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Post by dsqa on Aug 16, 2017 10:01:40 GMT -6
QB. He's the straw that stirs the drink. After that I'd say OL I love that picture...straw that stirs the drink...well put
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Post by dsqa on Apr 7, 2017 2:59:15 GMT -6
LOL I think in many cases regarding scouting measurable told to kids, it's become more about what coaches would prefer to have rather than what's actually available in the real world. Unfortunately, the love affair with height is one of the most over rated aspects in the recruiting game.
...according to my friend Will Hewlett And I agree..."Height in a QB often creates opportunities they didn't earn or have the talent to match."
It's not true for every kid I know, but if they aren't 6' 3", they better be fast, super intelligent, and have a rocket arm... Top OSU QB recruit this year was Tate Martell, 5' 9"-4.4 speed
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Post by dsqa on Apr 6, 2017 12:41:53 GMT -6
Yeah it looks like the throw measurable is reversed unless I'm missing something...and that pretty much sounds like a sportswriter or scout setting those expectations Last year, of 120 BCS schools the average size of all the QBs was 6'3" 210
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Post by dsqa on Feb 6, 2017 20:35:23 GMT -6
I'm speaking there :-)
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Post by dsqa on Feb 5, 2017 22:07:20 GMT -6
Dub Maddox - the GOAT No Speaker has ever made me feel so bad that everything i have been doing is wrong and there is a better, simpler way to do it So right coach...hopefully more will see what you saw very soon
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Post by dsqa on Jan 22, 2017 6:58:53 GMT -6
I did a few small school stints as a HC and I am a QB coach. I really needed to be the OL coach. I did both, but I often ended up scheming around our OL because we weren't as well coached there. Our skill kids did great, but without an OL that's operating properly to lay the track, the skill train will never leave the station and get up to speed
We did the best we could, but we were limited without an effective OL
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Post by dsqa on Jan 20, 2017 7:29:47 GMT -6
1) I really enjoy externally processing what I am learning in a way that may help someone else be inspired to rethink how and why they do things...and, I never want anyone to have to feel like I did as a QB player who had little to no input to my mechanics that provided any measurable, helpful result.
2) I've had clients I trained as QBs that played against me. Gotta be honest, I drew the line at rivalry teams...not because I couldn't handle it, but if anyone found out I'd helped the opponent like that, including my players, it wouldn't have gone well...but because I began with a heart to serve all coaches and players neutrally, I had to accept that what I shared would be stolen, others would take credit, and it would be challenged, diminished, and devalued at times. Like anything in life, I guess I just had to decide if it was worth it to serve the few coaches that said it really helped them while putting up with the other stuff. Tough to keep the promise though...not easy to keep working on new stuff and fighting that fight inside...not gonna lie
3) I've written 4 books, and trying to do more. Honestly, writing a book is more about what you believe about the value of what you know for helping others. If you don't believe in it, you'll never write it down. To help that belief, what I've learned is that when enough people ask for the material you are teaching in a format they can study, when you feel you've got a grasp of something you do well that could help others not have to take the long way like you did to learn it, and when you believe it matters that what you've been given as a gift of knowledge you've improved on, or made your own, be remembered...you are ready.
One thing about writing a book...it's probably one of the most vulnerable steps you can take as a coach or a man. It will test your very core of discipline, conviction, and integrity. It will humble you like few things can. It's a true test of your heart...and I fail miserably and regularly. But, the key is to move the chains, and finish.
Also, don't see writing a book as the end or arrival at anything, it's a step in the learning process about yourself and how to serve others through better organizing what you believe as the coach above so astutely pointed out.
I've found writing books is about learning what others need, learning how to give it to them, and learning how to let go of what you hold so tightly to in your beliefs...(because they are likely going to change in the writing process) not to tell others how much we know.
I highly recommend the process to anyone...everyone has a story or something valuable to share...just not always the conviction to bring it out. That's the challenge that takes us back to the first comments I made in this answer...what do you believe?
As the coach said, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, they aren't there staring at the keyboard trying to write. Easy to criticize when they aren't willing to do it themselves.
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Post by dsqa on Jan 9, 2017 10:06:49 GMT -6
Joris85 has been an excellent friend and host to our program and does a great job positioning coaches to serve players. He's also in a great central location in Belgium to draw from surrounding countries. His relationships to surrounding federations also makes knowing him a very valuable relationship.
I would encourage any coach desiring to get overseas to meet Joris85 and have a chat about opportunities
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Post by dsqa on Jan 9, 2017 8:57:33 GMT -6
Yes, I have done camps and training programs over there for the past 7-8 years. Been to Denmark, Sweden, England, Scotland, France, and Belgium. As with anything, it's about building relationships, timing, and content. Federation representatives that oversee development of the sport in their country are the ones who usually drive the events and programs. It's helpful to get to know some guys and do a good job for them, and they will work with you to come back. American Football is among the fastest growing sports in the region. I started from an invite from a coach who liked our material.
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Post by dsqa on Dec 12, 2016 8:04:37 GMT -6
Speaking in Atlanta, Nashville, North Jersey and Denver. We have some great new material to share on mechanics and R4. Hope to see you there. Make sure you introduce yourself from Huey to me Hoping to see you in Atlanta, coach! I look forward to it...
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Post by dsqa on Dec 12, 2016 6:20:53 GMT -6
Yes. But, I will be needing to still Lay the foundation, so my last 2 sessions will include a little more of that aspect
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Post by dsqa on Dec 11, 2016 21:32:59 GMT -6
Speaking in Atlanta, Nashville, North Jersey and Denver. We have some great new material to share on mechanics and R4. Hope to see you there. Make sure you introduce yourself from Huey to me
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Post by dsqa on Dec 4, 2016 22:35:30 GMT -6
As one whose worked very hard to publish "new" material throughout my career, I always appreciate coaches who at least credit what they borrow.
Most coaches wrongly assume everyone steals, borrows, rips everything so there is no "new" intellectual property.
It's very difficult and time consuming to generate "new" material that is broadly applicable, unique in approach, and not dependent on another's work.
But that's difficult to explain without sounding like I'm selling something or only concerned about money, so motives are always in question...tough, tough nut to crack.
But many thanks to the coaches with integrity who properly credit sources
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Post by dsqa on Feb 20, 2016 11:56:43 GMT -6
Coach Huey it was great to see you in Houston, you did a great job! Ran a tight ship. Thanks for working so hard!
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Post by dsqa on Dec 23, 2015 21:26:05 GMT -6
Coach, yes, it will help a coach understand what to look for and spend his time on, albeit very limited. It will speed up recognition and clarity in what you are trying to get a kid to work on...no DVD will do all the work, but in a sharp coaches hands, it will be very valuable...you can PM me anytime and I will provide any tech support you may need as well.
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Post by dsqa on Dec 8, 2015 22:01:19 GMT -6
Get the Self-Correct system Throwing Mechanics set, its the best choice to start...
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Post by dsqa on Feb 21, 2015 8:34:17 GMT -6
Servant Leadership
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Post by dsqa on Jan 1, 2015 7:55:26 GMT -6
Been here since day 1 and I've learned so much. Thank you to all the coaches who've talked football and not fantasy.
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Post by dsqa on Dec 31, 2014 5:34:35 GMT -6
Nm
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Post by dsqa on May 22, 2014 22:47:03 GMT -6
I was referring to you getting out of your own way first by looking hard at why you do what you do as a coach ... The way you coach? et al...the best changes in a program happen when the coaches change first...true in just about every leadership scenario in my opinion.
Much of what we've done to help athletes "get out of their own way" begins by changing what they believe by modeling servant leadership wherever possible, sharing compelling arguments that get "buy-in" to what we want them to try and do, and by providing training drills that accelerate learning and results.
If you want big gains, there must be big goals and a clear path to achieve them...but never at the expense of the team.
That includes the players never feeling they aren't important or respected for who they are and what they bring to the table, regardless of immediate talent. Servant leadership starts at the top. You want to see it? You got to model it...some will take advantage, but the tide will turn...
Those compelling arguments are driven by giving them better reasons for why they are doing what they do. Sometimes we have to research a better way to teach what we know, or learn better communication techniques if it takes that...
We provide small chain moving drill milestones with specific visual/feel feedback that informs self-correction so they don't lose confidence in the effort of change. It's not flashy or fast, but change never is and never will be done that way, don't try to sell it as quick, they have to see you as willing to serve them through change patiently...correct character firmly, mistakes graciously
The results and gains in a short period of time, observed and encouraged increase "buy-in" and value for the effort. To ignore those gains as a coach guarantees the loss of heart for the process...
Does every kid own it? Nope. Is it possible to get every kid? Don't know honestly, too many factors involved...I think to have any chance of more than less, you have to know who the "key kids" are that will spark the rest to follow through their willingness to "buy-in", appeal to their unique value as "igniters" and cultivate that in them daily.
Knowing some of this will help...a lot of what we are describing is passion related, and we've found that it must be modeled properly and cultivated in players by coaches on the same page who are honest(authentic/approachable), trustworthy(men who keep their promise), and credible(know their craft and communicate well).
Just some thoughts...
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Post by dsqa on May 22, 2014 11:49:28 GMT -6
Great self discovery questions coach...
I loved your post and it got me thinking, just responding and feeling your pain...In 26 years of developing new ways to do things in this game, I've found that in being successful in changing I've had to spend a heck of a lot more time getting out of my own way, than I have getting my way...if that makes sense...good luck
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Post by dsqa on Feb 5, 2014 15:27:45 GMT -6
Speaking there - glad to visit and talk ball
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Post by dsqa on Oct 23, 2013 22:29:48 GMT -6
Absolutely...need to clear that up front behind closed doors
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Post by dsqa on Oct 23, 2013 9:34:55 GMT -6
Ur welcome...I enjoy thinking this stuff through...these are real issues facing a lot of guys...more than just X's and O's
Glad airraider's guy found a workaround, many don't...and end up in wildcat...:-)
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Post by dsqa on Oct 22, 2013 21:48:48 GMT -6
Failure on the scale airraider mentioned his QB experienced can produce serious embarrassment and loss of confidence in anyone, at any age, much less a 17 year old young man under pressure. The knee jerk reactions mentioned in the first two posts are not hard to understand. The kid's anxiety over future failure is real and so is his awareness of the coach's expectation that the failure needs to stop. Combine these two things and the pressure only mounts... kids can experience a full range of emotions, and even freeze up or make rash requests to get out of the heat.
I'm not a doctor, but it would appears that the anti-anxiety medication blocks whatever is stirred up in the body when the QB is challenged with pressure he felt before, but its hard to say whether the deeper issue that caused the reaction is being masked or because he had a little success, that was all that was needed to make things better and the medication helped him over the hump. Often the latter is all that is necessary, but I guess the drugs can work too. Seems pretty radical to me that it would come to that, but hey it's a radical world these days. That is all I have to say about airraider's QB and situation. I'm just glad it worked out for him in this situation and this kid is doing well...
I will now respond to the request to expound on the more general situation that occurs very often when a QB seems to lose his mind in the midst of significant and repeated failure. This is in no way related to airraider's QB or what was done by him or the mom...because I don't know what he did...I am speaking hypothetically...nor is this to suggest that airraider should have done any of these things...I don't know his kid or that mom...so don't draw those conclusions...
I firmly believe that the worse a kid does the more he needs the coach to invest in his confidence. This is often beyond the scope of most coaches' comfort zones, as they really don't see that as their job or problem...or it may appear too personal to prop their QB up under those circumstances...OR, they may be too angry to even talk to the kid because they are taking the failure personally. This becomes particularly tough when there is a QB competition or controversy...
The first step is that there needs to be clear communication from the coach to the failed player separating the performance from the coach's perception of the QB as a person. The coach must take his play calling hat off and become a mentor and support to determine where the QB's head is taking him. This could very well happen in the middle of a game if it needs too...this isn't the NFL, these are kids at risk, and in the midst of heavy failure, the coach needs to do things sometimes that are not typical...because the failure isn't typical.
Whatever the reason a coach gives for not engaging a player, the depression caused by that level of failure needs to be dealt with decisively by the coach, and he must be intentional in communicating his belief in the athlete no matter how far he falls. Chances are, yelling is the last thing that would be helpful...This is one of those moments when self-control is critical in a coach.
If the coach believed in him before he failed, he can't stop believing when he fails. The coach is not an innocent bystander as the coach, He is involved in this crime scene, he selected the player for the position, he determined the read progressions, he coached the mechanics, he called the plays, and he put the QB in the pocket with the protection he designed, etc. He cannot separate himself in the interest of whatever excuse he makes up. He may end up playing another QB, that's fine, but he must do his level best to restore the failed QB as one who bears an appropriate measure of responsibility for his downfall. You observe what you coach.
Only the coach has the ability to reach the athlete quickly and restore him. No Mom, Dad, girlfriend, or teammate can go where the coach can go. Simply because, more than anyone else, the coach is the one the QB feels he let down, whether you want it to be that way or not. No matter what the kid's personality is, or how he displays his frustration, the coach must be the coach and engage.
Now, a few things to consider as to why QBs fail to keep it together in the midst of abject failure like that...
1) Self-Preservation. Plain and simple, the athlete is processing huge failure in front of friend, family, and the world...and this will ignite their self defense mechanisms which can vary from running the ball on every pass play, only hitting the short receivers, throwing the ball away early, waiting too long to let the ball go, or if its bad enough - asking to be removed. This can be addressed directly in the athlete, because it tends to be the most obvious and first stage of what they experience. This is a confidence problem that can be talked out on the sideline...it's the most common and recognizable attitude.
2) Self-Pity. This is related to the same motivation, only this time it's a level deeper than simple self-preservation. In this case, they become more emotional and less willing to "snap out of it." They will even resist words of encouragement when offered by the coach. In this case, you are likely not dealing with someone whose agenda is serving the team. If they have a lot riding on their success...perception of scholarship offers, recruiters watching, scout evaluation, or a quarterback competition with another player they can get overly conservative for their own gain. They will tend to blameshift heavily, express a deep lack of confidence in themselves, and divert any effort to restore them to strange conclusions that make little sense..."The HC doesn't like me", "I don't think the team believes in me anymore, they won't block for me." "I can't see anyone going out on a route because I'm not big enough." "I can't..." "I don't believe in myself anymore." "I've lost the confidence of everyone."
This athlete needs to be challenged to serve the team and stop serving themselves. That must be communicated in direct concert with seriously high levels of smoke being blown up their backside. They need to know that no failure they do will cause you to lose confidence in them, but the fact that they are allowing their personal agenda to weaken the priority of loving the team over themselves...is making them susceptible to tentative play. Say something like, "Listen, I get it, I see where you are coming from on all this, but you have to understand that you are the guy we believe in whether you see that now or not...now I can help you with confidence building play calling to get you back, but I need you to do something for me...I need you to step up and love this team more than you love your reputation right now. Can you do that for me? I need you to simply serve your teammates and not worry about mistakes...you will make them, but right now, we need to move the chains and that's all I want from you...can you do that for us? One play at a time for ____________(insert name of friend you know he has on the offense) ...Don't worry about the picks and fumbles, you aren't in trouble for that, but if you keep putting your feeling ahead of serving this team, we are going to have a problem...understand? Now, let's do this like I know you can..."
3) Fear. Abject fear. This is all too common in young QBs, and unmanaged QBs over time, and really cannot be addressed in one game...This is something a coach must methodically work out of his QBs at practice and in games by systematically creating scenarios where the QB is put in a situation to be successful as much as reasonably possible. Unmanaged QBs are QBs left to themselves over a period of time and the coach doesn't really talk to them much, and wonder why they implode at the first sign of trouble.
Asking him to make tough throws off deep drops that require extended pocket time is not advised. Rather, quick game throws, and concept passing that takes advantage of routes that open quickly on rhythm and in space is preferable. Periodically, on early downs in favorable field position, you want to pepper in more difficult throws that will give you insight into how he is progressing in this area.
I know this sounds like I'm suggesting you cater to fear, but unfortunately, we all do it to some degree as OCs when we limit what we call based on who is involved in a play. Aren't we demonstrating a measure of fear of our players failing to execute? Same fear, different motivation. It's something that can be worked out and should be in a systematic way wherever possible. Blitz pickup and pressure situations in practice are another excellent tool in eradicating fear. Just be careful to limit collisions on the QB or it can backfire.
4) Pride. This is the most sinister of all the problems. When you have a cocky QB who projects no real concern at his failure or mistakes. This is still a defense mechanism, albeit designed to not show weakness. The problem is that in not dealing with the mistakes that are causing the failed decisions, the QB is doomed to repeat them. This kid needs to be managed in play calling, and treated at times like a hostile witness in a legal trial.
They don't often have the best interest of the team at heart, and they need to be monitored in what they are given latitude to do.
Often the reason they are playing in the first place is that their arrogance can produce good outcomes at times, but the risk is an emotional strain on everyone, even the players at times. If a player like this really gets in trouble in a game, the coach must look past the facade of toughness and seek to understand the insecurity that is feeding the current self-destruction. Often with a kid like this, the problem isn't that complicated, he is trying to make up for his failure with a big play, and he doesn't want to win respect back with disciplined execution. He is embarrassed, so a big gesture play will offset things in his mind.
He needs clear communication about the plan and his need to stick to the conservative approach...assure him the chance to make up for it with a big play will come later if he will do as you ask. I know I am asking you to negotiate with the kid, but that may be the only way you can get him back online to help the team in the moment. After the game you can deal with the ego, but chances are, he has a character problem that can't be fixed in season...it can only be managed with negotiation and patience over time, or graduation.
I am only sharing my thoughts, I'm not a doctor, nor am I suggesting this for every situation in every city or school...I am just offering some food for thought about some situations you may encounter as asked.
Hope it helps some.
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Post by dsqa on Oct 21, 2013 20:47:02 GMT -6
Aside from the pharmaceutical solution, you are highlighting what I believe is the single greatest weakness in QB development and execution
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Post by dsqa on Oct 1, 2013 16:41:13 GMT -6
Love the descriptions so far...One of the holdovers to a losing tradition is exactly what has been described. Kids who don't celebrate another athlete's success on their team are genuinely so inward and self-conscious that they can't break free...You can help them..
A few ideas...
At practice, during a team period, assign the backups as the "cheer squad." Not cheerleading, but genuine encouragement, getting pumped up, running into the pile when the offense does well and retrieving the running back or wide receiver...similarly, the defense has a squad of backups standing off to one side doing the same thing, and when a play is made, they are allowed to run on the field and celebrate with the player. Start with goal line so everything is compressed and easier to access. Get the coaches involved and build it up...lots of clapping, yelling and cheering for their side. Then rotate the groups and do it again. Keep score offense v. defense for first downs, TDs scored, or stops...reward the winners - don't punish the losers. Make sure you explain what you are doing and why...they will buy in better
In station work, assign one station as the encouragement station, to do nothing but pump up their teammates in the hitting drills they are doing. Great way to get the environment pumped up.
Bottom line, we observe what we coach, so when we don't observe it, we coach it up! Will be a little cheesy at first as kids acclimate, but as you reinforce their effort, it will catch on.
Funny, you have to teach kids to like supporting each other's success...I had to do this in both programs I began at schools because they just didn't see getting pumped up as cool. Didn't take long before they were doing it on their own.
Coaches have to lead this and be involved, they cannot stand off and not participate...
Hope that helps
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Post by dsqa on Sept 24, 2013 23:07:30 GMT -6
Tough to discipline him for a parental mandate...family...maybe parents should have to miss the next game :-).
Sorry to make light, It's very frustrating... I've been there when parents have pulled kids from games for less...family vacation,etc.
Not sure what I ever gain by punishing the kid...seems having to miss the game for a family function is punishment for him - if he cares at all...not always the case, but for most it isn't easy to have to miss for something like that...it's family, what are you going to do...
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Post by dsqa on Sept 19, 2013 7:11:00 GMT -6
Agreed. Not that my opinion matters, but this research approach while probably true in one sense doesn't appear to be accounting for the equally significant issue of how protracted, or lengthy, micromanagement degrades motivation.
I don't know, it just seems strange to ask so much of a young man in college to give for a program, and then take away the only thing in his life on their campus that he feels he can have some control over...music? I don't know...may win a battle or two, but lose the war on this one...
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Post by dsqa on Jul 31, 2013 17:49:13 GMT -6
Understand, I'm talking about a serious blowout with FG...have done it a lot, and haven't had any issues...the other HC knew what I was doing...none of this should be personal...not sure offending the opposing HC should be my greatest concern...most HCs understand what is going on, and they have no trouble telling the difference between RUTs and doing what we can to limit scoring, but still play the game...like was suggested,
Do what you think is best
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