|
Post by aceback76 on Feb 10, 2017 10:20:17 GMT -6
We "sell" this to our players:
PLAYING WITH MORALE AND INTENSITY:
There is no magic formula for developing morale, but there is a means of getting consistent effort from your team and intensity is what it is all about. How close do your players come to making their best effort every time the ball is snapped? That is what it is all about, and if your team can do that then they are going to play very well. My theory of judging how well a team is coached is not how many games they won that they shouldn’t have won (they upset somebody), it’s games they lost when they were a superior team, they didn’t play well that day. And why didn’t they play well --- nobody got geared up about it. Teach your players to think of the game totally as a chance to find out about themselves --- what kind of a man am I and how well can I play when it is tough to play? You begin by explaining to them that this is a most uncomfortable game to play. There is no way you can play football and feel good. The first two or three plays everybody feels good. But now I am the Nose Tackle and I have got to meet someone me and now it’s a sweep and I’ve got to run 20 yards and there is a big collision and I’ve got to line up again and meet somebody and run 20 yards and then there is another collision. I do this three or four times and I don’t feel good. Now, do I quit at this point and wait to get my breath or do I continue to go as hard as I can to try as hard as I can try? THAT’S WHERE THE GAME IS WON OR LOST! What happens to most teams is they play the first two or three plays as well as they can, then they get to a point, I used to call this the “QUITTING DOWN”, where two or three guys tell themselves, “If I coast on this play then I’ll be able to go real hard on the next one”. They have gotten kind of tired so they coast for a while. So they go hard again but now a few others decide it is time for them to coast and the result of this is that you never get eleven guys going all out.
So to get back to the basic point, if you can convince your people that the reason for playing is for them to find out about themselves and for them to find out how close they can come to playing as well as they can on every snap. Then you can eliminate, I think, that “up and down”. So now I have three practices and I get the men together after practice and I ask them, “how many of you think you went as hard as you could every time” and if anybody puts his hand up he is lying. “How many of you did it 90% of the time”, I don’t think you get any hands if you have an honest relationship. “80% of the time”, you will get some hands and you explain to them again, that’s not very good if you expect to be a good football team, and we’ve got to make the effort every time the ball is snapped and if you don’t think you can, walk off the field --- it takes more courage than standing out there bluffing. I’m never going to know if you make the big effort, and your teammates are not going to know if you make the big effort, but you are going to know and the whole game is a test of yourself. Now, if your players understand this, and I think if you explain it to them they will, some days they are going to play a guy in a red shirt who is a super athlete, some other day it will be a guy in a green shirt who cannot play a lick but that does not effect your guy’s performance at all because his whole purpose is to find out today how close, “I can come to making my maximum effort every time they snap the ball”. After the game in the locker room, “Okay how many of you went the best you could everytime”, I don’t think you will ever see any hands. How many of you went 95%”, maybe one. “90%”, maybe 4. But this is something that if they understand what I’m talking about, as the season goes along more and more of them will be able to get their hand up and if you can ever get them all giving their best effort then it is going to be awfully hard to beat you. And the major thing that happens is this, if you players begin to think this is just an opportunity to for me to find out about myself, “today, how close can I come to doing the best I possibly can”, then it doesn’t matter whether you are supposed to win by four touchdowns, because the objective has nothing to do with that, their objective is to find out about themselves. Or, they are supposed to lose by three, that has nothing to do with it. It is simply a question of “today, am I able to beat MYSELF”. I’m the toughest opponent that anybody ever had, there is no question about that. If they do honestly believe that, that is the purpose of the game, then I believe they will play consistently with MAXIMUIM INTENSITY!!! Get everyone on the field doing that – it will be very hard for anyone to defeat you!
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Feb 10, 2017 10:01:48 GMT -6
It's EASY to see on film which team has "morale" by who plays with the most intensity. A team with bad morale will just go thru the motions. A highly motivated team goes all out (& plays with "abandon").
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Feb 10, 2017 9:59:30 GMT -6
Does losing vertical leverage mean getting your ass kicked on the lines? If so, I think I found the number one contributor. Vertical leverage means getting your pads lower than his pads!
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Feb 9, 2017 14:53:40 GMT -6
I broke down 10 full game films per WEEK of area HS teams. The following jumps out at you:
Here are the REASONS the losers lost (& it had NOTHING to do with X & O)!!!
1. No MORALE (not playing with emotion).
2. Poor Tackling (body not under control when going into the tackle).
3. Pass defenders losing sight of the ball in zone, and their man in man.
4. O & D lines losing VERTICAL LEVERAGE.
5. Not playing to the whistle (not FINISHING the play). SUGGESTION: Use the "6 Second Interval" in practice.
6. Not putting quicker players on the edge (OLB, DE, etc.). "LOSE CONTAIN = LOSE THE GAME"!!!
7. The old bugaboo of turnovers & penalties).
A team guilty of the above will NOT win many games!!!
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Feb 5, 2017 9:58:00 GMT -6
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Feb 4, 2017 18:37:05 GMT -6
Do you guys have your coaches there in summer? We go mornings and only half staff are teachers which fits am practice. Is it more important to go off kids schedule or coaches convenient? Coaches work to accommodate players!
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Jan 29, 2017 12:01:38 GMT -6
The "Chalk Wars" thread got me thinking. I find that I'm less and less interested in putting my Xs against somebody else's Os, especially as a strictly hypothetical exercise. That's not to say that I don't care about Xs and Os. I'm heading to a clinic next week and I'm excited. I'll even go to hear the NFL guys. I'm interested in schematics but not in a vacuum. Do others feel that they've become less interested in chalk wars as they've been in the business longer? It is TRULY the Jimmy & Joes rather than the X's & O's!
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Jan 21, 2017 13:27:22 GMT -6
Think small school. Staff somewhere around 3-6. You pray for 30 kids. I have always thought that answer was hands down HC is with the O-Line. Now...not so sure he shouldn't be with the QB. That is if you need more than someone to just hand the ball off. Your thoughts. Whichever you can do best. If you already have people qualified to do those - you as HFC can go back forth & observe both! That way you won't be "missing" something!
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Jan 20, 2017 16:23:25 GMT -6
I sometimes (more like all the time) get into these philosophical thinking about life in general. I am curious why do you share your knowledge of football, life, (insert whatever here) on a forum or any place. I am 99.99% sure everything I know I have learned from someone else. The only reason I don't put 100% is because maybe, just maybe there is a 0.01% chance that I picked up something on my own lol. So, 3-part question: - Why do you share your knowledge of football?
- Do you not fear that the sharing of your knowledge whether it be scheme, technique, film, etc. will be used against you and potentially defeat you?
- When do you determine that you have enough knowledge to; Write a book, speak at a clinic, present on a webinar (like coach smith is currently doing)?
Strictly to give back to the game. So many great coaches helped me along the way, I could never mention them all. I owe it to them to do so!
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Jan 17, 2017 10:36:50 GMT -6
Nobody said High School. There are College Coaches on here as well. In College you need 5 years to recruit the "right" kind of player. In Virginia HS football, Private Schools may issue multiple-year contracts if they choose (I HAD one). Public Schools don't! In either event - you take a position with an Administration that is "realistic" enough to realize that you must build from a "sound foundation", and that it MAY take time (if they pressure you to win the first year - don't consider the position)! I took over six losing programs = in 4 we won the first year (including one State Championship), and in one we broke even in the first year, and in the other we went on a long winning streak midway thru the second year. Been there & done that! yep. took over a 125 yr old school, perinnial winner. ol red, the principal didnt hire me first applied, hired another dude. i stayed on as his OC. good guy, would coach for him any day he called me, in any part of the country and we only worked together 1 year. he got fired and she appointed me head coach. said if she knew how much passion, etc i would have gotten job. she left in june, I was fired in october by a new regime. fast forward 5 years took over a door mat as HC principal moved to new school in july of that year next guy was awesome, he was too good for our school 2 years later he is a supt of another county new principal and....new AD fire me after 3 seasons. high school ball is turning into college mentality. win at all costs, regardless. win and keep job, to hell with getting kids to school or teaching young men about being an adult. would die to have what my coach had,,,,,35 yrs at 1 school, losing record in that span(dont want that part(only by like 10 wins or so)), win games everyones happy, winning season even better, lose games-get em next time coach, losing seasons--have a good offseason and recharge and get better. where are those jobs at? There are good & bad High School coaching jobs everywhere. In most of the South (ACC & SEC territory) High School Football is a 'way of life". Facts of "Good" High School "Coaching situations": 1. The better the "situations" are = the more competition you will have for the position (& the more "credentials you will have to "bring to the table"). 2. The higher you go up the coaching ladder (to bigger & better positions) = the less security you will have!!!
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Jan 17, 2017 10:14:22 GMT -6
There are a hell of a lot of coaches out there today with "5 Year Contracts". They may get fired after 3 years, but they will get paid for 5!!! in high school? where is that! i want that gig, no dam doubt about that. in florida, if you got grandfathered in, you still can have a professional services contract(continuing contract). if you change counties or came in after 2012 i think, you are an annual employee and will never be able to get a continuing contract again. every administrator/county admin will tell you that your teaching job and your coaching job are not tied together. BS.... Nobody said High School. There are College Coaches on here as well. In College you need 5 years to recruit the "right" kind of player. In Virginia HS football, Private Schools may issue multiple-year contracts if they choose (I HAD one). Public Schools don't! In either event - you take a position with an Administration that is "realistic" enough to realize that you must build from a "sound foundation", and that it MAY take time (if they pressure you to win the first year - don't consider the position)! I took over six losing programs = in 4 we won the first year (including one State Championship), and in one we broke even in the first year, and in the other we started a long winning streak midway thru the second year. Been there & done that!
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Jan 17, 2017 9:39:57 GMT -6
There are no more "Five year plans." Guys are getting fired after three now. arnold, the key word in your question is "major" (rebuilding project). I think it's vital you show improvement and that you demonstrate a vision, a plan for how to make the program successful. If it's a major rebuild, it may not be possible to win first year. In fact you may take a step back in record while laying your foundation. There are a hell of a lot of coaches out there today with "5 Year Contracts". They may get fired after 3 years, but they will get paid for 5!!!
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Jan 16, 2017 16:30:11 GMT -6
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Jan 15, 2017 22:43:06 GMT -6
When taking over a new program that's been a doormat and has a lot of cultural problems to straighten out, how important do you feel it is to win early in order to get buy in? Basically, is the first year at a major rebuilding project a "grace period" year where winning isn't as important as laying the foundation, or is it important for a new HC to be flexible in what he wants in order to win more games that first year so he can get that buy-in to lay the foundation? Read "Bear" Bryant's "Building A Championship Football Team". He says being realistic it takes 5 years to build a program properly! Of course - you want to win as quickly as possible but that isn't always "realisdtic"!
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Jan 14, 2017 12:46:54 GMT -6
We start tackle football in 1st grade in my city/town, and we're debating pushing the age back to like 4th or 5th. Just curious what age you guys start tackle football at in your hometowns? Do you see any benefit to starting it at such a young age? I think moms are becoming more and more afraid of concussions and delaying the tackling aspect of the sport might benefit our program in a way. How do you all feel? This is just my opinion: 1. I have never liked Flag football (feel it teaches too many bad habits). I would rather see them play "one-handed touch" (below the neck) as opposed to Flag. This is used in High School "7 vs. 7" leagues as it is. 2. As to when to start tackling? This will meet with a lot of disapproval, but I would rather they be 12 years old! Do not intend a debate with anyone - you asked my opinion, and that is it!
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Jan 13, 2017 8:03:39 GMT -6
Do you guys white board stuff with players and teach scheme? If so, how many days a week? month? What are you teaching? On non-lifting days (Tuesday & Thursday for us) = have classroom sessions (power points, film, etc.) at least one (or 2 at most) of those days. Also do a lot of "walk-thru" ion the gym to apply what has been taught in classroom.
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Jan 9, 2017 12:31:30 GMT -6
It appears that I am the only coach for my 5th/6th grade team. Our practice starts Monday and will go 2.25 hours. I have roughly 14 kids. Does anyone have any practice plan ideas or suggestions? Don't stay on the field over 90 minutes. Have a technique session is which they all practice their position fundamentals. Have a team session (you won't be able to go 11 v. 11 of course, but you can do Half Line for runs, and Half Field pass drills
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Dec 28, 2016 20:14:58 GMT -6
This is good also ("DEAR COACH"):
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Dec 28, 2016 19:16:30 GMT -6
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Dec 28, 2016 19:13:11 GMT -6
Cut on speakers:
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Dec 27, 2016 14:22:58 GMT -6
Taken from LaVelle Edwards & Norm Chow book:
"Because of the cyclical nature of football, the longer I coach the more convinced I am that there is no one best way to play offense, defense, or the kicking game. The key to success, then, is to settle on a basic concept for the three facets of the game and then work to become as competent as possible in running that particular style of attack. An important consideration in determining these concepts is to recognize that a coach cannot do everything! For example, in offensive football, it is important to understand that a team cannot become proficient as a dropback passing team and also be an excellent option-type team. A coach must establish his primary approach to offensive football and then augment other phases of his offensive thinking to implement this basic approach. The reason is fairly obvious --- practice time! To build a competent offense, practice time and repetition are necessary. Practice, practice, and more practice should be the standard rule. It is difficult, perhaps even impossible, to devote sufficient practice time to becoming skilled at all the offensive philosophies available".
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Dec 23, 2016 7:31:47 GMT -6
Dad used a lot of caps in stuff he put in his playbook (& inbox files). He did that to emphasize certain points. Often he (& me) simply "cut & pasted" some of that stuff on here to prevent too much re-typing. He can't type (& his Secretary retired)! Your father has helped me and so many other coaches. As far as the podcast I listen in the car, while running or while working. He is always willing to help!
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Dec 22, 2016 17:37:17 GMT -6
@aceback76 now I know why you use CAPS so much in your posts, haha. I exchanged a few e-mails with your father back when I was just breaking in to coaching. He was extremely helpful and very knowledgeable. Dad used a lot of caps in stuff he put in his playbook (& inbox files). He did that to emphasize certain points. Often he (& me) simply "cut & pasted" some of that stuff on here to prevent too much re-typing. He can't type (& his Secretary retired)!
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Dec 21, 2016 21:14:30 GMT -6
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Dec 20, 2016 15:14:06 GMT -6
Curious to learn what concepts other coaches have the most trouble teaching during the season. 1. Confidence 2. Developing a complete QB I might add to the above: 3. Getting the players to go "all out till the whistle" on each play (4-6 second max-effort)!
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Dec 20, 2016 14:59:53 GMT -6
Curious to learn what concepts other coaches have the most trouble teaching during the season. 1. Confidence 2. Developing a complete QB
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Dec 9, 2016 13:43:40 GMT -6
PS: PM me if you want to see what I have.
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Dec 9, 2016 13:13:38 GMT -6
aceback76 Thank you! That sounds awesome. Check it out (Lou's book) - it will really help you!
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Dec 9, 2016 12:57:54 GMT -6
I've seen some posts about Combative Drills on here before, but I would like to know which combative drills do you all do? Are they effective? Which ones do you do? We have some of the softest kids in the State, and we would like to change that. I've seen drills that Urban Meyer does at OSU and other 1 on 1 drills. Looking to do some combative drills this summer. Tell me which ones you do, (we don't have a lot of equipment) and why you think they're effective. Thanks. Get Lou Holtz' book "The Grass Is Greener" (thru an Inter-Library loan, because it is out of print) & it has full descriptions & photos of them (we use the same ones but they are very hard to describe typing & without photos). Basically: players (2 or more) compete on a full sized Wrestling Mat, staying on their knees. About the only rules are: no standing, no biting, no kicking, & no punching. What we do: There are many drills that can be used of short duration (15 seconds). Trying to pin one another; or drive him off the mat; etc. We will play "King of the Mat" in which we put 10 or so on the mat (group such as O-Line), they try to get each other off the mat (they'll gang up on the tougher ones trying to get them off the mat first, & that only makes him tougher), and the last man left on the mat is "King".
|
|
|
Post by aceback76 on Dec 5, 2016 15:13:00 GMT -6
You can go all the way back (in the HISTORY of the game) & SEE what caused certain offense the MOST PROBLEMS. Bill Belichick is GREAT example of a Coach that does that (he LOVES to "drop names" of the great coaches in football history)! This is like the Professors of Military History at West Point studying TACTICS ("dropping the names") of Alexander the Great, Julius Ceasar, Napoleon, Stonewall Jackson, R.E. Lee, George Patton, Norman Schwartzkopf) ETC. DEPENDING on what offense you are facing, it HELPS to know (these are but a FEW examples Football "Historians", even those who were not ALIVE at the time, will recall): 1. What Bob Neyland did to stop the SINGLE WING 2. What Bud Wilkinson did to stop his own SPLIT-T 3. What teams (& Darrell Royal) did to stop the HOUSTON VEER 4 What Ara Parseghian did to make the WISHBONE obsolete. 5. What Bob Davies, & Dennis Eruickson's D-Staff did to the RUN & SHOOT. 6. What teams are doing TODAY vs. the Oregon (Chip Kelly) SPREAD that is causing it so many problems. 7. ETC., ETC., ETC. NOTE: All of these deal with TACTICS used against teams roughly equal in talent (& do not include all-important "BEING OUT-PERSONNELED" consideration). A BOOK could be written on the topic, and I would hope Bill Belichick (or Nick Saban) writes it!
Sounds like a book or blog that you should try to write
I'd would read that
---------
actually, what caused the best offenses ever to run into icebergs would probably make an interesting offseason study
I bet what you'd find more than often than you'd care to, is that the QB picked a bad day to start throwing it the other team, or the RB picked a bad day to start fumbling it, or both, ie just a bunch of random factors
(or in addition, this happened to be the best DL they played all year, and suddenly the offense didn't look so good when it was hard for them to block everyone)
more than any particularly cleaver strategy from the coaches
------------
on a totally theoretical level, you could think about messing around the variance of what you're giving up, try at you're own risk, but a lot of the really vertical downfield stuff is relatively high variance, if you're truly an underdog, variance works in your favor
It HELPS to have the best players, play with confidence, AND have a good plan!
|
|