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Post by coachcalande on Feb 16, 2006 18:17:17 GMT -6
Killer feeder system
IP: 24.229.56.206
Posted on February 16, 2006 at 07:18:46 PM by ray26power
so, varsity head coaches...how many of you feel that your middle school REALLY GITS ER DONE in preparing your kids for the next level? what would you like to see different?
I am going to be running the middle school here and want to do the best job in the country...what advice do you have? we Will TEACH GREAT FUNDAMENTALS. I will also work with my staff to design position manuals that even newbie green daddy coaches can use in the youth league to prepare THEIR SONS for what we do, and the varsity does. We will also film drills, ours and varsity level players for our own use and for the youth staff to refer to. we wont do drills "because penn state does" em but we will do them because our varsity does. My kids will show up at varsity games in record numbers in a section just for our kids (if they allow it) and theyll be visible, under control but wildly supportive.
We will run the varsity O and D 100% and we will make it our mission to build the numbers to "100 to win" for the middle school. Im trying to follow George Currys approach to "win with numbers"...hope they have alot of equipment.
anyhow your ideas on making a feeder system at the middle school level top notch are appreciated. this is a brand new school and new team.
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Post by coachcalande on Feb 16, 2006 21:53:54 GMT -6
45 views and none of you varsity guys have any feedback on making a better feeder system?...help me out here will ya?
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Post by groundchuck on Feb 16, 2006 22:12:23 GMT -6
Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals.
Get all the boys out and keep 'em out
Of course run what the boss man wants you to.
Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals
Make it fun so the kids keep coming out.
Keep'm coming back. If you had 50 seventh graders strive to get 55 of them as 8th graders. Then keep all those kids out as 9th graders.
I'm sure I am missing something so help calande out guys.
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Post by coachcalande on Feb 16, 2006 22:17:16 GMT -6
Heres a part of my plan...i am going to use some ideas from my program manual..ie, "march madness " as a way to get the kids to get to know me (im the pe teacher for about 1/3 of the boys) and to make it so much fun that none will want to miss out...i will do the pride points systems and helmet decals and all that too...they love that stuff....but most of all, i have seen one thing that is really successful...pull a kid aside adn personally tell him why he should play...i did that the other day with a loner kid who has good strength and toughness...the kid lit up like a Christmas tree...hes never played anythign before...if i can get soem disciplien in him he will do well. but yes, im going to focus on "100 to win"...
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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 Feb 16, 2006 22:19:08 GMT -6
Fundamentals, Cooperation, Commitment, and teaching a love of the game to the young players. There is a lot of truth in the belief that the Junior High Coaches will make or break your program.
Will this position of yours be at DB?
Zexx14
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Post by CoachMikeJudy on Feb 17, 2006 6:44:07 GMT -6
Fundamentals and Fun...these kids today would much rather play Madden than be yelled at on a daily basis.
Teach the game for what it is- blocking & tackling.
Develop some QBs- you can never have to many guys that can run the offense and throw the ball. Don't just stick your best athlete at QB and let him run all over everybody...please do everyone a favor and teach more than one kid how to play QB (include kids that may just be role players in high school)
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Post by brophy on Feb 17, 2006 7:04:33 GMT -6
Fundamentals and FUN........get every kid involved. Period. No magic there - the successful Feeder programs are simple....
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Post by runtheball86 on Feb 17, 2006 7:06:58 GMT -6
Run the VARSITY program ... same language, same offense, same plays, same defense, same drills, same everything. It all might be a boiled down version on the middle school level but, if you are REALLY serious about preparing the players for the VARSITY program, that is what needs to be done .. no ifs, ands or buts ....
Good luck, Steve. "Git 'er dun!"
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Post by lovetocoach on Feb 17, 2006 7:18:25 GMT -6
I agree with runtheball86. Of course, it really helps when the varsity is good!
I think it is important to let them see their offense/defense work well on Friday nights. If you are in a town with a good varsity tradition, it should be easy to get the kids motivated.
I have read your manual coachcalande and I have to say that it is very impressive. I was curious though; why do you stay at the jr. high level. With your experience, surely you could find a good varsity or college job.
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Post by runtheball86 on Feb 17, 2006 7:24:08 GMT -6
Our varsity is not "good" right now ... we are in the midst of a five year program where we have become a co-operative program with a neigboring school. Coach Calande is definitely right that we will win with numbers (23 when we took over ... 44 two years ago, 47 last season). The wins will come but EVERYTHING is new - including teaching football to athletes who have never played organized football before.
In fact that is why we so focused on our middle school running the same program - if the players KNOW what we are doing there is greater opportunity for us to get down to business when they get to the varsity.
Varsity last season = 1-9, Junior Varsity (grades 9 and 10) = 6-2 (running the same system) Middle School = 4-2 (running SOME of what we do with the varsity...and willing to go all in this season) Returning 37 players to the high school program this season ... we are getting there! 2006 is a VERY important season fgor the future of football at our high school because lovetocoach is right ... we have to win to get everyone to buy into the system we believe in!
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Post by coachdawhip on Feb 17, 2006 9:56:48 GMT -6
the base 5 plays on "O" and the base defense and teach them formations if the varsity has many and have fun.
I wish the middle school here would run what the high school runs on offense and defense
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dial51
Freshmen Member
Posts: 67
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Post by dial51 on Feb 17, 2006 13:38:47 GMT -6
I agree with much of what has already been stated, but I want to emphasize the importance of participation. Before x/o or even fundamentals, you must have the kids off the couch and on the football field.
Now after the kids are playing, obviously fundamentals need to be the top priority for this level. The MS coaches willingness and ability to use the same offense/defense/terminology is a great plus when building a program.
Another aspect that I feel is important is that the middle school team needs to have some degree of success. Winning breeds winning, unfortunately the same can be said about losing. I'm not saying its important to win every game in middle school and to heck w/ the consequences (especially in the future), but kids need to be taught what it takes to be successful, both on and off the field. Commitment, sacrifice, hard work, trust, faith, etc.
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Post by edwardslv on Feb 17, 2006 14:02:00 GMT -6
Use the varsity's system.
Make it fun.
Teach fundamentals.
Get them out and keep them out.
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scox80
Freshmen Member
If quitters never win, and winners never quit. Who is the fool who said quit while your ahead?
Posts: 91
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Post by scox80 on Feb 17, 2006 14:37:14 GMT -6
Get the Junior program excited about the overall program. Like someone said having a winning program helps but you can do other things too. Make sure the two staffs are tight. All on the same page. Don't expect respect because you are varsity. Earn it. Why will they want to feed a program that has an a**hole as the head coach. Get involved with them (the kids). Go talk to them, learn kids names. Be the guy they all look up to...not afraid of. In the off season hold a junior high camp at the high school. (also a good fundraiser) We let our popwarner team come watch our games for free as long as they are wearing their uniforms. Wew thought about having a FG contest or something like that at half-time. Hope those ideas help.
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herky
Sophomore Member
Posts: 189
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Post by herky on Feb 17, 2006 15:10:29 GMT -6
I agree with everyone in terms of focusing on fundamentals and keeping it fun to ensure continued interest.
If you are in an district that has cloudy boundary lines, it is crutial that you make and constantly reinforce a strong connection to the intended high school. Prevent shopping around among parents/kids by being proactive and cement a relationship with the varsity program from day one.
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Post by coachcalande on Feb 17, 2006 15:19:40 GMT -6
Gents, i will repeat..we are going to run the varsity systems 100%...what i want is ideas on making it fun and keepign them out...i mean, i know that stuff....what are YOU GUYS DOING to ensure that your feeders "dont suck". just sayign "teach fundamentals , make it fun" isnt what im after...lookgin for specific ideas on what youd think of to make your feeder STAND OUT AS THE BEST. anyhow, thanks so far...ill put together a very good staff with the permission of my boss....also, once the shackles are off (cant do squat until the board approves stuff) ill get a "pep squad" of kids that dont play but want to contribute in some way...also, im going to do a "documentary" or "ROCKUMENTARY" of our FIRST EVER MIDDLE SCHOOL SEASON/TEAM...interview the kids, parents, coaches, teachers, film signups and camps etc...highlights etc..all set to great music...THERE WONT BE A KID IN THE SCHOOL WHO DOESNT WANT TO BE PART OF IT SOMEWHERE....
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Post by runtheball86 on Feb 17, 2006 17:23:12 GMT -6
Sounds like you don't need anymore ideas, Steve ....
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Post by dblwngr on Feb 17, 2006 18:30:56 GMT -6
We are a dbl wing team, and so is our middle school. Last season, we took 1/2 a day of practice and walked down to the middle schools practice with our varsity guys. The middle school coaching staff was new but still wanted to run our system so we let them watch how we ran our base 3 plays with the varsity. Then, it was the middle school kids turn to try it. Each kid had a varsity player behind him individually coaching them up on there position. The little guys absolutely loved it!!(nothing like having the high school hero's show you the ropes) I believe we benefited in many ways by doing this. First of all, the middle school ran their plays better ;D. After getting smoked in their first game, they went on to win the rest of their games. The varsity guys got to feel realy important. We told them,this was a way for them to leave their mark on the futer of the system.  Its amazing how many more middle school kids showed up on Friday nites after getting to work with our guys. We've learned a little of your time can go a long way. Anything that gets middle school kids watching and thinking more about football is a big plus. |
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Post by coachcalande on Feb 17, 2006 20:15:46 GMT -6
thanks dbwinger...thats perfect...and we will do the same with the youth guys ....if permitted.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2006 21:33:35 GMT -6
Promote numbers of kids. You will have some kids who don't get it or you don't want in the program but with the standards that you plan on setting you will get them out.
The best feeders in my opinion are the ones that promote kids to the next level that have a positive view of football. Several years in the same system will provide solid varsity teams that the whole staff wil be around. If the kids have a positive view of football they will do the necessary things. (Grades, discipline, lift, summer work, etc.)
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2006 8:06:02 GMT -6
Two things: see the big picture
see the little picture
See the big picture: let the kids see what it takes to be a varsity player, let them see the weight room in the offseason when the players are working, point out the number of kids that are in multiple sports, give them the behind the scenes tour of what it will take to be a top player at that school, at all times reminding them that it is a process to be on top. Let them see that it isn't just about showing up and saying "i want to be good." Get them to realize that the varsity program relies on the solid effort of its players.
The small picture: The old KISS philosophy (Keep It Simple, Stupid). Teach fundamentals, basic plays, drills that they can eventually improve on and do repeatedly. Make sure it's fun. Get as many out there as you can handle. And identify the kids who may eventually be your quarterbacks. You can't win with one.
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Post by runtheball86 on Feb 18, 2006 8:22:45 GMT -6
KISS in a more "pc" way = Keep It Simple (and) Succeed - I don;t really care about pc that much but the parents do so........
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Post by blb on Feb 18, 2006 8:30:34 GMT -6
1) Each kid plays minimum one full quarter offensively and defensively.
2) Instead of running sprints at end of practice (traditional conditioning), do "concealed running." Examples = Arch drill (passing circle), Perfect Play Drill - we call it "Beat ______" (whoever we're playing that week) drill - starting at the +30; Shallow crossfield drill (backs run lead option or other outside play to right, left side of line from C out to SE must get to sideline at 5 yard intervals ahead of BC - repeat to left); Pursuit and/or Interception drills; Relay races; Step overs = kids lie on ground a yard apart, end man gets up and runs over buddies; whn he passes you, you get up and run until team is off field; "Whoopies" = proscribed number of paratroopers and push ups 'til done, then jump up and yell "Whoopie!"
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NCcoach
Sophomore Member
Posts: 112
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Post by NCcoach on Feb 18, 2006 8:47:00 GMT -6
It sounds like you have the big 2: Numbers and run the varsity's system.
The one thing I would stress is to never cut. Once you cut a player, he will never be back. Kids mature at different rates and many will eventually drop out of the program due to things like work or girls anyway. Those puny 7th graders sometimes turn into important role players on varsity.
One other idea: if you have great numbers like over 40, try to set up a 7th and 8th grade team. If you can't set up a 7th grade team, try to platoon as much as possible. Most young players today will quit if they don't see any chance of playing. I recently moved schools and the middle school is now doing this. I really think this has the potential of helping us out a great deal.
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Post by coachcalande on Feb 18, 2006 14:36:36 GMT -6
I would love to eventually have two teams...BUT THIS IS IMPORTANT TOO, the midget level staff and parents might be aweful upset if their youth teams suffer ...i dont want to create any animosity so i will not push kids to move up, i will however encourage those that need an extra year to stay down. I have already suggested to teh boys that if they choose to "play up" that they must compete with the 8th graders for playing time. Nothing is official so i cant really do anything as far as sign ups go but I do know a number of younuns are going to take the jump because they want to play for me. I love them and they know it.
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Post by blb on Feb 18, 2006 15:05:34 GMT -6
Maybe I'm slow (well, not maybe) - but you have lost me. How can you move 7th and 8th graders up or down? Don't they (and they should!) compete at their own grade level? How can you "encourage" those that "need an extra year" to "stay down", if it's age or grade-based? I take it this program has nothing to do with your school district? Don't all the "younuns" (sp) love you and want to play for you? And, if not, why not? Are you only going to move up the ones that do? I am really confused by your last post.
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Post by bigdaddyd on Feb 18, 2006 15:20:54 GMT -6
You guys are very fortunate. The area where I'm at has no contact football in the Middle Schools. We can't even go down to the schools and talk to future prospects; it's a CIFCCS sanctioned rule.
They (incoming 9th graders) can only visit and talk to us, when the have graduated from the 8th grade.
We also don't have a Pop Warner Program in our city. It makes it very tough for our Program. We get a lot of green horns....
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Post by Split50 on Feb 18, 2006 15:35:38 GMT -6
LOne day a week during our athletic period, our varsity kids go to the middle school, elementary and are adopted by the classes there. They talk to the kids and encourage them to be active, stay out of trouble, keep their grades up, etc. Those young one's really idolize our varsity players, and the varsity kids get a completely different perspective of how they are looked up to. Changes their attitudes a bunch. Not to mention the classes usually give the players goodie bags, etc.
It is a great way to build a relationship throughout the school.
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Post by coachcalande on Feb 18, 2006 18:03:58 GMT -6
Maybe I'm slow (well, not maybe) - but you have lost me. How can you move 7th and 8th graders up or down? Don't they (and they should!) compete at their own grade level? How can you "encourage" those that "need an extra year" to "stay down", if it's age or grade-based? I take it this program has nothing to do with your school district? Don't all the "younuns" (sp) love you and want to play for you? And, if not, why not? Are you only going to move up the ones that do? I am really confused by your last post. moving up or down refers to playing youth ball for the youth organization as a 12 year old or playing football for the middle school as a 12 year old. once you hit 13 years old you cant play youth ball anymore..some of the 12 year olds would benefit from staying put in the youth league and "pay to play" football while the stronger faster 'physically and mentally prepared" ones might benefit most from moving up....I will not push anyone to play school ball that still has a year of eligibility for youth ball...make sense. to me my "feeder" is the youth league, i dont want it to become a situation with animosity ...ie, if all the studs moved up theyd probably not win as often down there. as far as 7th and 8th graders...yes they are both on the same team ...its a MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM. the middle school team is both 7th and 8th grade and its the first tiem that 9th graders wont be involved too...*was called junior high before*...make sense now? heres the point, if a 7th grader wants to play ms ball, great. if he wants to play midget youth football, great. no sweat. but its my responsibility to encourage the kid to do what is best for him. safety first. |
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Post by coachcalande on Feb 18, 2006 20:24:24 GMT -6
Ok, been thinking some...
so, what do you think of this idea...I do a "newsletter" complete with game scores, stats and player interviews. In the newsletter we also have a "feature" on the youth programs games and players. I just photo copy this thing and hand it out like a morning newspaper to the kids in teh school rather than announcements (that no one can hear do to the chatter in the class rooms)...and i post them on the bulliten board and in my office...the kids that are in them, see their names "in the newspaper" will obviously be ecstatic! (course the letter would also communicate meetings , goals etc)
Id also feature them for academic success or community involvement or success in other sports/activities. I can send this to the parents of the elementary school kids who might play for me in a year or two...that would go over well i assume...what do you think?
I can of course also have a middle school/youth forum for our program where players and parents can communicate with each other, set up car pooling or ask questions etc....cant you just see this making the kids salivate over the program??? I do. I will also get a parent to be the team photogropher...he/she will take pics of the team and print them on a computer. we can hang the game photos in teh lockerroom and put stories and motivational quotes around the pics....their would be a pile of pics for the kids to pick thru and keep if they wanted. have done this before adn it went over huge. i have linemen that ask "coach, can you get a picture of me carrying the ball?" lol...
...and how about "film sessions" during homeroom at the conclusion of the day...just roll the game footage with a few funny comments thrown in and open this to "all interested students". we could do "football follies" with practice footage and game footage...or we could do "Middle school footballs greatest hits"...and as always, play stuff from NFL films...i have the bears 46 highlights on a single tape...just let it roll and the kids would go nuts for defense.
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