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Post by coachdoug on Jul 14, 2013 13:09:10 GMT -6
My thoughts are you should be able to make those MMP kids at least able to contribute to a team in the course of the season. The parents aren't shelling out their money so their kid hates the sport and sits on the bench. That being said, platooning would be the WORST idea in my opinion. A all MMP offense will go three and out every time against the 1s and defense will be a nightmare. I think you'd be okay with sub DBs one series, sub lbs the next one, sub Dline the next time, all 1s next time etc.On O you can sub X/Y/Z one series, 2 linemen next series and you can always change up the backs. The most I would do would be a MMP backs and 2 linemen. Because its not fair to put all 11 weak players out there. The backs will literally get creamed every time. It would be best to have a few decent players out there too to offset them, usually this works pretty well. Plus the kids get to play a good amount(15+plays) so everyone wins. I don't think you really understand what he's suggesting. We did the MPP offense for a few years a while back and it really worked out pretty well. We didn't put 11 MPPs out there all at once (thankfully we didn't have that many MPPs) - I think we put 7 of them out there in all the line positions plus a backup QB. We kept a couple starting RBs on the field, and moved one of our starting linemen to FB. We also didn't run our regular offense with this group - we ran a double-tight wishbone with this group and gave them a small package (4 or 5 plays) that they practiced every day. Consequently, they got pretty good at running them and then had a lot of success running this package in games. They took a lot of pride in their unit - the didn't feel like a bunch of minimum play misfits, but an integral part of our success. Our promise to them was that when they went in, they would stay in as long as they were getting first downs - they wouldn't come out just because they completed their minimum plays - even in a big game. We also put them in late in blowouts, so they ended up playing a lot. In most games they got at least one first down, and often several - scoring on a number of occasions. In most games they got their plays done in one series, or at most in two series. The only real negative was when we played much better teams - in our playoff loss, they failed to get a first down, so they went out 3 times, costing over one full quarter of offensive production. I generally try to avoid putting MPPs in on defense, especially in the secondary and usually not even at LB. Interior defensive line is where I generally try to hide and protect the weakest players if they absolutely need to play on defense, but if we can get them all done on offense, that if far preferable.
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Post by coachdoug on Jul 6, 2013 0:50:33 GMT -6
One of the things I do is script out the first 10 offensive plays. I can then maximize the number of subs in the game on each play. For instance, if I'm running outside zone from our base 2x2 spread, I can sub all 4 receivers and probably our backside tackle. If I'm running a sweep, I can sub the backside G and T, and 2 backside receivers. I often get 2/3 - 3/4 of our minimum plays completed in the script and we often run all 10 plays in our first offensive series.
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Post by coachdoug on Apr 3, 2013 8:46:19 GMT -6
Yes, well. We have woefully underfunded sports teams and high-quality public education. We also aren`t in the business of exporting kids to other schools to tidy up the racial demographics or forcing kids of wildly varying ability to sit in the same room and learn the same stuff. If that means playing in tattered uniforms I'm cool with that. Just curious - where are you and what is the "zoo"?
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Post by coachdoug on Mar 23, 2013 19:15:35 GMT -6
Good luck, coach. Putting together your staff is one of the most important, and often most overlooked things a head coach must do. Hope it goes well for you.
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Post by coachdoug on Jan 31, 2013 8:00:54 GMT -6
I think it's too much for that age level. You list 7 or 8 plays that you intend to run 3 times or less per game. That's an awful lot of practice time for very little return. I would dump the following from your list: - Either Slants or Slant/Wheel - you don't need both. - Replace Bubble with Smoke - MUCH easier for kids that age. - Get rid of at least one (probably two) of Power Pass, Bootleg, Verts and Kansas. You don't need cover beaters at that age level - you need simple play action and to attack different areas, mostly the flat and one that goes deep. Keep it simple. - Double Dive - as someone else pointed out, it's a very expensive install. If you're going to run Double Dive or any type of option, you should go all in and make it the focus of your offense. There is no point in "dabbling" with it with this age group. - Iso - I don't think you really get much from Iso at this age level that you don't get from Power. I also think that is a lot of formations for that age level. I coach 8th graders, and we use 4 formations, but they're all really just variations of our base 2x2 spread, so it's really just one formation. For 8-10 yr olds, one or two formations with some adjustments tags is more than enough. Finally, I think your estimates of how many times you'll run each play need to be reviewed - if you add what you listed, you expect to get off 55-60 offensive plays per game. That is EXTREMELY unlikely at that age. The average 8-10 yr old game has about 35-40 offensive snaps per team (maybe less - most of my experience of 20 yrs is with older kids). Yes, you'll get a few more if you're no huddle, but the other team will likely slow down in response and I've never seen officials consistently enforce the 25 second clock at that level. If you do well and blow teams out, you'll be in a running clock situation too often to get in that number of plays - if you don't do so well, you won't hold on to the ball and get enough first downs to get that number of plays - if the other team plays slow, you won't have any chance. For planning purposes, expect to get 40 snaps per game (45 per game at the absolute most, but 35 would make more sense - it's easier to add to your plan than to take away). JMHO.
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Post by coachdoug on Jan 21, 2013 8:01:43 GMT -6
Doug I cant find it either- it was put out by Michigan State It said kids playing X sport quit playing the sport by age 14, they never play it in High School Nationwide- when you look at leagues- the biggest numbers are at the youngest age levels As the kids age up, you see fewer and fewer teams Where I am many of the larger organizations have twice or even three times as many youngest age teams as they do oldest age teams While football ISNT for everyone, I feel very strongly that with better coaching these numbers could improve significantly. Ive coached in 5 different leagues- different areas and demographics and had significantly better results than those who came before me as well as those that came after me-so yes I know it can be done. You can retain all your kids, have fun, teach great fundys, get reasonable playing time for all AND win, they arent mutually exclusive when done correctly. Yeah, that sounds familiar, too ... I read that study a long time ago. 70% attrition by age 14 still sounds awfully high, but if they're counting every kid that ever played any level starting at Mitey Mite, I guess I can see it. Heck, even if you had 90% retention every year, you'll only have about half your Mitey Mite kids still playing by the time they reach Midget level (and less than half by the time you get to the frosh level). Nonetheless, I think that while the statistics sound alarming, there is a certain amount of "statistical manipulation" and the attrition rate once the kids get to HS is even higher, as I demonstrated in my earlier post. I agree that we can do better and we should all strive to do better, but 50 freshman ending up as a senior class of 15 is probably going to remain the norm for the foreseeable future.
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Post by coachdoug on Jan 21, 2013 2:00:20 GMT -6
Just a word of clarification about the "70% of youth players never play in H.S." stat that we've all seen quoted here a zillion times. I found that number to be somewhat unbelievable when I first heard it - after all, my 8th grade teams typically had similar retention #s going into H.S. as they did from one youth level to the next (i.e. 90%+). I talked with numerous other youth coaches and was told the same thing from all of them. So, I went back and reviewed the actual study (from Mich St in the late 90s/early 00s, IIRC, although I can't seem to find it again now), and what it said was 70% of youth players never play VARSITY football in HS. I suspect that most youth programs see 80-90% or better retention from youth to Frosh ball, but that the majority of attrition actually takes place at the HS level. A small (and admittedly, not scientifically valid) survey of local high schools seems to validate that - most have frosh teams with 50-60 players, but Sr classes at the varsity level of 15-20 players - there's your 70% attrition right there. That doesn't mean the HS coaches are doing a bad job nor should they "be ashamed at the fact that 70% of (their) players ... quit." The reality is that the majority of kids try a number of sports and other activities when they're younger before deciding to concentrate on one or two by the time they're juniors in HS. Heck, that happened with me - in the 8th & 9th grade, I played Football, Basketball, Baseball, and was in band and a percussion ensemble. By 10th grade, I dropped Basketball and all the musical stuff, and by 11th grade I was only playing football. Football isn't the right game for everyone, and a lot of kids are going to pick something else as they go through HS. As youth coaches, we're doing a good job if most of our kids love the game enough to try frosh ball once they leave us, but if most of those kids dont' stick with it through Varsity (and statistically, most won't), it doesn't mean we or the HS did a bad job - it's just the way it goes.
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Post by coachdoug on Jan 8, 2013 0:14:42 GMT -6
I know one of the guys on the staff. They coach in Monroe, CT AYF. Yes, they have had a ton of success - 4 consecutive NE championships, 4 consecutive undefeated regular seasons. 1 yr as national runner-up and a couple losses in the national semi-finals (I think).
Anyway, they are legit. A guy I played HS ball with is on the staff there. From what I understand, the HC got talked into putting together a DVD system by an "Internet Marketer" and didn't maintain the type of control he should have over the final product and the manner in which it is marketed. The result was a lot of ridiculous claims and cheesy marketing tactics. As I understand it, the HC is pretty embarrased by the way the whole thing came out. I'm not really sure how good the materials are, but they certainly have the records and credentials to warrant checking it out.
If you want to check out the team, do a Google search for Monroe (CT) Lions AYF (2012-Jr Mid; 2011-Pee Wee; 2010-Jr. Pee Wee; 2009-Jr. Pee Wee? or maybe Mitey Mite?).
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Post by coachdoug on Nov 25, 2012 2:13:17 GMT -6
Congrats, coach. You did a great job this year!!
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Post by coachdoug on Nov 1, 2012 12:24:45 GMT -6
We played in our league championship game last Saturday night. We were 8-1 and facing a 7-0 team that we lost to, 36-6, in the final game of the regular season. We made a bunch of defensive adjustments from the first game. I was very confident that we could score at least 30 against them - the big question was whether we could stop them. We kicked off and they drove right down and scored. The big play of the drive was a 30-yd pass play to their TE on a simple out, but our CB (who's sole responsibility against that formation is to cover that TE) had his nose in the backfield and just let the TE run right by him. 8-0 them. We get the ball and go 3 & out. They march down the field again and score. 14-0 them. I call the team over and remind them about maintaining our poise and playing our game. We get the ball and drive down the field and score 14-8. We onside, recover, and immediately punch the ball in and take the lead, 16-14 (the first time our opponent had been behind all season. They score again, 20-16 them, and then get another one right before halftime, augghh, we're down 26-16 at the half.
We make a couple defensive adjustments at halftime and reminded the kids that we're doing well offensively - just keep scoring and if we tackle and play our assignments properly on defense, we should be able to win this game. We get the second half kickoff and immediately throw a pick-six. Now we're down 34-16. After another TD by them we're down 42-16. A lot of teams would have fallen apart at this point, and just quit and mailed it in the rest of the game. I was so proud of my boys - they battled and fought back. We got back on track offensively and scored to make it 40-24, then we got a turnover and marched back down the field and scored on the first play of the 4th quarter to make it 42-32. At this point, we have momentum and I'm feeling like we have a pretty good chance to win. We bottle them up on a couple of plays then we're in perfect position to stop them on a sweep play to their fastest RB - three different guys are in position to tackle him in the backfield for a loss, and all of them miss and he breaks free and goes about 50 yds for a TD. 49-32 them. We roared back, again, though and scored to make it 49-40, and again, I felt that we had momentum and we could win. But, again, we just couldn't stop them. They scored once to make it 57-40, stopped us, scored again to make it 65-40, but we still didn't give up, scoring one last time for the final score of 65-48.
Who's ever heard of 113 pts in a Pop Warner game?? If you have told me before the game that we were going to score 48 points, I would have said that's crazy, but I would have guaranteed we would win the game. We haven't been dominant on defense all year, but we've been solid (averaging right around 1 TD per game against our starters) - I never would have dreamed that we would give up 65 points to anybody. Holy smokes. I'm pretty upset about our defensive incompetence, but I'm so proud of our guys for hanging in there and never giving up. They battled the whole game.
After the game, we went to a local restaurant to drown our sorrows. About 1/3 to 1/2 of the team was there along with their parents. I was the last one to show up (dealing with collecting equipment at the field, then sending out a bunch of text messages before I went in). When I walked in, all the players and parents there gave me a round of applause. I was totally not expecting that - I was really touched; I {censored} near cried.
Our results for the entire season:
Win 26-12 Win 32-18 Win 30-8 Win 30-27 Win 41-20 Win 33-6 Win 36-12 Loss 36-6 Playoff Win 42-18 Championship Loss 65-48
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Post by coachdoug on Oct 28, 2012 13:21:16 GMT -6
Congrats coachbuck. 108 pts in a youth game? That's crazy!! Did it go to overtime, or did y'all just score that many in regulation? We had a similar experience in our league championship game, except the outcome wasn't so happy. We lost 65-48. 113 points - all in regular. It was a fun game, but I was very disappointed that our defense played so poorly. Our offense was amazing though - our opponent's defense hadn't given up a single TD to any other opponent all season. We were down at one point 42-16, but our kids never gave up and kept battling back. It was a helluva an effort - I was really proud of our kids. I just can't believe 48 points wasn't enough.
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Post by coachdoug on Oct 28, 2012 11:39:36 GMT -6
I ALWAYS give the offense more time. Of course, all of our drills have both an offensive and a defensive component, so we give roughly equal time to both sides of the ball through indys & group work, but team sessions are probably 80/20 or 70/30 in favor of offense. Offense is much more complicated with many more assignments to know, whereas defense is much more read & react - you don't need to spend nearly as much time in team sessions.
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Post by coachdoug on Oct 10, 2012 12:09:20 GMT -6
The one thing that is clear to me from both this and other threads is that you need to be a HC. There is nothing wrong with that - a lot of us are like that. Obviously it drives you crazy to see other coaches making mistakes (or, at least what you deem to be mistakes), especially if you perceive that those mistakes affect you or your team. So, next year, instead of getting frustrated by your HC and DC, put in to be the HC yourself and then you can make all the decisions and be responsible for everything. I've been an assistant several times myself and every time I go through the same thing and eventually come back around to having to be the person in charge. In the meantime, you just have to respect the lines of authority and chain of command. Good luck.
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Post by coachdoug on Oct 10, 2012 11:39:56 GMT -6
I feel your pain, cb. Pulling together a competent, cohesive staff is one of the toughest, most overlooked things in coaching. It is further complicated in your case by the fact that you're not the HC. I guess that is the first thing you need to correct next season - the only way you can really have any control over the staff is if you are the HC. If you are unable or unwilling to do that for whatever reason, then I think you have to accept the situation to a certain extent.
Even as the HC, I have struggled with assistant coaches in the past. What I did this season was to tell all my prospective assistants up front that I have my own systems and schemes and we're going to run it my way. It is not a democracy and initially I'll do everything myself. If and when (but only IF) assistants started to show that they understood my systems/schemes and how I wanted them implemented, then and only then would I delegate them any additional authority and responsibility. I probably came across as a bit of a prick at first, but ultimately I think it's the way to go - I've had far fewer problems this season than any previous season I've coached, by far.
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Post by coachdoug on Oct 8, 2012 7:45:45 GMT -6
Tough situation, coach. Just tell the kids how you intend to things - positive and focus on fundamentals, etc. Don't criticize the guy that's gone - just focus on what you want to do going forward, then do what you say. Like coachsmyly said, be positive and focus on teaching and you should do okay.
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Post by coachdoug on Sept 28, 2012 10:33:40 GMT -6
I'm not sure just quitting sends a very good message to either your son or any of the other kids on the team. However, I do understand your frustration. If you're at the point where ready to jump ship, I would have one final sit down with the HC and issue him the ultimatum that either you be allowed to run the offense as you see fit or you'll have to resign, but you can't have him continually undermining you. Then it will be his decision.
Good luck.
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Post by coachdoug on Sept 27, 2012 7:57:38 GMT -6
This is where it really pays to have a good parents meeting pre-season and go over your rules for all this sort of thing. Then you can simply remind the offending parent that everyone was told that parents are not allowed to interact with their child during practice unless there's an injury and the parent is invited on the field by a coach. If you haven't done that, you may want to call a parents meeting now and review some of your rules with them. You cannot allow parents to pull kids from practice to administer their own discipline.
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Post by coachdoug on Sept 27, 2012 7:53:29 GMT -6
I never just get rid of anyone without having a serious sitdown meeting with them first. You just never know what is really going with someone until you do that. In some cases there may be extenuating circumstances that you don't know about. In other cases, the problem person may not be aware of just how out of line they are and how serious it is, but will make a turnaround once they become aware, etc, etc. It doesn't sound like that's the case here, but I would sit him down and explain what you've seen, why it's unacceptable and what the consequences will be if the inappropriate behavior continues. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to have a written document to commemorate your conversation and have him sign it, although that really isn't necessary.
Good luck.
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Post by coachdoug on Sept 23, 2012 20:11:00 GMT -6
The thing I saw was that your LB wasn't filling on the Jet Sweep. The DE turned the play in at least some of the time, but that LB was still 5 yards off the LOS, so the RB just stepped inside the DE and then broke back to the sideline away from your LB. I would have your players do the following upon seeing the jet sweep action: DE to the side the motion is coming towards immediately widen a yard or two; LB to that side automatically blitz inside the DE; CB to that side also widen, but stay with WR in pass coverage until he's sure it's not a pass, then maintain outside leverage at all time - he should only make the tackle if he collapses in on the runner from the outside. On the backside, the 2 interior linemen and LB should all be keying the fullback and the BS DE and CB (and LB once he verifies the FB doesn't have the ball) should all be looking BCR. In general LBs and CB should cross key once they see flow away - i.e. if the play is going away from them, they should locate the far WB, WR, or whoever is on the other side of the formation and verify that they are not coming back their way before taking off in pursuit.
Offensively, I agree that your line needs to hold their blocks longer. You don't have a lot of practice time to make a huge difference in that regard by drilling it on its own, so have a coaches meeting and make the point that all the coaches have to make pushing the kids to play "through the echo of the whistle" on every snap a priority.
I hope that helps.
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Post by coachdoug on Sept 18, 2012 12:20:29 GMT -6
19delta - You played 7 games by Sept 8?? You must have started way back in July. Your season is over before the end of Sept?? Where are you that your season is so early? Alaska?
Nonethless, you're right there - a few small improvements and those 6 point losses will be wins and 2-5 turns into 5-2 or even 6-1. It sounds like you're doing a great job - keep working at it and getting better and the wins will come.
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Post by coachdoug on Sept 18, 2012 11:53:48 GMT -6
Well, at that age they should be mature enough to go "half-rack" (i.e. shoulder pads & helmets) or even helmets only and still get something out of it. However, in my experience even 13-14 yr-olds tend to lose focus whenever they are not in full pads. You're probably better off having the players suit up in full pads and just not do any full contact drills.
If you are set on going half-rack or helmets only, you can still do a lot of your regular practice stuff, just don't take anyone to the ground (and avoid major collisions if you're going helmets only). You can focus on timing, assignments and execution. Run your offense against air (having cones or a fire hose with positions marked out is a good idea to give your players landmarks). You can also run a 7-on-7 passing drill - good for both your passing game and your pass defense.
You can play a flag game for fun, but I doubt your players will get much out of it. I think they'll enjoy the 7-on-7 just as much and get a lot more out of it. You can also focus on conditioning and do a lot of the same things you did back during conditioning week (relay races, deer hunter, sumo, towel game, etc. to make it fun), but I don't really think that's the best use of your time at this point in the season.
If it were me and I felt I had to go with something less than full pads, I would just go half-rack, make sure the players know not to take anyone to the ground, and then run my regular practice session, with the group block for backs & receivers filled with 7-on-7. Everything else would be about crisply focusing on assignments, timing and execution.
Good luck, I hope that helps.
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Post by coachdoug on Sept 17, 2012 17:03:09 GMT -6
Coach, how old are your players? Also, what schemes do you run?
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Post by coachdoug on Sept 17, 2012 15:18:00 GMT -6
We played what I considered to be one of our toughest opponents this weekend. When I scouted them their running back was as big as mine but faster. Our main rb I feel is the best in the league but this guy is a close second. When I scouted him he touched the ball three times and scored three times then they pulled him. All week we preached pursuit by our defense. Defending the cut back and counter. Mid way thru the second qtr we where up 28 to 0. Final score was 50 to 30. They scored when our top six players where out. For the first time I think this team is coming together. This was by far our best game from top to bottom. We dominated every phase of the game. If my team continues to improve like this we will be loaded for bear for the playoffs. Its always fun seeing a team grow and get better. We are now 2-1. I hope I had my one and only humble pie for the year. Good job, coachbuck - keep it rolling!!
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Post by coachdoug on Sept 17, 2012 3:19:09 GMT -6
I'm not sure why no one else is participating in these results threads. I'd love to hear how everyone else is doing. In any event, here's what happened to us this past Saturday:
My team faced the favorite in our league to win the championship. We jumped out in front 16-7 in the first quarter, held a 24-14 lead at halftime, then managed to fall behind 27-24 in the 3rd quarter and into the 4th. We then scored the go ahead TD midway through the 4th qtr, held on defense then ran out the clock to win 30-27. It was thrilling victory and an exciting game for the fans to watch. My QB was 19-27 passing for 258 yards and 3 TDs and 1 pick. Good for a passer rating of 179.9. We're now 4-0. We almost gave the game away with turnovers - 3 turnovers led directly to 3 of their TDs on short fields (33, 32, and 4 yds). Overall we out-first-downed them 19-7, and won the total yardage battle 341-131. We had zero penalties, they had 9. We probably should have won by mercy rules, instead we almost lost. Exciting, fun game. Many of my players had never beaten any team from this program, so it was a really big thrill for them. One of the more enjoyable victories I've been a part of in a while.
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Post by coachdoug on Sept 15, 2012 3:00:21 GMT -6
If I were the head coach I would have no problem with you bringing your concerns to me - I am always happy to explain my decisions to any player's parent - it really makes no difference if that parent is a coach or not, but I generally always explain everything to the coaches anyway. Don't be surprised if the answer is something along the lines of, "Yes, obviously your son can play WB and he would probably do very well there. I get that playing that position would showcase his abilities better. But, you have to remember that we're not here to showcase any one kid - we're here to try to win as a team and I have to make decisions that are in the best interest of the team, not just one player. We've got 3 other kids that can play WB, probably none of them as well as your son could, but they are all serviceable. However, your son is really the only viable option we have at FB, and FB is the key to this whole offense. If I don't have a reliable FB that can make that kickout block consistently, the whole offense goes to hell. I know it's not where your son wants to play, but it's where we need him."
Now, I'm pretty reasonable and I try to be perceptive, so I would like to think that I would have seen this situation developing long before you ever had to come talk to me, so I would have addressed it with your son long ago - asking him to make the sacrifice for the team and promising him (as a thank you for doing so) some carries at WB (or wherever) once we have games under control.
You'll have to use your own judgement as to whether or not talking with your HC is a good idea.
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Post by coachdoug on Sept 10, 2012 23:48:41 GMT -6
I don't start these results threads to brag or cry about my own team so much as to see how everyone else is doing, so please post your results as a reply to this post.
We faced a pretty weak team and jumped out to a 22-0 lead early in the second quarter. From there we didn't want to get to mercy rules (28 pts for us) as that would shut down our ability to run our offense. We put in our weakest 11 on defense and left them in for most of the rest of the game (rotating other players that hadn't played much defense). It took our opponent something like 10-12 plays to score. We tacked on another score early in the second half and they kept turning the ball over (we had 5 takeaways and no giveaways). I put in a RB at QB when we got down to about their 15 to prevent us from scoring. Final score 30-8. We spread the ball around well - completing 11 passes to 7 different players (it would have been 8, but one kid had a drop and we just missed him a couple other times). We also had about 6 or 7 different kids run the ball, including one of our linemen who has a learning disability. It was really cool seeing how excited and supportive the other kids were when we put him in to get his carry. It was a nice moment - we had all the kids sign the game ball and gave it to him.
Next up we have the best team in our league. They will be substantially bigger, stronger, and faster than us. I think we'll be able to move the ball and score some, but I don't know if we'll be able to stop them. Our kids have never seen this kind of speed before and we'll have a hard time simulating it in practice. We'll do our best - I hope we give them a good game.
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Post by coachdoug on Sept 5, 2012 7:16:45 GMT -6
Can I assume these players are equivalent in age to (or are) Pop Warner Midgets? Those weight figures are astounding. Bob: Yes, the ages are 11-14 (most are either 13 or 14) with a minimum weight of 105 lbs and no maximum. I agree, the size of kids today is astounding (and a little alarming).
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Post by coachdoug on Sept 3, 2012 2:17:29 GMT -6
We played our second game on Saturday. Again, I went in almost completely blind. All I knew was that these guys weren't very good last season as Jr. Midgets, and they lost in week 1 by mercy rules to the best team in our league. What I didn't know was that they had added a bunch of big bodies and one good back. The had 4 or 5 players over 200 lbs, including 2 over 250 (I have one kid over 200, and he's about 215).
I was expecting to win this game easily, but I know better than to take any opponent (especially one I have no scouting report on) lightly. Sure enough, our kids came out flat and played like crap in the first half. At halftime we were behind 12-6 after giving up a TD on a long pass then, on the ensuing kickoff, having the ball stripped from our returner and returned it for another TD.
We regrouped and played much better in the second half, outscoring them 26-6 to win 32-18. We did not give up a first down in the second half - they scored when my kicker didn't understand my instruction to pooch the kickoff and their returner took it back for a TD.
We continue to have the dropsies on offense - 8 more this week (that's 14 total in two weeks). Our passing numbers were 4-17 for 149 yards and 3 TDs. If we caught all the drops, our numbers would have been about 12-17 for about 270 yards and 4 or 5 TDs. Our starting center was out and our backups were about 135 and 125 lbs - going up against their 270-pounder. We had about 6 or 7 bad snaps, and it really limited our ability to run the ball between the tackles - they were throwing our center back about 3 yards after every snap. Anyway, if you don't count the bad snaps against our rushing totals, we had 18 rushes for 107 yards. Not great, but not too bad all things considered.
We are now 2-0 on the year and again I know very little about our next opponent, but I am going to try very hard to get a scouting report this week.
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Post by coachdoug on Aug 30, 2012 9:53:36 GMT -6
We played our first game this past Saturday. This is the first year that San Diego Pop Warner has gone to an unlimited division format with the 11-14 yr-olds rather than Midget (with a weight limit of 160 lbs). We have no upper weight limite and a 105 lb minimum. As such, I really had very little idea of what to expect either from our team or from our opponents. Our first game was against a team that had previously played in the AYF league and just switched to Pop Warner this year. As such, I knew they were used to playing with heavier players and probably had a few of them. I also had heard that they had a really good running back. Other than that, I was going into the game completely blind. I knew that my team is not very athletic with marginal overall talent, but a very good QB.
So, anyway, I was very nervous going into the game, and I was prepared to get waxed. I even told my wife not to come to the game because I thought it might be ugly.
We ended up dropping 6 passes and getting way too many penalties (11 overall, I think, of which 5 or 6 called back major gains), and still managed to win 26-12. We were up 26-6 in the 3rd quarter when we emptied the bench and gave up a cheap score. My QBs #s for the day were 4-17 for 113 yards and 2 TDs and no INTs and no sacks. He also had 3 carries for 86 yards including a 63-yd TD scamper. If we caught all the drops and didn't have two nice completions called back for stupid penalities (illegal formation and illegal motion), his numbers would have been something like 12-19 for about 250+ yards and probably 4 or 5 TDs. We had guys running open all night, we just need to get a little better and making the throws and catches. We ran the ball pretty effectively as well, with a total of 29 rushes for 173 yards - not fantastic, but not bad. Overall, I can't complain, though - it went much, much better than I expected.
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Post by coachdoug on Aug 29, 2012 11:45:29 GMT -6
One of the whole points of the method is to buzz the feet and break down into what they call hit position before contact so you're not running full speed at contact - sometimes easier said than done. I don't want to get this thread too off topic....and I don't mean to nitpick, but, there are situations where we do want the tackler to run right through the ball carrier and not "buzz his feet" and there are other situations when we buzz (or shimmy) our feet. In profile situation where the ball carrier has a 1-way go (e.g. the ball carrier is running parrallel to the line of scrimmage towards the sideline) we have the tackler run full speed through the ball carrier. In "shimmy" situations, where the ball carrier has a 2-way go (e.g. open field where the ball carrier is facing you) we will buzz or shimmy our feet. I think the safety issue has more to do with keeping the top of the head out of contact rather than buzzing your feet to slow down before contact. You're absolutely correct, and in re-reading what I wrote, I didn't write it very well. I wasn't trying to say that the point of buzzing the feet was to slow down the tackler to make it safer; I was trying to say that buzzing the feet is a big of what they're teaching and a natural result of that is that the tackler will come under control and get into "hit" position, which allow him to shoot the hands and fire the hips, which will naturally cause the head to stay up and back - away from contact. Of course, there are situations, like you mentioned, where the tackler either can't or won't want to slow down from full speed to make the tackle - in those situations, it is going to be very difficult, if not impossible, to shoot the hands and fire the hips in the manner described.
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