moose18
Junior Member
"If it didn't matter who won or lost, they wouldn't keep score"
Posts: 286
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Post by moose18 on Mar 5, 2006 5:07:37 GMT -6
Not sure how to ask this question without sounding like a prick, but I have to know if I am the only one who has ever felt this way. I do not want to come off as a "know it all" but I got very frustrated this past weekend...
Have any of you gone to any clinics and just felt like the speakers are all telling you things you already know and already do? I saw three very good speakers, from three programs I respect a lot (WVU, Penn St, and Maine) speak at a Mega Clinic this weekend. They all spoke of some aspect of their spread offense. All three presenters were very good, I just don't feel like they taught me anything I don't know. It was very frustrating as this was the second clinic I went to this winter where I don't feel like I picked anything up.
Any other coaches ever feel this way?
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Post by bj88smc on Mar 5, 2006 6:24:15 GMT -6
Coach, I feel the same way. I went to the Nike Clinic for the 1st time in Orlando . First, the set up was horrible (bad hotel/bad convention area). Second, I didn't hear anything that blew me away. Very basic info. I usually have great experiences at Clinics(glaizer), coming away energized. I'll never go to another Nike.
Furthermore, this board is almost as good as a clinic. It's not full of gossip like most boards. Everyone is helpful and positive, I check 2-4 times a day to make sure I don't miss anything.
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Post by coachcalande on Mar 5, 2006 7:07:04 GMT -6
Ill vent some too..i went to a 3 day clinic this weekend , it was a disorganized mess. There were constant schedule changes with no announcements in the lobby or on the flyers. I stuck around late only to find out that the featured speaker i wanted to see couldnt make it, then i left only to find out that the guy id hoped to see the following morning came in and took the other guys spot...so , then i was there really early, in the lobby, sat down and had breakfast waiting for an 8:30 lecture (as it stated on my "updated schedule" only to find out that while i was sitting there, the lecture had been in progress for 30 minutes!!!!)...i was fuming. then i sat in a room listening to drivel about door prizes and all that stuff when a speaker came in from the other room to do a repeat presentation that id just sat out of...then, two more speakers and they both, honestly...well...stunk. they scribbled on the overhead and noone could read it . anyhow, i think there were alot of unhappy coaches there. i left during the lunchy break figuring i didnt have an hour and a half to kill just to find out that the next featured speakers schedule was also changed....whew, thanks for listening. it stunk. the best thing about it, i bought three books while i was there...btw, alot of dishonest coaches on this planet, shameful as some coaches shop lifted books and videos from the coaches choice table. also someone stold the clinic notes manuals. nice huh. losers.
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Post by wpialoline on Mar 5, 2006 8:08:53 GMT -6
I just got back from the Nike Clinic in Pittsburgh and it was horrible. The best talks were given by the HS coaches. The college guys spend way too much time on philosphy and just went over very basic stuff.
I can honestly say that I got nothing from any of the college guys.
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Post by jackedup on Mar 5, 2006 8:35:53 GMT -6
Moose18,
I too was very disappointed with the AC megaclinic. I personnally thought the Baltimore and first AC glazier clinics were much much better! Some of the speakers had never used powerpoint or even spoke. One guy read from the power point and that was it. Then he offered to sell his notes for $10.00. Now, I know he was just fundraising for his program but come on now... The best speaker there, IMO, was Kevin Coyle from the Cin. Bengals talking on DB play. So, for me, when I go to these lousy clinics, 1 good speaker and erase an entire 2 day experience.
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Post by Rob Lowe on Mar 5, 2006 9:02:10 GMT -6
The COOL clinic in Cincinnati is exceptional
Here is the link. This site still has 2005 advertised so I don't know if there is a clinic this year.
Perhaps someone knows?
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zexx14
Sophomore Member
Every failure carries with it the seed for an equivalent or greater success
Posts: 169
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Post by zexx14 on Mar 5, 2006 9:31:54 GMT -6
I also attended the AC Clinic and I felt there were a few things I could take with me. The Penn D-Line coach had some different techniques that seemed useful. Coyle was outstanding w/ his d-Back presentation. The biggest dissapointment was the Matchup Zone coach who went through his presentation so quickly that you couldn't take notes and then tried to sell the 3-4 page packet of notes for $10.00. WOW. I could see buying peoples Power Point disks and such, but a packet of notes!!
Zexx14
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NCcoach
Sophomore Member
Posts: 112
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Post by NCcoach on Mar 5, 2006 9:40:52 GMT -6
I have been to a ton of clinics, usually 3 or 4 a year. However, I have never been to a Nike or mega clinic or any clinic where they make money.
I always go to the NC football coaches clinic in the winter and the NC HS coaches clinic in the summer (2nd biggest state coaches clinic in the US). Both of these are well run. The best clinics every year are put on by DIA programs. I've been to UNC(every year), NC State(every year), Clemson, South Carolina, Tennessee, Duke, Wake Forest, Vtech, Georgia, Virginia, and ECU. Some were better than others, but as a whole they are very well run and a good value. Colleges are not really trying to make money on these. They stuff you with food, give you beer at night, and give you a hat or notebook or bag. They cost between $30-$45.
At the college clinics they usually bring in one big name guy from the NFL or College legend, have their own staff give a few presentations, and have high school state champ coaches give presentations. The longer I'm coaching the less I "learn" at clinics, but I still find them valuable. I always take something away with the variety of speakers, topics, and levels represented. However, I find validation when someone presents what I already do. I also have the opportunity to talk with college coaches about any subject including player recruitment, network with other coaches in the state, do a little football shopping, and bond with the rest of the staff.
This year we are hoping to go to Notre Dame. This clinic is a little pricey so I wonder how good it will be(usually the more clinics cost, the worse they are). But our main goal this year at the clinic is to bond and build excitement within the new staff.
I recommend staying away from those money making clinics and go to a DIA clinic.
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Post by blb on Mar 5, 2006 9:44:47 GMT -6
I have been coaching 31 years and I used to go to every clinic (about one a month) within driving distance and stay until the last dog was dead. The clinic manuals used to be FULL of x's and o's.
About ten years ago I stopped going to the so-called "big name" clinics because, as earlier posters noted, most of the "big name" college guys talk more philosophy and very little x's and o's or techniques. They fly in unprepared, don't tell you much that's useful, pick up a BIG fee, and fly on to the next one.
If you want to learn what colleges are doing, you have to go their spring clinics. Most of them have one - which is another reason they won't tell you much off-campus.
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brmurf
Freshmen Member
Posts: 93
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Post by brmurf on Mar 5, 2006 11:27:24 GMT -6
I went to the Mega Clinic in Charlotte the last 2 years and both were worth the $. I picked some some great stuff on special teams both years and some program organization this year. I have been to Tennessee's clinic a couple of times and was not that impressed. Personally I like HS coaches talking because to me they are closer to what I can do---ie dont get to pick and choose athletes.
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Post by banditgsk on Mar 5, 2006 12:01:01 GMT -6
I attended the Mega Clinic in Charlotte, NC last weekend and really liked it, but this was the first clinic I have ever attended. Almost every session I attended was good and had highlights worth the time. Of note, Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson's presentation was excellent and one of the best of the clinic, IMO. He was ready to offer any information he had that might help your program. I will certainly try to attend any clinic I can find in the future where he is speaking. If Coach had asked, I was almost ready to put on a helmet and go play for the guy, and I am 51 years old....
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Post by jackedup on Mar 5, 2006 12:06:52 GMT -6
Don't get me wrong... besides the actual football season, I love clinic season. Just the sharing and discussing of football in a condensed manner like a clinic is awesome. And most of the mega/glazier clinics I've attended have been good, just this AC clinic was not very good.
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moose18
Junior Member
"If it didn't matter who won or lost, they wouldn't keep score"
Posts: 286
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Post by moose18 on Mar 5, 2006 12:50:26 GMT -6
honestly, I'm not saying it was a bad clinic, I just didn't get anything out of it. I originally posted because I was concerned that these clinics really can't help me on my offense anymore. Every spread coach that talks about an aspect of their offense is talking about things I already know and do. It was very frustrating to me. The only speakers that spoke about things relevant to my schemes couldn't help me. No point in me going to watch a WingT or DW coach. Guess I just need to find more specialized clinics to attend
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Post by bigdaddyd on Mar 5, 2006 12:54:56 GMT -6
Not sure how to ask this question without sounding like a prick, but I have to know if I am the only one who has ever felt this way. I do not want to come off as a "know it all" but I got very frustrated this past weekend... Have any of you gone to any clinics and just felt like the speakers are all telling you things you already know and already do? I saw three very good speakers, from three programs I respect a lot (WVU, Penn St, and Maine) speak at a Mega Clinic this weekend. They all spoke of some aspect of their spread offense. All three presenters were very good, I just don't feel like they taught me anything I don't know. It was very frustrating as this was the second clinic I went to this winter where I don't feel like I picked anything up. Any other coaches ever feel this way? That's usually the case in most clinics, I attend, but I always remember that we all have different concepts, and ideas, and not every speaker is going to have the "HOLY GRAIL " of football information that every coach seems to be seeking, when going to a clinic. I go in with the thought, I'm going to get at least one valuable piece of information or something that I was unaware off coming into the clinic initially... |
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Post by bigdaddyd on Mar 5, 2006 12:57:34 GMT -6
Not to mention this board is a Clinic in itself, I've been and continue to learn... AND IT'S FREE..
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Post by cc on Mar 5, 2006 13:04:24 GMT -6
Agreed Big D. If you pick up one new idea it is worth it.
If you find a way to teach something better or different than the way do it now, then it is worth it.
If it simply confirms what you already know then it is worth it.
But yeah, some of the time you may be better spent talking to a local HS coach for an hour... I dunno...lol
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FF/Coach
Sophomore Member
If your heart is in it, you can do it!!!
Posts: 134
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Post by FF/Coach on Mar 5, 2006 13:29:02 GMT -6
Big D & CC;
Ditto, if I can come away with 1 idea or 1 why didn't I think of that, I consider the clinic a success. Many times I've listened to a higher level coach (college or pro) and walked out with not much more than a way of simplifying what we already do. What I have found is that those guys have so much time to devote to what they do, they can break things (drills, skills, tech.s) down to their smallest components and get rid of all the junk then put it back together much more efficient that what it was at the start. If they can show me a way to save time or a way to make kids understand what I want, then I've got something good to take home.
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graz74
Freshmen Member
Posts: 71
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Post by graz74 on Mar 5, 2006 13:32:33 GMT -6
Go to the Zierlien Clinics. the one in chicago was great. No philosophy, {censored}, etc just football...this is not for the youth coach or beginner.
g
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Post by sls on Mar 5, 2006 13:35:11 GMT -6
I go to a lot of clinics. If there is a topic that interests me I go wanting to find 1 good thing, drill practice plan suggestion, technique, anything. I have found usually to learn that one thing.
IF there is not a topic that interests me then I look at the schedule and go to the topic that I know the leaset about to learn some football. I will never run the wingt but I have learned alot about my opponents in wing t talks.
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Post by coachdawhip on Mar 5, 2006 14:00:54 GMT -6
I think that has to be the goal is to pick up 1 new idea, I have been to the Glazier Clinics here in Atlanta and they have all been great. But I can understand any coach getting frustrated over them.
sls,
Stay out of those wing-t rooms. We do want you guys picking up on our plays!!! LOL!!!
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Post by tog on Mar 5, 2006 14:26:04 GMT -6
Once you get past the basics that most college presenters get to, the real learning goes on in the bars or up in the rooms on a napkin or with beer cans, or a whiteboard.
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ike2112
Sophomore Member
Posts: 158
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Post by ike2112 on Mar 5, 2006 14:43:50 GMT -6
I go to clinics to learn and to shore up the things we do. But don't you still feel good that the speaker does something the exact same way you do? For example that you are teaching the timing on a handoff the exact same way as Syracuse or something.
As someone above said these people have so much time they can find the most efficient drills - if you already do them then you're a well-organised coach. Maybe you're not paying $50 or whatever to feel good about yourself, but it's like checking your own performance.
Jackedup, or whoever else was at the AC megaclinic - do you have notes typed up or handouts from the talk given by Kevin Coyle on DB play?
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Post by bj88smc on Mar 5, 2006 16:18:16 GMT -6
I do enjoy clinics. If I walk away with one new idea, I always think its worth it. I guess I've just been spoiled at the last several. However, Nike is out to make $ and I'll never go again, and I'll tell everyone not to go.
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Post by oguru on Mar 5, 2006 16:39:08 GMT -6
I have gone to a lot of clincis,and most of them are the same presentations given by different coaches each year a,ong with the normal clinic B.S.
However when I went to the zierlein clinic a couple weeks back it was totally different. No clinic talk {censored} no philosophy just football.
It was great.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2006 17:08:42 GMT -6
I am still new to the profession (this past season was my fourth as an assistant), but I've never had a totally bad clinic experience. I've picked something up at every one I've been to, especially the Megas. I just went to St. Louis this weekend and thought it was great. The point made about changing speakers and/or topics is a good one though. One of the sessions I went to was supposed to be about practice organization and no word was mentioned about a change until the guy started. He stood up in front of us and said, "Well, my apologies to people here for oganization, but I thought you would get more out of it if I talked x's and o's." Well, maybe for some, but not me!
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Post by brophy on Mar 6, 2006 7:06:49 GMT -6
sometimes some of the best lessons or teachings on how NOT to do things.....I understand the frustrations, though.
I've always found that learning about stuff I DON'T see / teach always helpful - learn how they do it on the other side of the tracks type of thinking. I like to learn as much about offense in the off season more than I do about defense (being a DC) because it least I feel like I'm learning something.
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Post by dmp225 on Mar 6, 2006 8:18:25 GMT -6
the Nike clinic in Allentown Pa was just pathetic. Half of the presenters didn't show up, Dave Wannsteadt showed was supposed to speak on friday night, he showed up late so they moved him to sat morning. He spoke for 25 minutes and then said he had to catch a flight. Horrible...set-up was bad, no room. They ended up having the youth clinic coaches speak instead of the college coaches
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Post by SAcoach on Mar 6, 2006 9:31:24 GMT -6
No more Nike clinic for me also...I have found that they are to short....not enough x and o's
I like the megaclinic's because they have 3 sessions and if you don't like it go to another session
Also, agree with Brophy sometimes you need to go see speakers on opposite side of the ball to get an idea of what they are doing to stop your plays
or another position....
One of the best speakers I heard this year even though it was quick was the wr coach from U of Florida
Never even seen a wr speaker but I liked him because he coaches the WR's like O-Linemen
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Post by knighter on Mar 6, 2006 12:57:40 GMT -6
I have neve had a bad clinic experience. Just the social aspect of things makes it worth the money. i can always find someone to talk ball with if i do not like the speaker. Also the free beer and food is always a plus!
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Post by backercoach on Mar 6, 2006 17:35:25 GMT -6
Nike clinics are not as good as Glazier clinics. They give too much time to the feature speakers. If they only gave them 50 minutes or so, they would get to the point a forget about their philosophy crap.
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