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Post by jrr011 on Oct 23, 2010 17:04:40 GMT -6
Hey guys looking for some help, I am a first year DC along with a first year HC who took over a program with not much winning tradition. We knew that it would be a tough road as far as changing the mindset and we are also inexperienced (we have no seniors), I just can't seem to understand how we are regressing defensively. We have had some injuries but through the first few games we were giving some solid efforts while the offense was struggling, however now the situation has somewhat reversed. Schematics don't seem to be the problem, we run the 4-4 and are in position but have trouble shedding blocks and are arm tackling much more than we used to despite extra work in practice. We are 1-6, but in 5 games we are within 7 pts. after three quarters. I know that conditioning is a factor with people going both ways but many other teams we face have the same issues. The wheels just always seem to fall off in the 4th, we also seem to play better against the toughest teams but not very well in games in which we are evenly matched. My HC is great about encouraging me and telling me that I'm preparing well but bottom line I just feel that I'm not getting the job done and feel especially bad that the fundamentals are so poor. At times I feel that I may be "overcoaching" in terms of trying to get everyone prepared for every small detail but I just want to be successful. I may need to step back and force the players to take more ownership over what they are doing and be more accountable. Discipline is also an issue with a few that I believe hurts our team and we are working on re-establishing guidelines and getting that corrected. Any advice or ideas would be much appreciated. Thank you.
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Post by phantom on Oct 23, 2010 18:21:40 GMT -6
Hey guys looking for some help, I am a first year DC along with a first year HC who took over a program with not much winning tradition. We knew that it would be a tough road as far as changing the mindset and we are also inexperienced (we have no seniors), I just can't seem to understand how we are regressing defensively. We have had some injuries but through the first few games we were giving some solid efforts while the offense was struggling, however now the situation has somewhat reversed. Schematics don't seem to be the problem, we run the 4-4 and are in position but have trouble shedding blocks and are arm tackling much more than we used to despite extra work in practice. We are 1-6, but in 5 games we are within 7 pts. after three quarters. I know that conditioning is a factor with people going both ways but many other teams we face have the same issues. The wheels just always seem to fall off in the 4th, we also seem to play better against the toughest teams but not very well in games in which we are evenly matched. My HC is great about encouraging me and telling me that I'm preparing well but bottom line I just feel that I'm not getting the job done and feel especially bad that the fundamentals are so poor. At times I feel that I may be "overcoaching" in terms of trying to get everyone prepared for every small detail but I just want to be successful. I may need to step back and force the players to take more ownership over what they are doing and be more accountable. Discipline is also an issue with a few that I believe hurts our team and we are working on re-establishing guidelines and getting that corrected. Any advice or ideas would be much appreciated. Thank you. How is discipline a problem?
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Post by brophy on Oct 23, 2010 19:09:35 GMT -6
Make a commitment to fundamentals at least 5min each practice (it doesn't have to be elaborate) Let fundamentals be its own period (not just talk about it, not just reinforce the tips during play). Fundamentals has to be 'the way they play' their positions. brophyfootball.blogspot.com/2009/08/iowa-hawkeye-defensive-circuit.htmlScheme is one thing. Being out-athlete is another. Poor fundamentals is unforgivable Are you grading the kids and showing them how poor fundamentals contributes to blown grade/efficiency/assignment? If you have proper movement technique, you will never be out of position for your assignment.
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Post by jrr011 on Oct 23, 2010 21:56:32 GMT -6
Brophy, thank you for your reply. I have enjoyed learning from your posts and your website. We usually have a 10 min. hitting period either oklahoma, boards or some kind of tackling to start practice because we found that if we don't they tend to come out flat, I like the idea of another period of just fundamentals. I try to use drills in individual (I coach LB's) that cover the fundamentals-stance and start, C.O.D., shedding blocks, tackling and pursuit but have at times ended up as you said reinforcing them during play or just talking about them especially if our individual gets cut short.
I do grade the LB's for missed assignments, completed assignments, proper pursuits and bad pursuits. I also write in things to work on such as remember to drive your feet on contact or use your hands to strike the blocker don't just absorb him and things your doing well along with a final summary. It definitely helps me to see our errors and watch every LB on every play that they were in but I do see alot of the same mistakes week after week so I have to try to get the coaching to effect more change.
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