Post by coachhewko on Jul 26, 2014 21:10:24 GMT -6
Jul 26, 2014 10:00:46 GMT -6 @coacharnold said:
we have players go both ways as I think most high schools do....I am very big on doing the same things drill wise/fundamentals every day over and over again. That month during camp is essential to me. You get both o and d skills every single day. If you can do that without 2 a days I would like to know how? Other than making one practice super long--plus there is also some brotherhood built amongst the coaching staff and players during 2 a days. Most kids eat together in between sessions and the same with the coaching staff. Nothing feels better than walking off the field after a nice long 2 a day !!!
It's possible to train those skills by breaking down what you really need to get done, then devoting at least 30 min. per day to individual or group drills on each side of the ball (do 30 min. of fundamental offense on a defensive day; 30 min of tackling, pursuit, and defensive basics on a defensive day, etc.), as well as 20 min. to special teams. Have your scout team put together beforehand, drills set up during warmup, etc.
The other 70-100 min of a 2-2.5 hour practice can be spent however you need without making practice "super long." Use football specific things like pursuit drills, kickoff coverage drills, punt coverage, catch and score from 40 yards out,, etc. to build in the conditioning so you don't need to waste time having them run. Keep your water breaks to 5 min or less with water at each station in bottles, etc.
Then, divide your practice up into timed, scripted 5 minute segments to stay on point and make sure the starters and top backups get their reps in first. Avoid long sermons on technique.
You can really pack a lot of practice into 2.5 hours if you do it right.
Use longer 3 hour periods in the summer to explain and teach your drills (start with a slow walkthrough, then a 50% rep for everyone, then a full speed rep) and name each one, so when you call out "board drill" or whatever the players know what to do and how to do it so you're not wasting time explaining each one or herding them into position.
Even if it means doing fewer drills per day at first (and still only spending 3 hours, total, during a single practice) and spending longer at each one, you still invest the time early and work up to the fast paced practices you'll need. This is also the time to make sure your younger guys are getting plenty of reps and learning the game.