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Post by coachbarlow on Jan 9, 2022 13:45:48 GMT -6
So we’ve faced this issue forever but I am trying to figure out a way to encourage more players to try playing offensive line. Last year it got to a breaking point with me because a kid would rather be the 3rd string d-end than focus on playing left tackle and starting due to an injury. I want to change the mindset of the players because most of them treat playing o line as a punishment or a necessary evil if they want to play d line.
I am asking how we can change the mindset of players, so that they see that o line is just as rewarding of a position. We all know that it’s hard for these kids to understand the importance of o line when the position isn’t always recognized, is considered more passive than d line, is harder to learn, has a bunch of nuances, and does not really collect stats.
My ideas so far:
-create a name for our o line group
-Custom practice jerseys
-Custom gear
-Gatorade bucket at practice for just o line
-Dinners
-Events-pool day workouts, movies, games, Lake day
-First to get pads
-Lineman competition
Does anyone have any ideas they use in their programs to encourage brotherhood and buy in on the o line?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2022 14:13:43 GMT -6
First to get food is always nice.
Some ideas I've not had a chance to use:
One thing is to have a weekly OL award that's recognized on Monday in front of the team. If you get a say in talking to the media, make sure to call out a lineman who blocked well by name to the press for good performance. Those names will get quoted a lot now.
Send the same message out via social media (Twitter and TikTok especially, with YouTube and Facebook as nice ways to reach adults) to promote them a little. Nowadays, that kind of recognition and social media cred is becoming as big a deal to kids as stats are.
Strategically, if the roster's fairly small I'd have the whole team do a few blocking drills together at least once a week as a fast-paced circuit to work fundamentals in the offense.
Make everybody do some hitting on a sled, some down block drills, a weekly board drill against a comparable player, etc. That will help them to see how big a deal this stuff is and want to get better at it.
That also makes it a little easier to sell to the newbs who might be gun-shy of the basics, especially when you're in a pinch. This is really a pretty good efficiency strategy, anyway, in terms of working your fundamentals.
Teach them all the blocks first in walkthrough, than half speed, and spend about a week taking it slow like that to teach the drills and skills, then have them do it at a quick pace with Week #2 and run through it in like 15 min a week before a water break.
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Post by coachwoodall on Jan 9, 2022 15:39:08 GMT -6
A buddy of mine at a mid-sized school that was a run heavy 'spread offense'; one thing they did was that the OL was the group that always got to go 1st.
1st on the bus
1st off the bus
1st for the team meal
1st for equipment
1st for anything
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Post by coachwoodall on Jan 9, 2022 15:41:39 GMT -6
Make it clear that the OL group is the most important group. That group is 1st in line for __________ .
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Post by Down 'n Out on Jan 9, 2022 16:01:53 GMT -6
Build up the comradery and "blue collar" nature of the group. As a group they need to have a lot of fun.
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Post by coachscdub on Jan 9, 2022 16:07:07 GMT -6
So we’ve faced this issue forever but I am trying to figure out a way to encourage more players to try playing offensive line. Last year it got to a breaking point with me because a kid would rather be the 3rd string d-end than focus on playing left tackle and starting due to an injury. I want to change the mindset of the players because most of them treat playing o line as a punishment or a necessary evil if they want to play d line. I am asking how we can change the mindset of players, so that they see that o line is just as rewarding of a position. We all know that it’s hard for these kids to understand the importance of o line when the position isn’t always recognized, is considered more passive than d line, is harder to learn, has a bunch of nuances, and does not really collect stats. My ideas so far: -create a name for our o line group -Custom practice jerseys -Custom gear -Gatorade bucket at practice for just o line -Dinners -Events-pool day workouts, movies, games, Lake day -First to get pads -Lineman competition Does anyone have any ideas they use in their programs to encourage brotherhood and buy in on the o line? Really good list so far. I'd be a big proponent of naming the group, it's free and it builds identity. But make it something unique (Secret Service, The Wall, The Union, Road Graders, etc) Custom Practice Jerseys would be Huge, one thing you could do is add names to the back of the Jerseys for OL only. Maybe add in a custom T-Shirt for the OL that has the motto and the members (Motto on the Front, All OL names on the back with their number) Another one i'd say would be a custom helmet sticker or stickers. Try and incorporate the name of the group into one that all OL get, then come up with your variation of 'Buckeyes' to reward big plays, practice, grades, etc. Kids love the Revo Speed helmets, if you have them let the OL get them first (be forewarned though you're gonna get crap as soon as a WR kid gets a 'Bucket') I personally would avoid a water bucket only for OL, but that's because i can see issues arising from that. The Big thing is Building Up the OL without making them isolated from the rest of the team. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2022 16:45:32 GMT -6
Common bond in work
Lift as a unit. Or units.
I have talked of the progression.
Eat together.
The 5 man pop up sled(if you can get one), its a unifier.
The o-line coach, just my experience, needs to understand big people, and their development.
Its not defensive line, or any other group in sport, PERIOD. Your block rules, acronyms,
Plays, system does not change that. And in HS he needs to understand BIG KIDS. Again,
Their unique. And I sort of believe this is an alpha coaching position. You want a dude.
Doesnt mean yeller and screamer necessarily.
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Post by newt21 on Jan 9, 2022 17:46:57 GMT -6
I give my guys ice pops after especially hot or hard practices, or if they really got after it. Some weeks they earn them multiple days. Only for OL and over summer also.
On Sunday for film, I get them doughnuts and Yoo-hoos
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Post by olsenray61 on Jan 9, 2022 20:47:56 GMT -6
I really haven't had this concern! We did have a player want to play running back instead of center and I was fine with that! He was a pretty good RB but after our first game the center that started was lost! On the way home I told him I didn't want to burst the bubble but he's taking snaps next week. He understood the importance of the center. He and we had a great year and I acknowledged him at the banquet. I had a guard become a QB this year when we ran out of QB's. He did great and I gave him the ball at the banquet!
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Post by IronmanFootball on Jan 10, 2022 6:47:35 GMT -6
So we’ve faced this issue forever but I am trying to figure out a way to encourage more players to try playing offensive line. Last year it got to a breaking point with me because a kid would rather be the 3rd string d-end than focus on playing left tackle and starting due to an injury. I want to change the mindset of the players because most of them treat playing o line as a punishment or a necessary evil if they want to play d line. I am asking how we can change the mindset of players, so that they see that o line is just as rewarding of a position. We all know that it’s hard for these kids to understand the importance of o line when the position isn’t always recognized, is considered more passive than d line, is harder to learn, has a bunch of nuances, and does not really collect stats. My ideas so far: -create a name for our o line group -Custom practice jerseys -Custom gear -Gatorade bucket at practice for just o line -Dinners -Events-pool day workouts, movies, games, Lake day -First to get pads -Lineman competition Does anyone have any ideas they use in their programs to encourage brotherhood and buy in on the o line? It has to be a constant reinforcement from the entire program. Everyone wants a great OL, run game, kill the clock, ground 'em out, but the D coaches want everyone with even 1 iota of a fast twitch muscle fiber. |
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Post by tog on Jan 10, 2022 7:39:08 GMT -6
when you move a kid to ol
tell them they have been promoted
As a long time OL guy. I did a lot of those things. They have to be real though.
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Post by CanyonCoach on Jan 10, 2022 7:57:26 GMT -6
After watching the FCS championship game this weekend, NDSU does a very good job of making their O line a central part of the program year in and year out. First down signals were epic #70 was entertaining. Post game interviews almost all of the players mentioned O line play.
Getting O line guys to be the focus in HS is harder kids are still growing into their bodies and understanding physical demeanor.
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Post by raider92 on Jan 10, 2022 8:54:38 GMT -6
Not sure what kind of system you run but anything that places a premium on snot-bubbling opponents is an easier sell imo. When I took over as HC I sold it to kids that we would be the most physical team in the state and it started with the OL, this was a group that was decidedly not physical the previous years and was more of a basketball school. Switched some of the best players from LB, RB, and even QB to OL to get ourselves squared away there (wasnt popular). Played a ranked opponent week 1 who was a big wrestling power and known for toughness. Got beat 24-20. Opposing coach told me after the game he was shocked at how physical we were. I told the team and they ate it up and from there on they have really believed they're a tough group of SOBs (most of them are teddy bears off the field). I think you get what you emphasize and if you're constantly talking about the OL and toughness kids will want to be a part of it when asked.
We also dont give them a choice. You play what we tell you to play, there's no debate or discussion.
Also helps in my case that I'm the head coach and the OL coach, certainly shows that its important. You could also get the same effect if your DC or S&C coach i.e. someone who puts in a lot of hours with the kids is coaching that position. If you hand the OL over to some newbie it's a pretty clear message it's not that important
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lws55
Sophomore Member
Posts: 228 
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Post by lws55 on Jan 10, 2022 8:58:12 GMT -6
I named my crew, they were the Rhinos, there was no high school in our area with that mascot so it was uniquely ours. A herd of Rhinos is called a Crash and the boys LOVED that. They came up with a hand signal that they would throw up during the day.
We did t-shirts, one of our players who didn't make grades was allowed to stay on the team until he was eligible and when he became eligible he earned the starting center position. We were playing a team that had a really good nose guard and we built it up all week how tough it was going to be for our center to beat this guy. Game day gets here and not only did our center beat him but he had one block where he got the kid off his feet and deposited him in grand fashion, one of those "ohh $h!t" blocks. Our Center stands up foaming at the mouth and yells at the guy "What's the taste ground like!!" We all stopped including the refs and opposing players and everyone just looked at each other, with a WTF did he say?
We score and O comes off the field and everyone is hoopin and hollerin and giving our Center grief, next week we had t-shirts made up with Rhinos on the back and a patch of grass on the front with the quote "What's the Taste Ground Like" they loved it!!
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Post by MICoach on Jan 10, 2022 9:39:53 GMT -6
I started bringing a portable grill to 7-on-7's and making food for the OL. Basically we'd just hang out in an end zone or outside the fence. I moved to a different position group but our current OL coach brings them food whenever possible too. So yeah, food is always nice.
We've also ended up with a name for the group a lot of years, it usually just comes organically but you could ask them to come up with one too.
T-shirts are great if you have the means for it.
One year we got a WWE-style championship belt made and it became a weekly OL trophy for whoever performed the best, awarded in front of the team.
I always find they appreciate it if I make fun of the skill guys a little bit...maybe this is getting a little too deep but OL type guys generally aren't the most popular guys in the school so building some cameraderie by making fun of the guys with six pack abs or whatever goes a long way.
One year we started doing post-practice tire flips as a position group just for extra work...skill kids started getting uppity about being shown up or out-worked or whatever so that led to the whole team doing post-practice, player-led workouts which was pretty awesome.
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Post by Defcord on Jan 10, 2022 10:27:32 GMT -6
I love the offensive line. We do it in a lot of ways. Many the same as you guys. Recognition and rewarding is a huge deal and there's many ways to do that.
You want to really win the big boys. GIVE THOSE DUDES THE BALL!
We had a rule at the last school I was at if we rushed for 300 yards in a game one of the linemen got the ball in the next game. There's ways to do it safely. Those dudes will love you forever too.
If I am ever a head coach again, I am telling all linemen if they meet expectations and play all four years then they will touch the ball in a game at least once before they graduate.
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Post by coachcb on Jan 10, 2022 11:43:45 GMT -6
Don't make it cool. Make it a cult. I'd like to say I'm kidding but I'm really not. They're not the cool kids, they're not the "hogs"; they're the fat kids that get donuts and Big-kahuna Burger t-shirts for knocking people on their a--.
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Post by Coach.A on Jan 10, 2022 12:33:33 GMT -6
We do many of the things mentioned already (position group name, t-shirts, etc.).
I'm the head coach but also work with the OL and I run our Strength Training Program. I believe that this trifecta has really facilitated my ability to help build our Program.
If you are the head coach and work with a different position group, I think that it's important you venture over to the OL group as often as possible. If you are the head coach and you don't run your S & C program, I think you need to be present at workouts as often as possible.
Hopefully your linemen are among your strongest players. The off-season strength program is a great opportunity to give your OL more attention and recognition for progress in the weight room. I think one of the biggest mistakes coaches make is use "pound for pound strongest player" formulas in their programs. To me, it seems like a direct insult to the big men.
I will also add that running the Wing-T Offense has made it much easier to get kids excited about playing OL. Our last 5 Team MVPs played Guard for us. 3 of our last 5 League MVPs played Guard for us. All our Players know that Guard is the PREMIERE position in our offense! I think running an Air Raid offense and having guys pass block 80% of the time makes it a much tougher sell.
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Post by Down 'n Out on Jan 10, 2022 13:42:43 GMT -6
I always find they appreciate it if I make fun of the skill guys a little bit...maybe this is getting a little too deep but OL type guys generally aren't the most popular guys in the school so building some cameraderie by making fun of the guys with six pack abs or whatever goes a long way. Making fun of the Backs is essential lol And it kind of re-enforces that cocky "bully" attitude that you want the OL to have. I keep thinking of things so ill post again: - Our OL return kicks in practice, for whatever reason they love it - Make a point of pointing out that the OL is the most physical group in football, were Wing-T so lots of "ear hole" down blocks and kickouts/traps where our linemen have a running go at the guy they're blocking - I always try to cut periods a little short for the OL so they're the first to water - we've never bought shirts specifically for OL but that's a great idea - If you do helmet pride stickers make sure pancake blocks get a sticker, its a little easier for OL to get them than other positions and in film study let the team decide if it was a pancake or if the guy just tripped, that brings more attention to what the OL is doing vs just pointing out that a RB had a long run or a WR made a nice catch(also deserving of praise) - OL Coach has to be involved. I coach our OL, I joke with the guys, I push them, I talk trash to other coaches and groups), they feed off of me (my attitude is their attitude). If I don't want to be there then they don't want to be there - We also are prettyphysical in practice, both to build physicality and because its fun. The Backs always tell their coaches that they want to do what were doing and we always invite them to come hit with us and they almost all decline lol reinforcing that tough attitude |
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Post by dblwngr on Jan 10, 2022 16:05:47 GMT -6
Our last HC did a great job giving me the resources to make OL a cool thing to be a part of.
- We called them "The Franchise" not Olinemen. Everyone, all coaches and skilled positions called them that. Even referred to them in the newspaper as The Franchise. Gave them T-shirts with the title as well.
- First day of practice, everyone took a knee around our HC. He went on about how important the Franchise was, how hard they work, how hard their job is and made a rule for everyone on the team to hear loud and clear. RB's are NEVER allowed to put blame on the Franchise for anything, ever! We will never hear the words, "Cmon guys, block somebody", or there will be hell to pay. Same goes for any other position groups.
- HC gave me a budget for chocolate milk and donuts for the Franchise to eat in the bleachers while everyone else conditioned. Got to do this once a week if we won the previous Friday. Also had a budget for Pizza to be delivered after practice from time to time.
I'd have to say it worked or at least I'd say our guys felt important. It almost became a "culture" thing (as much as I hate the phrase). In every newspaper article that came out, every one of our skilled guys mentioned the importance of our dudes, like they knew if they gave the guys respect, they'd be more willing to bust their a$$'s for them on a weakly basis.
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sbackes
Sophomore Member
Posts: 215
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Post by sbackes on Jan 11, 2022 19:57:18 GMT -6
Coach em up. Get them playing well. When they start racking up postseason awards and college offers-those are cool.
Getting recognized in film for planting dudes- that is cool.
Also heard from a coach at the AFCA that they line up for dynamic warmup by position group. It become real clear visually that you may be the #6 Nose but just by switching to guard you could be the #3. Pretty cool.
Use sets with additional linemen in short yardage. Playing time is very cool, especially when it isn’t garbage time.
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Post by flacoach10 on Jan 12, 2022 17:30:53 GMT -6
Anything to make them feel important-we've given them t-shirts with nicknames like Moving Company, Trench Dawgs, whatever name they choose for themselves. We usually let them eat first at team dinners. Little things like that go a long way toward building unity and pride.
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