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Post by dsqa on Jul 19, 2007 21:04:26 GMT -6
Lou Holtz after a failed play: "Son, do you know what state you are in?"
Player: "Yessir, Indiana, Notre Dame!'
Lou: "No Son, you are in a state of confusion! and you are lost"
Other quoteables: "Hey Son, do you have a sister? Do you think she's available to replace you in this hitting drill?
Bite the ball( hitting through the outside arm)
Hit the fourth guy behind the guy with the ball!
Don't make excuses, make plays!
"Run men, Nobody walks but the mailman, and even he drives now!'
Start of practice: "Gentlemen, there is no sense in prolonging the inevitable, choppity, chop, chop, chop!"
Switch sides: "Riverside, men, riverside!'
others:
"son you got schooled, make sure you pick up your jockstrap on the way back to the huddle."
"Don't get hooked, ends!"
to name a few.
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Post by dsqa on Jan 11, 2006 22:09:51 GMT -6
I do get going, but this was a fun one.
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Post by dsqa on Jan 11, 2006 20:22:19 GMT -6
Team Flexibility speech before practice:
Gentleman, there are only two sounds you have ever made in your life that mean anything:
That first good loud cry when the doctor slapped your behind, and the buckling of that chinstrap on your helmet on this field today!
What those two sounds have in common makes them equally awesome...
They both told everyone around you that heard it, that you are here today, right now, alive and kicking, and that you are ready to rock and roll!
Examples of Fun Little 1 - minute Pre-Kickoff Speeches I like to create:
Men, What we are doing tonight is not for the faint of heart, if what you are going to do tonight was done 100 yards away in the parking lot, they would call the police and arrest you for rioting, no doubt. Oh, by the way, we asked the police here tonight to keep an eye on your stuff, while you pounded a few heads. Yup, they were glad to come by, they're in the parking lot right now keeping an eye on your cars for you, while you take care of business.
They know you just stopped by to make a few long distance phone calls, before you go home tonight! Just make sure your pads speak loud and clear, so even they can hear you leaving your messages out there! We don't want them left out at all. Let's really let them feel we are grateful for them being here. I don't want them feeling like they missed anything. .. I want them to feel it rumbling in their cheap vinyl leather seats... I want their wheel rims to shake... I want ripples on the surface of their lukewarm coffee all the way through the fourth quarter... and I want to them to have to roll up their windows to drown out the scary noises!
Another one:
If these guys your playing tonight got hit like they are going to get hit tonight shopping alongside their mother in the mall, she would call 911, and you would be arrested for sure. But tonight, under these lights, their mothers will just be praying they get up.
From whistle to whistle... I want them dazed and confused looking for their mamas, I want every hit, not your mouth, every hit; to remind them... that for 48 painful minutes, the gates are locked, all the mama's phones are turned off, and the best part of the whole thing... remind them that their mamas all paid $5 bucks each to watch!
Best I ever heard, at the outset of a practice from Coach Dick Dullaghan, "Gentlemen, there is no sense in prolonging the inevitable, choppity chop chop chop!(team lap...and as they go) And they're off, like a herd of Turtles!" Great stuff over a bullhorn with all the guys standing around jawing.
This was fun. great thread!
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Post by dsqa on Sept 8, 2007 11:06:09 GMT -6
I am sure you have thought of this, and may have already done it 10 times, and there is no desire to insult your intelligence,
Have you talked to them about these things offline?
I have found that talking to them about their reasons for taking plays off and goofing off, often leads to good discussion, and even a chance for them to see some things they may not be seeing. Teenagers do not understand perception. They judge others by their actions, and themselves by their intentions. They know they will play hard when it's on, but they may not completely grasp the concept of influence in their work ethic(actions). I know I have had a lot of kids that were just clueless about their impact, and after a reasonable talk individually, we made progress.
I even got some good ideas from the kids about ways to raise the level of play. The best part is once they see you actually listening to them, they tend to raise their level of leadership and talking.
I am not suggesting here, or ever, that you "give in" to their laziness, but I am a parent of teenagers and a coach, and in both cases, I have gotten much farther with them by talking, not yelling. Now, once the expectations are clear, and they are on board with you, then you tear in them, but only if what they are doing is rebellious.
A talented kid is typically a relatively intelligent kid, and he sees right through any ruse to motivate him. Direct and mature confrontation with an openness to listen is another way I have found to at least break the logjam. It doesn't solve everything, but it opens the door to relationship, which is the key to motivating a young man.
In my opinion. End of official answer to post.
However, Just for kicks and because its Saturday...
If you want to get serious about it, and you feel it is worth it to get these guys on board. Here is what I have done.....(This will sound much more formal than it has to be, I'm just running the process out)
First pass, meet with the kids alone and work through the issues one by one. Ask questions, listen, be clear about what you want, and give them a chance to change, and put a deadline on it. Explain that if they don't respond, the next meeting will be with parents and kid. Each of them needs to understand the process of accountability for actions and attitudes. Its a man thing. Call the father and communicate after this meeting, what was discussed, and what you need from the Dad to support the expectations you communicated. Communicate your belief in his son, and the positive things he brings to the mix.
Indicate that if his son does not respond, and we certainly hope he does, we will meet together with the Dad and player. If you have the balls, ask the father if he is aware of anything you have done that would create problems(not scheme, but personally to the kid). I am not too proud to think that I am above taking a look at where he is struggling with me, I am not perfect for sure. Also, this question clears away the, "He has it in for my kid" argument, and you find out if you have a father who is talking behind your back, or is on your side. I realize this is a risky step, but it is only risky to the coach who is more concerned with only being right, than reaching a kid. This is about getting these kids to grow up, and we have to have the courage to ask the hard questions as "grown ups" to make that happen. I have done this many times, and have won more fathers and kids hearts than I have lost.
Second pass, meet with the kid and their Dad together. The objective here is increasing accountability. At the end of the day, we are building men, who must learn to appreciate accountability and authority. I realize that not every Dad is doing a good job, but your effort to draw that Dad in, may motivate the father to get off his butt and do something about his unresponsive son. Either way, you have set in motion a fair and just accountability process that allows you to take the final step without emotion.
If it continues, then you have your "paper trail" in your efforts, you have total clarity with no malice or over emotionalism, and you send him packing.
This "serious" approach requires humility on our part, a commitment to winning the kid, and a willingness to lose the kid. But in the end, you sleep better at night. Just another way.
I have endured these kids before, and the poison of selfishness is much more dangerous to team chemistry than their talent is a help.
For what its worth, choose your poison. Coach Slack
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Post by dsqa on Sept 22, 2006 6:07:03 GMT -6
I understand this dilemma, I coach at a private school and have to be aware of things like this on a higher level. I have a trainer who keeps the clock on water/practice breaks for me. He is a contracted trainer for the season from the local hospital organizations that provide sports medicine personnel. This covers my butt on negligence to have a trained professional monitoring the breaks.
I get into practice and focus on things and lose track of time like any coach can, so I ask him to make sure we water the kids every 15 -20 minutes(I live in Florida) on really hot days, and accordingly on others. I also have my injured athletes(that can still walk) provide water bottles accessible during drills at any moment. I tell the athletes they can get water anytime they need it from the bottles as long as they aren't in the drill. Make sure you get it, and get back, but don't miss hydration.
So I probably "overwater" them at times. We take a water break after stretch and form running!
I had a kid this August, even though we watered like this, during pre-season conditioning, who overdid it in the heat, and had a dehydration episode brought on by not eating and drinking properly earlier in the day, and he couldn't replenish fast enough. He was hyperventilating, etc. His heart stopped on the way to the hospital, and they had trouble getting him back. I was helpless because the lack of fluid damage was already done. I do not want that on my conscience. There will be no question about hydration in my football program, PERIOD. If we take a break, everybody drinks and rests. Having a kid almost die on you, sort of brings things into focus, if you know what I mean. WE GET ALL THE WATER WE CAN. I watch that kid like a hawk during conditioning now.
Coach, there are just non-negotiables in what we do, and this game isn't worth dying over. Can I suggest you make the water bottles an assigned aspect of your practice, not a distraction. I understand your frustration with how this was handled, but it sounds like you have parents that will bust you for a lot of things, I wouldn't let water be the reason. There are days we don't take team "breaks" for a while because the kids aren't thirsty, because the flow of water is following them around to the drills and it is cooler outside.
My trainer even mixes this "nasty" electrolyte water that he makes the "crampers" drink, and that has improved. Just isn't worth the hassle to make it a question mark. HYDRATE>
One more suggestion, having been an AD and FB coach in antagonistic relationships with parents over the weakest stuff has taught me the old adage, "keep your friends close, your enemies closer." If it were my program, and I have done this with critical parents before, I approach them directly and ask them to volunteer for their concern. I have had criticism on pre-game meals, I said, "Thank you for your concern, I couldn't agree more that our kids need to eat right and it didn't happen that time, can I get your help in making sure this never happens again. It is really hard to find people to help who care like you, and as a coach, I have so much going on, it would really help, can you help me organize this so we never get in that situation again." Amazing stuff, really works. Funny though, I don't get many complaints from parents, but if I do, I ask them to be a part of the solution where I can.
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Post by dsqa on Aug 31, 2005 7:08:40 GMT -6
Darin Slack - Orlando, Florida Head coach, Florida - I guess that makes a few of us now from the Sunshine State. I am a Head Coach in Florida and have run a national Quarterback Training program for the past 17 years working with all levels of players. I played under Mike Kruczek, Arizona Cardinals QB coach, and former Head Coach at Central Florida. We ran the spread in the 80s before it became fun to do everywhere. We did it because we couldn't run the ball. I run a multiple 1 back set with Spread, Gun, and Double wing terminology mixed in. I call it the "Sandlot" offense. It is rules based, so we can do all kinds of whacked stuff. I am kind of like that, I need holes in the playground yard fences so that my creativity can get out and run around. My kids will roll their eyes on Mondays, when I add some new wrinkle each week. We will go five wides, double tight, and run screens, quick hitters, go deep,etc. The versatility hides my weak players and makes the defense think we are better than we are. We are smart, but not big or fast. I posted as dsqa on the Jerry Campbell forum and will be the same here. I may post some different concepts on QB development than what you guys may be used to hearing, but give it a look, you may find this stuff really works. You can visit my site at www.quarterbackacademy.com and get a feel for where I am coming from. Tog, thanks for the regular encouragement you gave me on the jcfb board, I just want to help if I can, and I sure enjoy learning new things. You have a great setup, and I look forward to the fresh start here.
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Post by dsqa on Dec 13, 2005 21:01:41 GMT -6
We send a letter at the outset of Spring and the fall, and we have a preseason parents meeting that is mandatory. In order to minimize parental intervention, you must be proactive. I use the letter for information and dates, and I use the meeting to explain my position on playing time, parents involvement in the home game and booster club, expectations on absences and discipline, and to express my appreciation to them for letting me be involved in their son's character development.
I establish my priorities as a coach for their son, for the team, and for the year. You need to set the tone, in order to keep the phones from ringing off the hook. Most parents call the coach too often, because they don't know where he is coming from. Many coaches invite a beating for their lack of meaningful communication. Parents don't want to run the program, they just want to know that the coach is running it. If they think you aren't running it, they will look like they are to protect their sons from what they perceive is a rudderless ship. Don't get me wrong, every program has the ridiculous dads, but they are easy to spot, and can be handled with a small measure of intentional pursuit, and inclusion where they won't hurt your program.
Many coaches are intimidated by their overbearing personalities, rather than looking for a way to make him feel a part of the good things that are happening. You control that Dad with regular input on his son's progress where appropriate, an unequivocal stance on playing time and the fact that you don't discuss it with parents, and a strong dose of patience. Parents are inescapable, and we don't control what they are like, but we would do well to find ways to encourage their involvement without leading them to believe it influences their son's opportunity.
Keep in mind, we don't seek out these things, they find us, but you cannot avoid it, or "policy" your way out of the experience.
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Post by dsqa on Nov 20, 2007 20:21:13 GMT -6
Coach eickst, PM me I am in a holiday mood, and you need the vids! This sale is due in large part to my appreciation to Coach Huey & all the coaches on this board who have been so supportive of what we are trying to do. I am glad someone noticed the sale early, so many coaches who are able can take advantage. Great days are ahead this offseason, and I look forward to being a part of your programs where I can.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
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Post by dsqa on May 26, 2007 20:45:33 GMT -6
I have found that most young men are starved for a legitimate understanding of why they do what they do. Aside from experience, this is the core of confidence in a player, especially a QB.
There is definitely a feel to coaching, and how much you insert on any given player. It really depends on the kid. I know a lot more than I often say, but in the case of senior QB, you need to take your cues from the highest need of the QB, and not think of it as "reinventing" him. Start with what he needs the most and he will be open to more.
I have worked with older QBs, and I always start with something very small to gain a trust and make changes only where absolutely necessary. Just 'cause I may think I know a lot, doesn't mean he wants to know it all right away. He will come my way as the relationship grows, and he knows that I genuinely care about his development. "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." - Somebody famous said this.
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Post by dsqa on Jan 20, 2008 18:12:38 GMT -6
Man, with friends like you guys...LOL
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Post by dsqa on Sept 28, 2007 13:13:45 GMT -6
There are so many issues that are involved in getting a kid in a game, and I am never going to play a kid who doesn't deserve it for effort, etc. I am just giving general input.
gacoach, sounds like you walked into a bit of a hornet's nest with that class jump. I can appreciate your frustration, no doubt. I wish you the best. Thanks for getting back with me.
In terms of ways I have seen coaches do things.
One would host father/son video sessions at a local restaurant's back room, watch last week's game, take questions, watch the opposing team's film a bit to give them an idea of the coming week's gameplan, thought process, etc. This guy has a very creative mind, and did some other things that I won't even suggest, because it would draw the ire of too many. Another one I am aware of is a sponsor program of parent's taking other player's kids as their sponsored kid. They invite them over for a meal during the week, and give them a care package, etc. It is a chance to cross pollinate encouragement between players and parents. Another is a member of the staff visiting each home on the team before the season for dinner, and explaining where Junior fits in the scheme of things, and where the staff sees him right now. I understand that DeLasalle sets that as a high priority in their preseason efforts, to visit every home,etc.
The bottom line on parents is that it helps if you are one to appreciate the effort you need to make as a coach to make the experience a good one for the kid. We are there to serve their team. I regularly tell the kids, "this is your team, if you want to play on Friday night, you have to show me you deserve to be on that field with your team, everyday."
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Post by dsqa on Sept 27, 2007 13:03:48 GMT -6
That is fine. I am only suggesting you tell them up front how you plan to address them, not that you have to continually talk to them, or explain yourself.
The additional stuff, is simply a comment regarding some of my experiences this year, that have opened my eyes to a little different world as a parent. I haven't worked out all the concepts yet, but I know this will make me a better coach. Everyone is different in their approach.
I have been a head coach for 8 years at the HS level, starting two programs from scratch, and I had a lot of success taking the approach of believing the best about parents until they give me some reason not to. I did have the "lose and play" parents, the "happy camp" parents, and all.
The bottom line, I just found it helpful to keep playing time between me and player, and talking with parents BEFORE the season that I was happy to talk with them about anything but playing time.
But, I am not suggesting we are obligated to explain ourselves. I just think it is important to lay things out up front to parents and then walk your talk. If I made it sound like we have to regularly explain our actions. That isn't what I meant at all.
I will say that I am exploring different thoughts on parent involvement for future opportunities. I have some friends that have done some pretty creative things to "keep the parents in check". I am beginning to see the wisdom of their efforts.
To coin your phrase, "It's so easy to forget, that what you give is what you get" If you give "most" parents a chance they can be okay, but as a rule - you are right - what happens on the field is no business of the parent, unless their son is being harmed inappropriately for sure.
I was just thinking out loud.
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Post by dsqa on Sept 27, 2007 12:11:11 GMT -6
I assigned a coach to substitition. Small High school 32 players, so not as easy in a bigger program for sure, but I monitored playing time as the game got out of hand, and made sure every kid got in. Just my way. They were there, they deserve to play, if we can get them in. The problem for me is getting so engrossed in the game, that I would lose track of it, so I had a coach who kept me posted, and we tried to get kids in where we could. Some, it was just hard, and we had to wait, but I never got playing time calls.
Of course, I told the parents before the season, that I don't discuss playing time with parents, only players. If their son wants to be treated like a man, he needs to act like one, and see me himself about playing time. We talk about what he needs to do, and then handle it that way. That way he is accountable to me, and his parents have nothing to say about it. I also explained my philosophy of assigning a coach, and when a game is close, that would be the only case in which every kid may not play. I made it a priority, so parents left me alone.
Parents are not the enemy. They just lack information.
On a side note on this:
I am now a full-time parent this year, with two sons playing for a new coach who replaced me. My business was taking up my opportunity to continue coaching this year. It has been a whole new experience, and I gotta tell you, the new coach has not lied to me, but I have never experienced some the emotions I have felt this year. Can I just suggest that until you have walked a mile in a parent's shoes, that you cut them some slack. If you have never had to watch another coach work your kids, etc. and do it in such a way you struggle with at the HS level, it would be wise to hold your tongue about how evil parents are. IT IS TOUGH. It isn't that he isn't a good guy, I just don't know what he is thinking all the time, so that leaves me to my own conclusions, and that is BRUTAL!!! COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PARENTS.
I just spent an hour and half with the new coach last weekend going over some stuff and I got to ask my "hard" questions I had been stewing over, and every answer he gave me was reasonable and understandable. Not necessarily how I would do it, or would have done it, but knowing him and what he told me when he arrived, he is following what he said he would do. Not everyone gets the chance to have that interaction with the coach, like I did, even though I disagree with him on a lot of things, but I have a whole new respect for what parents go through in turning over their kids. IT ISN'T ALL WHACKED, like you may think.
Anyway, the coach who can inform parents in a reasonable manner, and employs fair policies, can expect a reasonable response. Of course, there are still the unreasonable ones that it wouldn't matter. But, as a whole, I slept well on Friday Nights knowing we had a game plan for scheme, and substitution.
Just my opinion.
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Post by dsqa on Sept 9, 2007 23:27:43 GMT -6
if you post a clip of his throw on a PM, I will give you feedback if you want. Just an offer
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Post by dsqa on Sept 9, 2007 14:35:26 GMT -6
Coach, I will be glad to help you in any way I can. fbdoc is right, change is only possible, when the QB sees it is necessary. Here is the best drill you can do with him, in my opinion. One thing that may help is to begin by getting your QB to see himself from the front and back on video, throwing. This "reality check" for the QB will bring meaning to your observations, and then I would begin to talk with him about why he feels he needs to have his arm go that way. "I don't Know" is not an answer, get him to say it, "Baseball", "That is how it feels good", "That is all I know," etc. whatever. Get him to say it. Next, you need to ask him if he struggles at all with the idea that he is sidearm? Does it hurt? Do you feel it leaves you frustrated at all? You have to find a weak link in his belief about it, because that is where the breakdown is happening in the motion. Throwing motions that are confident, are supremely connected to understanding proper feel and a strong belief in one's self to do it. The absence of that in mechanics, or pressure induced fear, will show up as inconsistency. This is not about the arm, it is in the head. Well, now are you suggesting we make everyone a head case by thinking, Coach Slack? No, I am suggesting that thinking precedes real ownership of change. It sets the course for awareness of breakdowns, redirection of bad thought patterns, and the confidence that while he isn't finished - he is SAFE to keep changing! Why? Because, he knows what he did wrong and knows how to fix it. He can Self-Correct.
Ask the questions, get the answers, study his beliefs, find the weakness, coach it up to your expectation on the video, and then just tell him to start slowly elevating and accelerating his elbow through the motion faster, and work the wrist higher than normal as he pronates through on the finish. This is truly over-simplified, and you won't get Drew Brees, but he will try to get the move higher...Why? Because, you are taking an interest in him, and that motivates him. Truth is, you probably already know the drills, you know what you want him to do, you are just struggling with where to start.
In my opinion, you just need to do the hard work first, before you do the drills. Get him to believe he needs to change. BTW, If it doesn't motivate him that you are trying to help when you talk, no drill in heaven, or on earth will change him. Leave it be, and scheme around it, and start fresh next offseason.
If you can be more specific about what you are seeing, I can get more practical about a practice drill or two that can help. Don't want to seem too "out there" on this thread.
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Post by dsqa on Sept 1, 2007 17:40:19 GMT -6
You are right coach, hold your position on this one.
Another option to think about...Depending on how much the reserves have already played, which you would hope they were already in before this point, but one way I have found to keep out of trouble is to kick field goals on early downs. It is like a punt, takes the least amount of points, and it gives the ball back nearly right away. We usually kicked right away on first down, if everyone had played a lot. If you need to get the reserves some more reps, run the FB dive a few times, and then kick, instead of scoring the TD. It is a statement to the other team that you are giving them the ball back, taking less points than you would have had otherwise. Now, in our case, we will practice long kicks if we can because our kicker is pretty good, but either way, it keeps you out of the endzone and from having to slap them with 3 knee drops, or "falling down" plays.
Most coaches know you are going to play to score, or to run something, and it doesn't bother them that you run basic plays with your backups. But, field goals on first down anywhere in the red zone, or even deeper, sends a clear message that you have called the dogs off. Just an opinion.
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Post by dsqa on Jan 1, 2006 20:51:48 GMT -6
Great Bigdaddy, I look forward to meeting you. Sorry to go off, but I just know there are others who are wondering, and maybe it will spark something in them too, to consider what is possible. Happy New Year!
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Post by dsqa on Jan 1, 2006 19:35:39 GMT -6
tog, LOL on your comment "being half-committed is like being half-pregnant" That is gold my friend!
bigdaddyd, Coach, if you can get your QBs to "Self Correct," it will be much easier to entrust them to someone, if it isn't you. They can have the capacity to make adjustments mechanically, and fundamentally, on their own, while your coach stays on scheme. Sounds like a lark, I know, read on...
First, I have only heard great things about Jeff's camps, and I am sure he does an excellent job. He certainly is well thought of by so many in the game, though I have not had the privilege to meet him myself. We do differ on some things as I have worked with many kids coming out of his camps, but there are many similarities, especially our mutual and passionate commitment to leadership. You can't go wrong being in his program. Your kids will improve no doubt. I hope to be returning to Southern California again this year, or I can just come to your area, we can talk about that if you want.
As far as what makes my program different? (Okay, "regulars" close your eyes for minute, I am going off the reservation and I am going to break the rules of engagement and shameless self promotion...indulge me, or endure me, but I want to serve this coach with an answer to his question, and I will get back in line - Thanks for your patience. I do hope this serves others who are wondering the same thing)
I would be happy to talk with you personally about how I can help you develop your approach to QBs. I want to be available to as many coaches as I can as a resource. These coaches on this board have honored me with their comments and explanation and I am grateful that they are beginning to see what "Self-Correction" can do for a QB's confidence, and their own.(Keith that was impressive, Tom you got it right, and Coach Huey thank you)
I really am approaching this thing from a "slightly"(maybe an understatement) different point of view than the prevailing QB training out there. I have not watched tapes and read books on the topic and recooked my own theories from that, but I have reviewed many, and I am not on a lot of their radar screens philisophically, so that might move "slightly" to "heavily" for some. I actually stopped my camps about 5 years in, because I found I really was no different than anyone else, and kids were only getting marginally better. Why take their money, if they are only going to get a little better. That is extortion, and it is going on everywhere in camps today.
I needed an overhaul in my own thinking, and throwing motion, I wasn't really even doing mechanically, what I taught them myself. That was hypocrisy, and this would be no shortcut or easy fix. Now, I was well-coached by Mike Kruczek, then UCF's QB coach, now Arizona Cardinals QB coach, and given a great foundation.
What was missing was the same thing that was missing in the camps I attended as a player, "Why?" The QBs were not convinced of their need to do anything different, and therefore were not changed. These could not be just any reasons "Why" to what we do, but they had to be ones that were fundamentally sound beyond dispute, in every phase of QB play, to work in every kid, in every school, in the world. Heady stuff. There are many ways people do things, but the fundamentals must be beyond dispute, and that is what I teach.
So am I saying, there is only 1 way to do it? No, but I am very persuasive about what must be done by fact, regardless of how you "think" you should do it. There is no such thing as "half-pregnant" Ha Ha Ha!
Case in point, two years ago, I spoke at the Indy coaches clinic, and an Orthopaedic doctor was present(Team doctor for the Indiana pacers). His comment on my mechanics teaching, "Your biomechanics and teaching of proper throwing mechanics, cannot be improved upon. That is the best throwing presentation I have ever heard." Kind of him to say, but he said it because I backed up what I said with WHY, and it even passed a respected orthopaedic's unbiased observation.
I have spent thousands of hours on the field over 18 years working with some of the least talented athletes you have ever seen to carve out quarterbacks that any HS coach can "passably" win with. Even my own at my HS I have had to build QBs every year with no real talent.
Conversely, I just watched one of my students, Matt Flynn, of LSU, take apart the Miami defense in the Peach Bowl the other night, and that was just amazing to watch.
I have worked with both, but found them strikingly similar in more ways than you could imagine. Why? Because they are all the built the same, and have the same rules that apply, regardless of talent.
What you need is a resource that will get you a kid that won't get you beat, because he can "self-correct" - that is what I offer - in short order. Fast results. Why? QBs and coaches are skittish about change, so you need to be able to produce serious results, Right away. In order for anyone to buy in to real change, it has to make sense and they have to be able to do it. Otherwise, they will just go back to whatever they do, because they are not convinced. I had a very skeptical coach in KY last year with serious arm problems literally go from not being able to throw 6 balls for arm numbness for the past 5 years, to throwing 100 impressive balls with no pain in 2 practices. It works.
Coach, you know as I do, that QBs are not usually the best athlete on your team. IMO, if your best athlete is your QB, you are in trouble in the long run.
In order to build confidence in your QBs, you must establish standards in him based on facts that exist outside anyone's opinion, regardless of who is coaching or the rings he has won.
Using a blend of science, biomechanics, and common sense, I feel I have been given a unique perspective on QB development that is transforming the way QBs think and play, and the way coaches coach the QB. I say "given" because I don't believe it is appropriate for me to take all the credit for so many of the incredible things I have seen happen in this program. I have a passion to share what I believe God has blessed me with for QBs and those who coach them. Tons of sleepless nights, pacing in my living room, grinding over concepts again and again to make them understandable to even the youngest athlete or newest coach. Why? So, I can get rich? HaHa, I am a coach. It is so I can help you.
Why? Because when I was a player, what I am doing did not exist. I struggled all the way through the Semi-finals of the National Championship my senior year as an All-American with confidence problems.
Why? Because I could not understand WHY I made many of the the mistakes I did as a QB,and no one ever took the time to explain it to me in a way that I could understand it.
I have to stop now, because this board isn't about selling, it is about helping and I have severely crossed the line. But coach, If I have to sell you to help you, I will.
I feel I have been swimming upstream for many years, trying to get some very stubborn and skeptical coaches to understand some "new" things that really do work. As you know, "new" things don't go over real well with most coaches, or people for that matter. We are a very skeptical bunch, and rightly so. But as it relates to what I am trying to do, I see the level of frustration that coaches are having with their QBs and their lack of development, and I just can't be quiet about it anymore.
Coach Huey has been kind enough to allow me some latitude in sharing like this on his board, but understand WHY? He started this board to help coaches and Players, and I think that is what he sees in what I am trying to do. What makes me different? You can read about it on my site, and call me and I will answer any questions you have. As I tell the kids I work with... "Gentlemen, I am not here to help you compete at your school, or in your district, I am here to help you take over...so you can serve." I want to do that for you.
Now, to make this post legit and not a sales pitch.
Confidence in a QB isn't built in them having done it before and having someone validate them by saying they are good because they have done it. The ends never justify the means.
Confidence is forged in QBs through getting them to believe in why they do what they are doing with a passion. It comes in convincing them that a confidence that cannot be shaken lies in the truth that they have nothing better to do in the QB position than to lay down their life for their friends. Everything else they do is just 4 yards and a pile of dust. That is passion.
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losing
Oct 22, 2007 7:55:49 GMT -6
Post by dsqa on Oct 22, 2007 7:55:49 GMT -6
well put. Sometimes moving the chains inside the kids, is just as important as it is on the field.
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losing
Oct 22, 2007 7:35:48 GMT -6
Post by dsqa on Oct 22, 2007 7:35:48 GMT -6
Looks like I am late to the party, I have been out of town for 5 days. But, this is a fun thread.
I have a lot of experience with this dynamic of plugging holes and looking to right the ship.
A few observations:
airraider - looking at your history, and not wanting to distract too much from the discussion here, but your defense has not been mentioned in one post. This is a two sided game. As a head coach, I spent more time getting creative on defense when we were losing, than on offense. Defense is a contributor to offensive rhythm. Their ability to stop people and create turnovers WILL affect the offense's mindset. Just a thought
Now, back to physicality. Being physical is a great thing, but saying I have 60% physical kids, and 40% wusses, does not always translate to victories. I have seen some very physical football teams who lose a lot. It helps and it is usually credited to a team's success, but there are some other pretty critical factors. Physical toughness is in the mix of mindset, will, and emotions, what I call "heart toughness." It cannot be developed solely in a hitting drill. It can be cultivated, but other things have to be present in the mix for "heart toughness" to come to the fore.
At the risk of taking a side road, I read through the list of things that went wrong in your game - dropped passes, no YAC on the short throws, etc.
It would seem the young men are tanking emotionally after these drops and failures. I know, way to go Captain Obvious!
This can be a function of a boatload of issues. But, at the end of the day, I KNOW WHEN MY KIDS QUIT PLAYING, and it sounds like your guys are quitting on you, and each other.
You cannot whip that " heart toughness" back into an emotionally defeated team.
When a young man has let himself down, or is offended/angry, I don't care how much you hit, he won't recover until the issue is addressed. He will just become more bitter.
I may be way off base for some of you old school guys, but in a losing environment, and I have some experience with this, you have to coach harder than you ever have in your life! What I mean isn't run more plays, hit more, do more. You have to READ your team. This is what being a Head Coach is all about. You have to find out what is going on in their hearts, and it needs to be addressed individually, and corporately.
I am a father of 5(3 teenage sons) When they "leave the building emotionally," no amount of intensity on my part is going to restore them. I have to be willing to go a little deeper.
Now, I am not suggesting you bring in a team of counselors and turn this into a "felt-needs" seminar. But, talk to the captains, talk to the movers and shakers, talk to the coaches, and talk to the guys making the mistakes. Pull them aside, grant them clemency for their honesty, and FIND OUT WHY THEY ARE GIVING UP IN THEIR HEARTS. You may find, they have never been there to begin with, or they are just frustrated, either way, you have to get this stuff aired and addressed.
I have seen lesser young men, take bigger men, because their heart and conscience were clear. Someone believed in them, and they believed in each other. There is nothing like looking in the eyes of a kid who has gotten his heart back after a gut wrenching loss, or a failure, or a bad "let down." That knowing smile in that kid, is worth more than all the booster checks and accolades you can amass from the public.
Your offense may need tweaking, your defense may need to rethink what it is doing, but those adjustments need to be made AFTER talking to the kids and coaches.
They felt every bit of the 5 hour practices, they know they are letting you down. They are aware they are losing, and in the absence of direct input to their mindsets, it is evident that they are drawing their own conclusions that EVERYONE, including the coaching staff, doesn't believe in them. You can say that corporately to the team, but that won't do it. The deeper the failure, the deeper you have to be willing to go.
Billy Bob Thornton's, Gary Gaines character in Friday Night Lights, sat in Mike Wenchell's room and had a heart to heart with him, and Wenchell's comment seems appropriate here, "My mind's not right." That is of first importance. Each guy is different, and you know them better than anyone what motivates them, but until you go there. This will be the legacy. It isn't they don't want to win, they just don't care enough about what is going in this program to fight for it, and something took that away, OR it was never there to begin with. Either way, you have to deal with it.
You can run the I/SPREAD/WISHBONE hybrid with WING-T misdirection, but if you don't have their hearts, you don't have a team. That takes work, creativity, compassion, and being a man as a coach to kids who sat down a long way back down the road. Oh, they still show up to practice, but are they really there?
These are kids, guys. NOT MEN, yet. We are working toward that end. They are post puberty, self serving, mini men, who are just now figuring out whether they have what it takes to get it done.
From a father's perspective, I don't need my son to think he is GREAT, that isn't a helpful thought. He already thinks that based on how many people he steps on, and it is self-serving and arrogant.
I need him to know his Dad believes in him in spite of his selfish views and that regardless of his failures that he understands it is important to keep trying hard for the guy next to him. That the other guys matter more than him. If he happens to end up great because he has talent, so be it. But there will be no quit in him regardless.
If you, as a coach, can crack that code in a kid, where his fear of mistakes fade in comparison to his desire to go hard for the guy next to him, and this team.
You will not only win, you will beat teams you shouldn't. Conversely, you spend all your time trying to scheme your way around it to victory, you will create overly independent, self-absorbed players whose only concern is why you don't get them the ball, and talking about the other guy being so bad. You pick the complaint, but it is all about them.
It won't take much, but coaches who have tapped into the "real, God intended manhood" of their kids do amazing things. That team beats an Oklahoma in a bowl game overtime series that leaves people talking about the greatest game ever. That team dismantles a Michigan in the big house deep in the 4th quarter, blocking a field goal to win it. They beat a USC team as bunch of academic geniuses who got it together.
It doesn't always happen, but in the end, win or lose, you win with your team - not your scheme.
I found in many cases, that just a few days of investigation, a few key honest and humble talks, and a team meeting, and we were back on the road again - WITH THE ADJUSTMENTS MADE. But, if that isn't on the radar with your coach, I would take that other job, because no matter what play you call, it won't be right, because their hearts aren't right.
Just my opinion as always. Hope you can find something useful.
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Post by dsqa on Apr 27, 2007 10:42:37 GMT -6
Another helpful way to determine coverage after the snap is to determine pre-snap the 1 deep or 2-deep safety. If you can't pre-read - read the linebacker to the primary throw side(side where your primary routes are going) through to that safety. The attack or lateral movement of the LB will confirm Man, if he drops it is zone. The safety behind the backer's move will confirm the coverage as 0-4 by angle of drop. We have drills we do with just these two players and the QB is able to call the coverage easily based on the movement of these two guys only. It isn't the only way, it is just another effective way to backdoor late coverage recognition quickly.
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Post by dsqa on Oct 1, 2006 18:04:40 GMT -6
Just to clarify. I was able to do what I did with this team. I am not suggesting that every team I have had would have been able to handle this kind of off week. I choose what we do based on a number of factors. Last year's off week was nothing like this, in fact, we prepared like we were playing for the Super Bowl because that was the need I saw for that year. I think you have to know your kids and what they need. I am not sure you can rubber stamp the off week. Each season has its own issues, and I have found that while we may have a philosophy overall, reestablishing a team focus, how we work that out will vary. Just thoughts
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Post by dsqa on Sept 30, 2006 22:27:24 GMT -6
We work on reestablishing the kids sense of team. We had an off week this week, and we organized internal 8 on 8 scrimmages with 3 teams rotating trying to score from the 25 yard line. Kids call the plays, coaches ref. A college version of the Kansas tiebreaker with points. We track scores and give points for scores, defense stops, picks etc. We play for reduced conditioning. Lots of fun, and the kids remember again how fun this game is. It is amazing what you will see in some kids that haven't played well, when they aren't under the normal pressure associated with coach intervention. It is one step away from sandlot ball, and it provides some great opportunities as a coach for me to talk to kids about playing like they did on the off week. They just play loose, and we get something from them that we can usually build on. We also get a chance to work on their interactions with one another on their teams. Depending on how they are getting along within their teams, we are able to adjust attitudes and reinforce the natural leadership that rises in those games. The first day back we played a touch game and the coaches played with the kids. We still had two good days of drills and fundamentals with hitting, but the fun was a welcome recharge for the guys in the midst of a tough season so far. The bonding was great, and we are ready for the rest of the season. I know some coaches would be worried about injuries, but the same risk exists in a normal practice. Just my thoughts
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Post by dsqa on Jan 11, 2006 21:50:43 GMT -6
Hey Keith, jet emailed me, I thought I would post the response, might be helpful to others looking for help. Have a great night!
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Post by dsqa on Jan 11, 2006 21:16:20 GMT -6
Hey coach jet, Yes, we run the Spread and conventional sets in oneback. Essentially, I have had to scheme my way through for two years, because many just don't know football that much, and haven't played. We use a Double Wing numbering system and rules stemming from the Hugh Wyatt Double Wing. We will get compact sometimes, but mostly 1 back with motion. We spread people out for changes of pace, getting our skill players the ball in space, and avoiding having to run straight ahead all the time with a weak line. The Spread is rules based and simple in its construction, with an emphasis on simple combinations and triangles created by route numbering and tags. There is some basic memorization of the route order, but the rest is rules based.
I would love to meet for training with you in Ohio between or around the camps. I think you will find what I do to be invaluable to your QB. Everyone is busy, I understand, but this isn't about busy, this camp is about getting better, and he will get better at this camp. A lot better. How? Increased confidence based on knowledge he has probably never considered about why he does what he does in each phase of the game; A highly increased sensitivity and control in ball flight, trajectory, and accuracy through Self-correction; and a better grasp than ever of what real leadership should look like on his team - "It's not about you!".
Let me know what you would like to do, 1 on 1, the camp, inservice for your QBs and Receivers at your school? I will have Kez McCorvey with me in Ohio, a phenomenal receiver coach, and we do inservice clinics for QBs and receivers at individual schools in their systems and offenses. I do them alone by myself, and/or with Kez if you want us both. We did a few last year, and one team was #1 in their classification all year, with the best new QB in the classification. He is only a sophomore! We do a mechanics makeover where helpful within your system, with your coaches right there every step of the way hearing the why of each thought process so we are on the same page, and we establish timing on the route packages you run in your system. We do leadership and motivational training inside, and work within your system, and make suggestions offensively where helpful, always with the intent of preserving what you do, just getting them to do it better through understanding why! It is our heart to just be a resource to your kids and staff, and another set of eyes, with no agenda but consistency of execution with character. Let me know, if that interests you. Also, I would be happy to share any thoughts with you on what we do, etc.
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Post by dsqa on Jan 9, 2006 11:56:04 GMT -6
Coach jet, I would be happy to answer any questions you have about the camps and what we do. You can call me at 407-310-4341, or e-mail me through the website. I will get right back to you with answers. I think you will find these camps extremely helpful in your QB's mental and mechanical development. If he is a "stud" as you say, you might want to consider a 1 on 1 option to accelerate the process for him. We can talk about it, and see what might be best and practical. Also, you can check out the testimonials on my site to get an idea of how these camps affect the participants and coaches. Darin Slack www.quarterbackacademy.com
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Post by dsqa on Nov 21, 2007 23:11:44 GMT -6
We will have the locations confirmed very soon and the registration for summer will open within 2 weeks. We will probably be at Washington Township HS in South Jersey in Sewell.
We will be at Sparrows Point in Baltimore, MD
and at Old Redskin Park in Fairfax, VA
Hope that helps. I will let everyone know when the locales are firm, but we are close! Thanks for that.
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Post by dsqa on Nov 20, 2007 20:18:39 GMT -6
Coach oline175, My sincerest apologies on the e-mail. I am in the midst of a major video production we are trying to have done for the new year, and some e-mails have slipped through. I apologize for the miss. I try very hard to get back to everyone in a timely manner, and I appreciate your patience as it appears I missed it. I did not miss this however. Right now we are looking at our numbers for camp next summer, at this point, we are looking at +- $275 at this point. The price will be firm in a week or so. We just have to make sure we have the locations solid before we drop the price. Thanks for your patience for a bit longer. We will have an early camp registration discount online until January when the registration for summer camps goes up, so you will be able to get a significant break at the beginning.
Thanks again for your patience and I look forward to seeing you at camp.
Coach Slack
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Post by dsqa on Sept 3, 2007 9:21:43 GMT -6
you line up the line 12-15 yards to the left. First lineman at the hash working toward the sideline. Use an eligible receiver at center(eligible number). Put receiver out to right, off the line to allow center to remain eligible(last man on LOS). Put TE on far end of line toward sideline. FB will be behind guards 2-3 yards deep turned toward the center. The QB is the holder, and he determines by defense's response where the ball will go. He would be down, but we had him keep his knee off the ground until we declard we would kick it. We called out the player's name quickly, to tell the center where to go, but you can use anything for that. If the QB tells the C to get it out to the FB, he slides his hips sideways parallel to the line for a brief burst, and shoots the ball underhanded to the FB.(He can't turn his body by rule, but he can shoot it sideways). If the QB calls the kicker, the team shifts to regular compressed PAT alignment. If the QB calls his name, the center shoots him the ball and he runs the option with the kicker out to the right. If forced, he can run it in. He can throw to Center hooking in front of him and LBS, slightly behind in endzone. Hit receiver who is working back of endzone to get uncovered. He can pitch it to the Kicker on the option, and the kicker can throw it, or run it in. We ran it everytime we scored, and got two over 50% of the time when we went for 2. We gave the QB the option of what to do, unless the game was close, or it was a blowout and we didn't want to run it up, etc.
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Post by dsqa on May 25, 2007 22:04:20 GMT -6
LOL brophy! I am not that unwilling to help...
Coach murdock, Feel free to e-mail me with your concerns, and I will be happy to help in any way I can. I am also happy to speak with you anytime about things you can do.
Just offering, no obligation.
Coach Darin Slack
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