msalazar51
Junior Member
"Believing that 95% commitment is okay results in 100% failure."
Posts: 305
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Post by msalazar51 on Jul 26, 2010 15:55:18 GMT -6
I have searched the boards and can find nothing like this. I am wondering if anyone has done something like this? I have had one Mom that has asked me to do a "Football for Mom's Class" for the past year. I agreed to do two or three evenings if there is a "need" for it. The email went out yesterday, 14 Mom's have signed up...great I am on the hook! Has anyone done something like this before?
I am looking for ideas, help, suggestions. Please, anyone, anything. I am going to contact the head of our Referee's Association and see if he wants to help. Is there any DVDs or book out there that would be good for Mom's?
Thoughts?
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Post by coachd5085 on Jul 26, 2010 17:49:26 GMT -6
Take them through a practice. warm ups..indy, skelly team etc.
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Post by tchsoc on Jul 26, 2010 17:54:59 GMT -6
Good luck, I hope it turns out well for you. Along with coachd5085's suggestions I would start it out with talking about your coaching philosophies and the life lessons and values learned in football that you are trying to teach the athletes as well as winning games. I think that would go along way to humanizing you and your staff to the parents that sometimes have tunnel vision locked in on what is happening for their child.
I would also definitly go into detail of how long it takes to prepare for coaching football so they could see what goes into scouting film, planning practice, evaluating talent, game planning, etc
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cmpd
Sophomore Member
Posts: 136
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Post by cmpd on Jul 26, 2010 18:40:43 GMT -6
Find a document that goes over the basic rules of the game, so when they are watching little Johnny they know what is going on.
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arbond
Sophomore Member
No "philosophy". Just play.
Posts: 103
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Post by arbond on Jul 26, 2010 19:14:59 GMT -6
There have been posts about this, they are in the back pages, probably hard to find though.
I do remember a few suggestions. One was to have a couple of different size helmets there, and maybe some shoulder pads too, to let the mom's try them on - seems to make quite an impact and they have fun with that.
You want to go over some basic terms too - things that are often meantioned, but not discussed, such as: blitz - sack - zone defense vs. man-to-man, the names of some offensive formations (keep it simple though) - 2 minute offense - option.
Rules of the special teams - it seems they can be confusing to the uninitiated. Heck, even the different kinds of special teams would probably be helpful.
Down and distance - seems common to us - but newbies have no clue what is going on with that.
Field position - what do coaches have to consider in different situations at different parts of the field.
And - understand that some moms will of course be totally overwhelmed with all of this - while some will be there that really understand a lot of it already. While some will be shaking their heads in confusion - others will be nodding as if "no sh*t sherlock, get on with it". I think you should, from the very beginning, remind the experienced ones that the purpose is to educate the newer ones. If the experienced ones want to speak up to help convey a message, great, that can be powerful too.
Personally, i would recommend having the atmosphere lean more towards fun - than serious - as you help them learn.
Oh yeah, for obvious - and less obvious reasons - do not bring football pants for them to try on.
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Post by jackedup on Jul 26, 2010 21:22:53 GMT -6
I've read articles about this idea. I think it's a great way to bring in or keep the mom's on your side. Maybe set it up as a "Walk in the Shoes of (your mascot)" camp. Give them a installation meeting. Then take them out and put them through a modified practice. It would be really neat if you had enough of the mom's to learn their son's position. But whatever you do, I would recommend you follow arbond's advice... make it fun.
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Post by lcrusaders on Jul 26, 2010 22:03:13 GMT -6
show them the basic offensive plays vs a defense so they have an idea of what theyre watching
good luck!
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msalazar51
Junior Member
"Believing that 95% commitment is okay results in 100% failure."
Posts: 305
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Post by msalazar51 on Jul 26, 2010 22:43:40 GMT -6
Take them through a practice. warm ups..indy, skelly team etc. This would be too funny! I can't put these women on the field! Some great ideas here! Arbond I think you are right on target and much of what you have put down is on the agenda. It turns out that we put it out there this morning and at the moment 21 Moms have signed up. A local Bar/Restaurant has decided to allow us to use the "party room" with it's video gear. So the girls will be drinking...this is going to be fun! Still looking and listening for suggestions, looks like class will be Thursday Night (July 29) and Saturday. I can't wait!
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Post by endersgame on Jul 27, 2010 0:37:25 GMT -6
the girls will be drinking...this is going to be fun! Don't have TOO much fun, Coach, those "girls" are probably taken! : p
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msalazar51
Junior Member
"Believing that 95% commitment is okay results in 100% failure."
Posts: 305
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Post by msalazar51 on Jul 27, 2010 1:29:20 GMT -6
the girls will be drinking...this is going to be fun! Don't have TOO much fun, Coach, those "girls" are probably taken! : p The term "fun" was sarcasm! Thanks for the vote of confidence.
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Post by endersgame on Jul 27, 2010 2:55:03 GMT -6
No problem, Coach. ; )
But really though, good luck. Talking football to a bunch of 40 year-old women? You're got to be a more patient man than me.
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arbond
Sophomore Member
No "philosophy". Just play.
Posts: 103
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Post by arbond on Jul 27, 2010 5:37:16 GMT -6
Oh....position "responsibilities". Too often new moms just think their son should be running the ball on every play. A little explanation of how it takes 11 guys to help make the ball go forward would be a good idea, and how your son cant always carry it, and why your son might not ever carry the ball. By explaining the responsibilities for each position, you can teach these moms how her son's position is important to the success of the team. That could go a long way towards making your job easier during the season!
And...what type of player is needed at each position. Explaining that the guy that carries the ball a lot - the tailback - needs to be both fast and powerful - and the QB needs to be athletic and smart and a leader - and that an OLineman needs to be bigger, and strong, ........you get the idea.
Yes, your son is fast and athletic and smart and powerful and strong...against his neighborhood friends in your backyard....but........
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msalazar51
Junior Member
"Believing that 95% commitment is okay results in 100% failure."
Posts: 305
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Post by msalazar51 on Jul 27, 2010 7:46:36 GMT -6
Thanks to all you guys, great suggestions! I believe that this will be a good thing. Taking Moms through what it takes to play each position, also discuss the value of role players, i.e., the Junior that see's very little time on Friday night but does a good job on the scout team, etc.
I am also trying to talk the head of our counties referee association to come in and talk to these women. He'll do it if he can in his schedule, he is a "positive PR" guy. That would take up some time. No matter, I am going to have some fun with this.
Still looking for suggestions from you guys...thanks!
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coachriley
Junior Member
"Tough times don't last; Tough people do."
Posts: 406
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Post by coachriley on Jul 27, 2010 13:38:49 GMT -6
Obviously like everyone has said, running through the basics of the game are a must. They are real simple to us now, but we love doing this stuff lol. But more importantly, I second the comment earlier about talking about your coaching philosophy and what your main goals are for the program. I think a lot of those mothers will enjoy hearing that you want to help make their son into a better person.
Of course if they are drinking and start arguing about the offense or whatever, just say the hell with it and kick their a$$ out lol jk
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Post by mattyg2787 on Jul 27, 2010 17:19:55 GMT -6
You'll probably find it'll be a good night. Whatever you do, don't talk down to them for a second. This is going to be the quickest way for the night to turn bad. Take a couple of pads and helmets along and let them look/touch/feel what its like for the kids. Don't go into the finer points of your offense either. The finer points of running a flexbone offense is. Probably not really interesting. Keep the night flowing but give plenty of opportunities for questions. And most importantly, answer every question. If you don't know the answer, get back to them after the fact. Some of the questions will seem almost stupid to anyone who's been playing for years but I've asked most of them myself. Have fun,.looking forward to hear how you go
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Post by coachd5085 on Jul 27, 2010 18:58:27 GMT -6
Take them through a practice. warm ups..indy, skelly team etc. This would be too funny! I can't put these women on the field! Has happened at several places I know of.
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msalazar51
Junior Member
"Believing that 95% commitment is okay results in 100% failure."
Posts: 305
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Post by msalazar51 on Jul 27, 2010 20:25:57 GMT -6
This would be too funny! I can't put these women on the field! Has happened at several places I know of. Really? You have done this before a suited them up? That is too funny! I think I prefer to let them drink!! I will heed the advice of all of you here. I will treat all questions with respect, I will avoid the "finer points" of the game. (Some would argue that I don't know them myself!) I will have a couple of sets of equipment there. I will discuss my philosophy with them and take questions on that. I will put together a vocabulary list for them to have. I will explain, in very basic terms, each position on the field and its value to the team. Then I will ask; "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU TEACHING YOUR SON? WHERE'S HIS MANNERS, RESPECT, AND DESIRE TO SUCCEED?" Probably should leave the last part alone? Yeah, no one suggested that...I won't go there! Keep the suggestions coming, and watch this space to read what happened on Friday!
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Post by coachd5085 on Jul 27, 2010 21:07:23 GMT -6
Has happened at several places I know of. Really? You have done this before a suited them up? That is too funny! I think I prefer to let them drink!! Not full gear (we did the gear thing that was mentioned earlier. Have a couple pairs of clean shoulder pads and helmets to let them try on. They wore their son's game jersey, we took them through some of the warmups/agilities/stretches (if you DON'T do these..might be a nice way to kill some time. Position group indy drills.. then some skelly (off of cards) while the OL/DL did some sled work. Then some team (off of cards), everybody on a knee..blah blah blah....hit the showers
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Post by coachtfry on Jul 28, 2010 5:33:29 GMT -6
I have put on a Football for Moms Clinic several times in the past. I covered offense, defense and special teams. I explained the various rules, general football terminology, how points are scored, etc. The Moms appreciated it and enjoyed the game more after knowing more about what was going on. I have also had referees put on rule clinics for my players to teach them the rules of football. Start by explaining what the neutral zone is and then go into the various position names and responsibilities on both offense and defense as well as rules about eligible receivers, motion rules, etc.
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hoard
Freshmen Member
Posts: 54
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Post by hoard on Jul 28, 2010 8:40:11 GMT -6
Tying into the conversation about what it takes to play each position, could you not also tie into what it takes in the "off-season" to play football? This is a great opportunity to not only educate the moms, but also to get them on your side and act as motivators to get their sons to the weight room and other team activities!
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msalazar51
Junior Member
"Believing that 95% commitment is okay results in 100% failure."
Posts: 305
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Post by msalazar51 on Jul 28, 2010 23:59:54 GMT -6
Tying into the conversation about what it takes to play each position, could you not also tie into what it takes in the "off-season" to play football? This is a great opportunity to not only educate the moms, but also to get them on your side and act as motivators to get their sons to the weight room and other team activities! Off-season stuff is a great idea! Thanks!
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Coach H
Sophomore Member
Posts: 146
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Post by Coach H on Jul 30, 2010 6:16:05 GMT -6
Coach, That is some great stuff.
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Post by gacoach on Jul 30, 2010 17:21:36 GMT -6
We don't have a mom's class but we do invite the dad's in every Monday after a game and we watch the game film with them. They ask a lot of questions on "why was this called at this time" questions. This has really helped in their understanding of the game and they do a lot less second guessing.
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Post by shields on Jul 30, 2010 18:33:07 GMT -6
In addition to suiting them up, I've heard of bringing in an official to discuss calls, etc.
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msalazar51
Junior Member
"Believing that 95% commitment is okay results in 100% failure."
Posts: 305
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Post by msalazar51 on Jul 30, 2010 18:34:59 GMT -6
We don't have a mom's class but we do invite the dad's in every Monday after a game and we watch the game film with them. They ask a lot of questions on "why was this called at this time" questions. This has really helped in their understanding of the game and they do a lot less second guessing. We actually do the same thing and all parents are welcome, every Tuesday. The Freshmen parents come in at 6:30PM, the JV parents come in at 7:00PM, and the Varsity parents come in at 7:45PM. So the freshmen get 30 mins, JV 45 mins, and the Varsity 60 mins. It works out well and it can be a lot of fun. There are some rules but overall it is a great time. The only problem is that the parents you wish should come in don't! Well the class was great, it was a lot better than I had hoped for, I even showed some film in order to explain special teams. It worked great. We had a little food and little beer and the women loved it. It was a great PR event. Can't wait to do it again next year!
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Post by shocktroop34 on Jul 30, 2010 19:16:34 GMT -6
When I was in college my coaches did this for the mom's. They actually gave the mom's a book (see link below). Bag drills, film, suited up...the whole nine yards. Honestly, you can't do too much because they love just being included...one coach even smacked a gal on the backside "for the full football experience." www.lulu.com/product/paperback/football-for-moms/3647046
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Post by pvogel on Aug 3, 2010 1:22:05 GMT -6
"Then I will ask;
"WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU TEACHING YOUR SON? WHERE'S HIS MANNERS, RESPECT, AND DESIRE TO SUCCEED?""
beautiful.
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Post by coachjd on Aug 3, 2010 6:04:48 GMT -6
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Post by blb on Aug 3, 2010 6:13:18 GMT -6
Lou Holtz wrote a book entitled The Kitchen Quarterback when he was at Arkansas that I used for Mom's class. Maybe you can find it at www.amazon.com
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Post by blb on Aug 3, 2010 6:22:02 GMT -6
Used to buy about 50 of those and give them away at our Parents' Meeting but Woodburn stopped printing them apparently.
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