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Post by fcboiler87 on Jul 26, 2014 7:19:57 GMT -6
Our school starts so early that our state restrictions do not allow us to start 2 a days in time. Therefore, we do not have time to do them. That is fine with me, as the school calendar has affected the teams I've coached for the past four years. I really don't see the need for them if you have been efficient with your time throughout spring (if you have it) and summer. We start school next week and we can't even begin practice with a football, we are only allowed to condition.
Heck this summer we really didn't go a whole lot and though we may not be as far along as other teams with install, we are at a good point at the kids are fresh and ready to go. I've been at places where it seems kids have been burned out by the time we hit game 3 because of how much off season stuff we have done. We only have gone 3 days a week all summer with 2 of them being lifting and one being football oriented. Plus we did 2 7 on 7s. Pretty mild summer but these kids are ready to go.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Jul 1, 2014 7:31:09 GMT -6
coachwilcox, I by no means think that I will convince you otherwise, but I can say I have been on both sides of the spectrum. As a DC, I spent tons of time scripting things out. Down, distance, hash, formation, play/play direction and a defensive call to correspond. To be fair and accurate, a few of the scripted calls would be favorable. Some of them put us in terrible positions. Others could go either way. This took an incredible amount of time on top of all the time I already spent scouting opponents, self scouting and drawing scout cards. I would have known no different or better until my HC finally stopped me. He said I want you to try and do this without scripting anything. The scout teams will run the scout cards at you and you will have to make calls based on however things play out as far as field position, etc. Our defense was structured so that the calls you made could often be dependent on where the ball was on the field so this made a lot of sense. I tried it and I loved it before we even got to the field because it saved me a few hours of work on top of the countless other hours I put in (so please do not question my work ethic or time put in). However, from a practical standpoint, it helped our defense to learn to respond to situations they were put in on the fly (even though I hadn't scripted it as such). It honestly helped me more than anything to be able to understand and practice calling our defense. I was forced to think on the fly and consider all situations before I could make a call. Then, not only could we review when something went bad, I could review the call I made to learn from that. I'm going to be in a new situation this year as a DC. I do not plan to script. If the HC tells me he wants me to script things, then I will. No issue, it's his call. If it makes any difference, if I were calling offense, I'd be more likely to script. But again, I would not script a team session. I'd script group periods, inside run and 7 on 7. I'd do this to ensure I run and cover the plays/formations I would want to ensure we work on that week. Team would again become a session where I require myself and the kids to think and adjust on the run with no plan. To me this simulates Friday night. And I will say, even when I did script, it was often a disaster because the ball wouldn't get placed correctly, scout coaches would skip plays accidentally and as a result, things would generally be messed up. To sum it up, I feel best served not scripting. I feel as if it best simulates a Friday night and that is what we are after, in my opinion.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Jun 24, 2014 8:59:30 GMT -6
I read your response and I was thinking to myself... I cannot remember the brand for the life of me. Then I click the link you posted and there it was! I can't recommend that brand based on my personal experience. I'm not saying it won't work, but for how long is really the question. Like I said this model is probably 5-6 years old at this point, but for what you pay for them, it should last longer than that, at least in my opinion. The more expensive model may be better, I do not know. But the wires and everything becomes a real pain. I mean I always had my kids help but it inevitably gets tangled and knotted and it's no fun to deal with. If I were going to purchase a laser timer, I'd definitely prefer it be a wireless one. Obviously there will be a higher cost with that but worth it in my opinion.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Jun 24, 2014 6:35:33 GMT -6
I had an electronic timer at my last school. It was several years old so I replaced batteries and everything to get it working again. When it worked, it was nice, but it was never consistently working. Perhaps the brand just wasn't good, but I could never count on it to be functional. When it was working, I had them run the laser time but also hand timed it. Consistently there was a .2 second difference with the hand time of course being faster. As nice and accurate as the laser timers are, the pain of having to set up the one I had coupled with its inconsistencies and cost, I won't go back. I'll stick to hand timing it and teaching the difference in my time versus a laser timer. As long as it's consistent in how it's measured, it will provide valid enough results for my classes and players.
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Post by fcboiler87 on May 25, 2014 8:18:03 GMT -6
Not sure about costs but I know a school actually had a building donated to them for this purpose. It was an old factory type building and they were either shutting down or didn't need the space and the building just so happened to be pretty much right next to the school so they accepted it, did some renovations to make it work and now have a complete indoor practice facility. Maybe worth looking into.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Jan 22, 2014 11:48:46 GMT -6
We get out at 3. We have several lay coaches so we start practice at 4. We have a study table from 3:15 to 3:45. This is also the time for kids to see the trainer, etc.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Dec 27, 2013 12:54:09 GMT -6
We as coaches watch film of the game we just played on Friday night. We go through it and as we see particular plays that have things that should be pointed out, we write them down. Before film on Saturday mornings, coordinators put together a playlist of what we wrote down from the night before. This will typically be about 15-20 plays. We typically will have notes on them as well. So when we watch film with the kids, we just watch a those select plays and point out things that need attention - some good and some mistakes to correct.
We do the same for opponent film. Defensively I make a playlist of their top 3 run plays out of their top formations and top 3 pass plays. I also incorporate any trick/unusual plays as well. It too will be about 15-20 plays. We watch this with them Monday after school before practice.
By doing it like this we try to reduce the amount of time in the film room but maximize what we are doing with that time. It also serves well to hold attention.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Dec 10, 2013 10:35:46 GMT -6
At a couple places I have been we have turned on the highlight video while we are eating so that saves time from having a separate place for it in the banquet. It made things go a little more quickly.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Dec 10, 2013 8:15:18 GMT -6
Everyone is in the same playoffs in Indiana, spread out over six classes based on enrollment. However, we do have a Success Factor is place now. If a team earns six points over two years they are forced up one class. Sectional title is one point, Regional title, two points; Semi-State, three; State, four. The problem is one good class of kids could put their team in a different class after they graduate. Nevertheless, I think it proved to work pretty well after year one. Private schools only won two of six titles this year, last year they only didn't win one...because they stay out of the biggest class. I agree I like how it worked out for the state this year. But like you said who knows how it could work out down the road for some schools with a good class. Hopefully that will not be a big issue as I think the success factor did a nice job this year.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Nov 18, 2013 8:21:51 GMT -6
When I coached in Kentucky I thought there were a fair amount of TFS teams. It was always fun to watch a good TFS school get after it.
In Indiana, especially in the southern part of the state, the run game is dominant, though choices vary on what type. There is a fair amount of Wing-T teams. There is a fair amount of option making the rounds as well. The spread to pass/TFS type offense really isn't prevalent except for a handful of schools, though it is picking up steam.
Defensively you really see a bit of everything. It seems like our offense was preparing for something different every week.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Nov 12, 2013 9:06:00 GMT -6
If your major work days are Tuesday and Wednesday, have your guys split time. For instance, on Tuesday your OL/DL guy goes to defense, then on Wednesday he goes to offense. During team time they can do both. Doing this could keep you from having to alter your schedule and still get guys work on both sides of the ball.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Nov 10, 2013 13:29:28 GMT -6
We've done push ups and up downs. It drives home a point but at the same time I really don't know how effective it is.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Nov 6, 2013 14:33:34 GMT -6
In Indiana we have 6 classes. We have a very unique set up. Everyone automatically makes the playoffs. Your first round opponent is determined by a draw of ping pong balls, just like the lottery. You are divided into 8 team sectionals (except 5 and 6A which are 4 team sectionals) and that determines your potential draw. We are already two weeks into the playoffs with the sectional championships set for Friday.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Nov 1, 2013 11:25:58 GMT -6
Here, we were able to get in written into the HC's contract that he controls the middle school staffing. In other words, he can hire and fire anyone on staff there. That way, they should be in line or they won't be coaching. That makes a tremendous difference. Then the problem can become finding good people to take on that role.
I don't know that I'd invite him to join you at things, I'd tell him he HAS to be there considering the role that he has.
I'm not really sure what options you have, but keeping him doesn't really seem like one.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Oct 29, 2013 8:10:23 GMT -6
We've always used that if you want to know why your child isn't playing, let's sit down and watch film on him. Never had a parent want to do that.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Aug 30, 2013 11:29:47 GMT -6
we had a kid quit this year becasue he made the first group...too much pressure. We had that happen as well last year. Starting FS. Decided a week before our first game he just didn't like the limelight. Heck of a player too.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Aug 23, 2013 10:41:01 GMT -6
List looks good, coach. I may have missed it in your list but we always bring extra jerseys, one eligible number and one lineman number just in case someone's rips or god forbid they forget it.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Jul 12, 2013 18:50:18 GMT -6
We don't allow any bling for the reasons people have mentioned. However, we had an alum playing in college who actually lost his eyesight in a game due to an injury so we don't have anything against visors.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Jul 12, 2013 18:47:39 GMT -6
Ours is centrally located in Indianapolis. The game is next week. There are usually a few D1 players who do not participate for various reasons but it usually has a good turnout and is an interesting game. I don't always go but I will this year because one of our guys is playing in it.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Jul 12, 2013 18:42:55 GMT -6
There is a program in our conference that only lifts all summer. 3 days a week and that's it. They start practice in August. They have been very successful over the past several years. They have a simple power run scheme and don't worry about 7 on 7 or anything else. I don't know if I could do it but they sure make it work.
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Post by fcboiler87 on May 31, 2013 9:26:45 GMT -6
That is a great write up, coach. I had a coach I worked with who was very religious and would get so fired up on the field. He had a ton of great alternatives for cuss words. I can't remember them all but "you knuckleheads!!" was one of my favorites because he'd usually hesitate while finding an appropriate word instead of what he was probably actually thinking.
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Post by fcboiler87 on May 28, 2013 18:24:59 GMT -6
I am definitely ready. Our first day is tomorrow for summer workouts. We got out of school last Wednesday and let them have a week off before we get started.
On a side note - who did you go through to get the gear? We already have our players packs but those are nice and would be good for next year plus the coaches packs for this year. Thanks.
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Post by fcboiler87 on May 19, 2013 15:00:54 GMT -6
One thing we have done for the scout team is we actually give a varsity letter for 2 scout team members who challenge us daily in practice. So that way even if they never get to see the varsity field, there is motivation for those lower level players to earn a letter.
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Post by fcboiler87 on May 15, 2013 6:06:33 GMT -6
While I would agree with you, John, not all staffs have that ability. What if there just aren't enough coaches or even warm bodies to fill the spots? Then the HC has no choice but to coach a position. In a perfect situation, your instance is how it should be for the reasons you stated. However I doubt that is easily accomplished at the high school level.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Mar 22, 2013 18:13:39 GMT -6
I echo the thoughts on working with other coaches. Of course there are places I have been where some just aren't very flexible and there is little to no working with them. Then you just have to focus on the kids. We are fortunate at our school not a lot of kids do this, though of course some do. Our coaches all work well together because to be honest there isn't a lot of talent in the school despite our size being very reasonable. We know we have to share to be successful.
The most interesting piece of advice I got came from the staff at Georgia Tech. One of their assistants told our staff that if they are comparing recruits and the two are equal, they will take the multiple sport athlete versus the specialized athlete every time. Their rationale is that the multi-sport athlete has untapped potential because he has spent time away from football in other sports. Therefore, he could end up with more upside and perhaps being a better player. We tell this story to our kids. It does seem to have a good influence.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Mar 5, 2013 16:49:06 GMT -6
Indiana does not have spring practice. We can do whatever in the summer in shells though.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Jan 7, 2013 9:03:01 GMT -6
4th street live is good but can be quite pricey. Bearnos Pizza is within walking distance and is a great place to eat. I've been to the clinic for a few years and it has improved significantly over the years. As you said Saban will be there so they have upped their clientele a lot.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Nov 18, 2012 8:57:27 GMT -6
We are facing the same situation this coming year. The best player will play. It is possible we will be starting 6 or more sophomores on both sides of the football. It will make for a difficult season but we feel as though long term it will be beneficial to those kids to get the experience and it should pay off in the long run.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Jul 4, 2012 7:26:58 GMT -6
I've interviewed for 6 positions. 3 of them I pretty well knew I wouldn't get, but I did it for the experience. I'm grateful for the opportunity. You learn a lot just by doing. Another one I was quite disappointed in not getting, but they made an excellent hire (everyone was floored this guy wanted it) so I couldn't be mad. The last two have been quite frustrating. I interviewed for a job and was one of 2 candidates (so I was told). The only teaching job they had was in my certification area. Logically, I thought I was golden. Nope. They hired someone with different credentials. My feelings there are "hope they don't win again." But in time I realized one way or the other, it was for the best. The last one I was again one of two candidates (was told again). I nailed the interview and felt I was in good shape, though I couldn't shake the feeling from the interview it didn't matter what I did. The AD calls me the next day to tell me the other guy got it. His reasoning? He has taught AP classes. First off, this was a small school with no AP classes, and likely, little to no demand. Second, come to find out his experience coaching was no more than mine, but his experience had been at schools with almost no wins over the past few seasons. Then third, find out he went to high school with an influential person there. And it all made sense. I still couldn't help but to think "hope they lose every game." But again, I know it's for the best somehow. Plus, I'm young so there are plenty more chances down the road I'm sure.
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Post by fcboiler87 on Dec 28, 2011 11:33:52 GMT -6
In my two years at my current school, we have never "warmed up" as a team. We go right into individual. Warm ups take place with that specific group and the warm ups are unique to that position group. I thought it was incredibly strange when I first got here. I worried that not doing team stretching was bad. What about injuries? I have seen no difference in my time here from other places. Half the kids don't stretch particularly well when you do team stretches. They're young and resilient and doing agilities with their position group probably benefit them more than stretching together as a team.
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