmon – Univ. of Central Florida

Nike Coach of the Year Clinics — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:16:04 +0000

Watch as Coach Brian Blackmon discusses the importance of special situations in the game and how they approach them on special teams. He explains that their mission is to create field position advantages and deliver game-changing plays to help the team win. Coach Blackmon also highlights how today’s athletes often need to understand the “why” behind what they’re doing in order to fully grasp the purpose of each play and movement. He emphasizes the impact of starting field position and shares how they find ways to practice special situations despite a tight schedule. One example is their approach to the tight punt. During fall camp, they incorporate it in the final stages of install, with punters working on it beforehand. In-season, it’s practiced during the final session of the week to keep it sharp and game-ready.

QB Development with Chip Lindsey – Univ. of Michigan

Nike Coach of the Year Clinics — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:15:32 +0000

Watch as Coach Chip Lindsey breaks down what makes a quarterback effective and the drills that help develop those skills during spring practice. Quarterbacks work on mechanics and decision-making through a variety of individual drills. One is the “drop the line” drill, which sharpens footwork and timing. Another is the “wave drill,” where QBs practice locating their target and positioning their body for accurate 10-15 yard throws. Lindsey also highlights the “run-up throw” drill, which simulates pocket movement and teaches quarterbacks how to escape pressure and extend plays.

Chip Lindsey was previously a coach at Univ. of North Carolina and Univ. of Central Florida.

RB Play and Beating the 2nd or 3rd Level Defender with Tony Alford – Ohio State Univ.

Nike Coach of the Year Clinics — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:14:20 +0000

Watch as Coach Tony Alford takes a deep dive into the intricacies of player skill development, focusing on what it takes to excel at second- and third-level running. He emphasizes the importance of technique, timing, and decision-making, with a key objective in mind: forcing defenders to become stationary targets. By mastering these elements, players can create opportunities in open space and gain a significant edge in the run game.

Developing the Tight End Position with Kevin Wilson – Univ. of Tulsa

Nike Coach of the Year Clinics — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:13:56 +0000

Watch as Coach Kevin Wilson breaks down football positions in the run game, explains the “Difference” drill on the board, and demonstrates the Circle Bar “Difference” Fit and Drive Drill. He emphasizes the importance of teaching players to run through contact and shares a blocking progression he developed called the “Stretch Angle Blocks” drill.

Teaching Progression for Competitive Excellence with Ryan Day – Ohio State Univ.

Nike Coach of the Year Clinics — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:12:47 +0000

Watch as Coach Ryan Day emphasizes the importance of how you teach your players. He shares that he strives to teach in a way similar to a classroom teacher, stressing the need to stand in front of your players and make eye contact. He also highlights the significance of arranging the room in a way that promotes learning. When installing a play, Coach Day insists that he and his staff explain it in a clear, concise, and effective manner. He believes that if players can teach coaches and explain the details of a play, it’s a great way to assess whether they truly understand it.

Drop Back Concept & Screen Drill with Garrett Riley – Texas Christian Univ.

Nike Coach of the Year Clinics — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:11:07 +0000

Watch as Coach Garrett Riley discusses intermediate pass concepts and a screen drill.