|
|
Post by irishdog on Sept 10, 2012 11:29:14 GMT -6
Patience, patience, and more patience. It is easier to change the kids' character, attitudes, etc. than it is to change the adults in the school/community. You only have the boys for a few hours a day... Then they go home. To change a culture you have to reach the adults as well as the kids. Meet with the parents/boosters/administrators/faculty and staff/maintenance and custodial staff/alumni/attend town hall meetings etc. Invite all of them to take part in the program in some way, shape, or form. Meet with the youth coaches, hold a clinic/camp for the youth program and teach them what you want them to do. Identify all those adults in the community who show a genuine interest and make them your allies. It is these folks, and your assistant coaches who will ultimately help you change the culture of the school and the community. You cannot do it alone.
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Jul 30, 2012 13:43:07 GMT -6
As a HS player: 2
(1 in 9th grade; 1 in grades 10-12)
As a JC player: 1
(same coach both years)
As a 4 yr. college player: 2
(1 as a junior; 1 as a senior)
As a college assistant: 3
(2 at a four year school; 1 at a JC)
As a HS assistant: 9
(1 for 6 years; 1 for 3 years; 3 for 2 years each; 4 different guys for 1 year each)
Total coaches: 17
Total years as an assistant coach: 24
Total years as a HC: 14
Total years coaching: 38 and still goin' strong!
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Jul 30, 2012 13:26:37 GMT -6
Been a HS HC for over 18 years. Would always meet with my kids Day One of two-a-days to talk about "expectations", and "goals"... mine, AND theirs. Would explain to them how to get all of those expectations to work together (chemistry, synergy... whatever you call it), and to achieve those goals. Once WE determined what the expectations and goals would be TOGETHER we pulled together to make sure those expectations would be met, and goals achieved. Those who bought in stayed in. Those who didn't fell out right away. More stayed than left... and each year more joined than didn't. Discipline is a RESULT of a skilled teacher.
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Jul 23, 2012 16:32:24 GMT -6
Put "scholar" back into the term "scholarship" and you will paint an entirely different picture of big-time college athletics.
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Jul 13, 2012 8:46:39 GMT -6
Let me clarify something. I would only "cancel" my varsity season if I was in a district (conference/league) where our opponents overwhelmingly outnumbered us (more than double the amount of players) which would place my 15 kids in serious jeopardy from injuries that would likely end the season anyway, and get them completely demoralized. And... which would be suicide for trying to build the program for the future. Otherwise, if the schools in your district/conference/league are in the very same boat you're in I say play on! If it's the latter, and the schools in your district/conference/league are aware of your situation I would like to believe they would cut you some slack this year if you told them you had to cancel the varsity season this year, and instead, play a JV schedule for this year only. In the meantime it would be incumbent upon you to work extra hard at recruiting more kids to be able to prepare them to play a varsity schedule next year. Or... you can be Mr. Tough Guy and play a varsity schedule this year and hope and pray that your 15 doesn't dwindle down to less than 11 because of injuries, kids quitting because they either get thoroughly discouraged, or tired of getting their asses handed to them every week, and not seeing any light at the end of that long, dark, tunnel your ego put them in which will end up forcing you to cancel the season anyway. Face it my friend, we're dealing with a different breed of cat these days! You either adapt, or die.
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Jul 12, 2012 15:48:01 GMT -6
It may be too late to co-op with other small schools near you that are either in the same boat you are, or who don't offer football, if having to play a varsity schedule. But it would be worth a try. Otherwise, cancel the varsity season and play a JV schedule until your numbers improve. I too coached at a small school in Ohio, and when we played JV games I contacted the opposing coaches to let them know I had a couple of seniors (who played like freshmen) and they were cool with letting them play JV. Most coaches would rather have a JV game than no game at all. It's really too bad that the OHSAA doesn't choose to play 9 man, or even 6 man football. I know that Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota play nine man football, and Texas plays 6 man football (now that's a wild and crazy game!), but at least the kids get a chance to play the game of football in some way, shape, or form.
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Jul 11, 2012 19:21:08 GMT -6
First three days (helmets only) 7:30-8:15 Circuit training (conditioning/agilities M-W-F; weights T-Th-Sa). 9-10:30 (Defense) installation, teaching, pursuit drill. 11:30 to 1 (Offense) installation, teaching, teaching, and more teaching. During the break eat, rest, film/chalk. Next three days (uppers) 7:30-9 (Defense) special teams and fundamentals. 10-11:30 (Offense) special teams and fundamentals. Noon-1 film/chalk. During the break eat, rest. Remainder of 2-a-days (full-gear) 7:30-9:30 (Defense); 11-1 (Offense). During the break eat, rest, film/chalk. During the breaks my assistants ran the show. Off-campus coaches always made arrangements with their work schedules to accommodate practices in the mornings, while I would make my obligatory appearances at the teacher in-services, OR, attend to my AD duties. No matter where I have been I have used this schedule and it has always been a hit with the players AND the parents! IF my assistants were unable to arrange their work schedules in the mornings I would bump the format to start at 5 pm and end at 8:30.
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Jun 18, 2012 14:57:33 GMT -6
If I'm the HC at one of those "elite" football programs there's no way in he-- I'm scheduling IMG. Most of IMG's roster will be filled with the "elite" players from most of those programs anyway! IF I lost a kid (or kids) to IMG I'd be an idiot to do any favors for them!
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Jun 15, 2012 8:31:48 GMT -6
Unfortunately a lot of people like to point the finger, and lay blame on others, or other things, for their own choices they have made in their lives. Terry Bradshaw, and all of those pro football players who are suing the NFL are just such people. They KNEW what they were getting into, and they CHOSE to become professional football players in the National Football League, and now, with their health suffering, but after enjoying the lights and the glamour that were part of the lifestyle they led, they now look for a scapegoat to blame for their problems. And what do their children learn from this??
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Jun 14, 2012 14:11:44 GMT -6
After school practices Weeks 5-10: Mondays - 30 minutes weightroom - Practice in Uppers. Dynamic warm-up, 5 minutes. Fundamentals Period (Fit & Form Blocking and Sled Tackling). 10 minutes each. Special Teams practice, 10 minutes. Team Offense, 20 minutes. Team Pursuit Defense, 10 minutes.
Tuesdays - Full gear (Defensive emphasis): Warm-up 10 minutes. Defensive Special Teams 10 minutes. Fundamentals period (Tackling circuit - Thud) 10 minutes. Indy Groups (RUN) 10.
Combo Groups (RUN) 10. Takeaways 10. Indy Groups (PASS) 10. Combo Groups (PASS) 20. Team D (Script) 20. Team Offense (new plays) 10.
Wednesdays - Weightroom 30 mins. Practice Offensive emphasis - Uppers. Warm-up 5. Offense Special Teams 10. Fundamentals Period (Blocking Circuit - Sleds/Chutes/Bags - Thud) 10. Indy Groups (RUN) 10. Inside/Outside (RUN) 10. Indy Groups (PASS) 10. 7 on 7/Pass Pro 15. Team Offense 20. Two-minute drill 10.
Thursdays - Shells (helmets only). Specialists/Line Pre-Practice 10. Warm-up 10. Game Script 40.
All our practices are high-tempo so we condition DURING practice. From week 5 on we're on the field 2 hours at the most. Usually weeks 8, 9, 10 we're out there for just over an hour and a half. We lift twice a week (M-W) maintenance, 30 minutes. Our late season injuries (IF we have any) occur during games. We only have 55 kids grades 9-12.
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Jun 14, 2012 13:40:09 GMT -6
Beg kids? Never. Recruit kids? Always! Especially in a new school with a first-year varsity program. It is your responsibility as the HC to instill enthusiasm FOR the program. Make it attractive and worthwhile for kids to be the foundation of building something special. Make it COOL to be a football player, and make it FUN!! The ones who are sitting on the fence won't sit there for long. If a few decide not to play so be it, you wouldn't want them anyway. But many more will who can make tremendous contributions within the next two years. You'll take some lumps the first year, but after that...
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Jun 14, 2012 13:18:21 GMT -6
I think that you need to challenge them to understand that they're not practicing to be better than the other guys on their team. They're practicing to beat the best player on your schedule. Somewhere out there is The Monster- the guy who'll kick your a$$ and not bother taking your name if you're not ready. He's the guy you're practicing for. Practicing just to be a starter? Pfft! The worst team in the country has starters. If you're going to make noise in the playoffs you'd better be ready to beat-not just play against-STUDS. With that said let's remember that they're kids. It's human nature to have less of a sense of urgency while you're practicing this time of year. Couldn't agree more! I've had to deal with this often coaching in small schools. I came up with a way to encourage them to give their best effort on a daily basis during this time of the year. I simply tell them after the workout what their record is. Usually after the first workout the record would be 1-0. After the first week we typically had more "wins" than "losses". After that, what record they want is truly up to them. I don't spend a lot of time evaluating each kid during the practice, I look at the big picture. How hard is the entire team working, and are they giving it a championship effort? When you do it this way the lazy ones stand out, and it is easier to determine whether the day was a "win", or a "loss". |
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Jun 11, 2012 10:17:52 GMT -6
The sticker awards don't have to be for individual achievement. My helmet award program was for the TEAM. They would only get helmet stickers IF: We won; IF the offense gained over 400 total yards; scored over 28 points; scored in every quarter; scored on every red zone possession; and had no turnovers; AND, IF the defense posted a shutout; gave up less than 200 total yards; made stops in the red zone; kept the opponent from crossing the 50 yd. line; and had four takeaways; AND, IF special teams blocked a punt; recovered an onside kick; caused a turnover; scored a touchdown; kicked the winning PAT/FG; and committed no turnovers. You can set up the criteria however you want, so long as it each one is geared toward TEAM accomplishments on the field. So who got the stickers? Everyone on the field? Everyone on the team? Everyone that dressed for the game? Everyone who dressed for the game. Only those who make the practices and contribute during the week deserve to dress, and as a result will receive the helmet awards for their contributions in preparing the team to win. Again, you can choose your own criteria, but the bottom line is the helmet awards are based upon TEAM accomplishments and not individual accomplishments. |
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Jun 9, 2012 8:00:40 GMT -6
The sticker awards don't have to be for individual achievement. My helmet award program was for the TEAM. They would only get helmet stickers IF: We won; IF the offense gained over 400 total yards; scored over 28 points; scored in every quarter; scored on every red zone possession; and had no turnovers; AND, IF the defense posted a shutout; gave up less than 200 total yards; made stops in the red zone; kept the opponent from crossing the 50 yd. line; and had four takeaways; AND, IF special teams blocked a punt; recovered an onside kick; caused a turnover; scored a touchdown; kicked the winning PAT/FG; and committed no turnovers.
You can set up the criteria however you want, so long as it each one is geared toward TEAM accomplishments on the field.
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Jun 9, 2012 7:39:54 GMT -6
Be as proactive as possible. You MUST write down a set of expectations for the entire team (including the SR's), AND, a separate set of leadership expectations for the SR's only. Especially for the SR's because you EXPECT them to be leaders. All players MUST read and sign their Expectation sheets (along with their parents), and turn them in to you... personally... so you can meet with each player and briefly discuss with them what is EXPECTED of them if they choose to be a member of the team. After meeting with them individually meet with all of them as a team, together! If any of the SR's don't show for the individual OR team meetings contact the parents and meet with them (it is a good idea to have an administrator present when you do). Advise the parents of what has happened, what you are doing to help the situation, and what you will do to correct the issues. After that meeting you will have a better idea of what to do. If the SR's make the meetings but haven't signed the Expectations sheet, or turned them in to you personally, they don't participate until they do (that goes for anyone). If any team member doesn't meet those expectations after signing the Expectations sheet (a signature is their word and their bond), they will be suspended, or kicked off the team. If being a positive, contributing member of the team is what matters most to each player (especially a SR) he will meet your expectations, if not, cut him loose!
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Jun 7, 2012 8:48:06 GMT -6
the Great state of Texas Current School size: 2380 current Team Size: 183 (9-12), var 52, JV 31, Soph 24, Fresh A 36, Fresh B 41 HC: $83k that inc teaching plus stipend OC/DC stipends$9800 (2 sport stipend) Asst: $9300 (2 sport stipends, 7000 FB, and 2300 spring sport) $1000 less for Fresh coaches 13 total coaches (4 fresh, 8 Asst and 1 HC) New school that i will be going to... School size: 1480 current Team Size: 160+ (not sure what the break down is) HC: $78k that inc teaching plus stipend (does NOT teach) OC/DC stipends$13000 (no 2nd sport) VAR Asst: $11750 (2 sport stipends) 11 total coaches I'll say it for the rest of you: Boy, am I in the wrong freakin place! I've coached in California, New England, the Midwest, Ohio, and now Texas. Believe me when I tell you guys that there is NO place like Texas for high school football. |
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on May 29, 2012 13:55:08 GMT -6
State: Texas
Enrollment: 275 (Private)
Numbers: HS-55 including freshmen. MS-7th grade team 28; 8th grade team 20
HC Salary: Not sure. (I make 4200 as the HS O Coordinator)
Number of coaches: 8 HS; 6 MS (12 are paid, 2 are volunteers)
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on May 27, 2012 9:40:36 GMT -6
Many of us "older" guys who played HS football in the 60's and 70's were sons of a generation of military men, many of whom became teachers and coaches. We were drilled at practice not unlike they were drilled when they were in the service. Our parents grew up in a society where military discipline was the norm, and it was all that most of them knew. It was rare (if ever) a parent would intervene for their kid in a school disciplinary issue, or challenge a teacher or a coach because those folks were the authority figures, the professionals, and most parents respected those positions, and felt the authorities/professionals had the best interests of their kids at heart. Not anymore. My heart goes out to all the young coaches and teachers today. They have it much tougher than I ever did as a teacher/coach. Suffice it to say I'm glad to have reached the twilight of my career.
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on May 22, 2012 7:47:58 GMT -6
LOL! Good one. But no, all different guys! If it were the same guy I wouldn't be feeling as old. |
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on May 19, 2012 11:52:47 GMT -6
You're an old coach when you started coaching in 1972, coached against one of your former players 10 years later, coached with one of your former players 20 years later, got beat by one of your former players 30 years later, and finally... coached FOR one of your former players 40 years later!
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on May 7, 2012 17:10:45 GMT -6
The NFL is not a very good resource for high school football. The men who play at that level are bigger, stronger, and faster, and are paid professionals. Professional sports took games and made them a business, and the men that play those "games" are paid handsomely to play, but treat the way they play as a business. Most of us who coach at the high school level coach young boys. Many of those boys have no intention of becoming NFL players, and play for the sheer fun of the game. Some of us are fortunate to coach a few boys who have the talent, and mind-set to take the game to the next level, college. Some of them will still play in college for the sheer fun of playing the game, while another few will continue to pursue playing at the next level, professional football. Most coaches at the high school level understand the importance for safety, and teaching proper techniques to our boys. Football has been, and always will be all about blocking, tackling, and hustling and it is our responsibility and obligation to properly teach those aspects of the game to our boys without putting them in harms way. The nature of the game can be violent if our boys are taught to be violent. However, after successfully coaching the game for over 30 years I was fortunate to have excellent coaches teach me how to play, and how to coach the game the way it should be played. Helmets are not weapons. Leading with the head is dangerous. Diving at knees and leaving the ground to block/tackle is dangerous for both the tackler and the blocker. Emphasize and teach proper blocking and tackling on a daily basis. Have similar sized, aged, and/or ability kids pair up and practice with one another. Don't put kids into mismatches and set them up for failure. I have always gone by the following creed regarding whether to play a freshman or sophomore on the varsity. If he has the physical, mental, and emotional maturity to play varsity football I will give him a look. He must possess all three of those traits before he gets that look. Otherwise he will play at the sub-varsity level until he is ready. Sorry to ramble guys, but after saying all that it is OUR responsibility to the boys, and our obligation to their parents to make the game fun, and safe, and keep it a vital part of mainstream America.
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on May 7, 2012 12:06:40 GMT -6
Not sure if I have introduced myself before or not (didn't want to search through 40 some pages) but I have been a high school and college football coach for over 30 years. Spent six years as a college assistant coach and defensive coordinator, and the rest as a high school assistant, offensive and defensive coordinator, and head coach. Currently semi-retired, and the offensive coordinator at private high school in Texas. Favor a 4-2-5 defense, and a multiple wing offense. Enjoying the heck out of it!
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on May 7, 2012 11:59:36 GMT -6
Interested to know how many Double Wing coaches in Texas, or in surrounding states (OK, LA, NM) would be interested in attending a DW clinic in Austin, TX next spring. The clinic would be geared toward MS, Youth, and HS coaches and their staffs. If you would be interested in attending, or you know of other DW coaches/staffs that would be interested please PM me. I would like to contact as many as possible.
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Mar 17, 2012 20:29:51 GMT -6
At the end of the school year I hand out a Captains Nomination Form with 10 criteria listed that our team captains MUST HAVE in order to be named Captain. I have our returning players write-in the names of three seniors as their "nominations" for team captains based upon that listed criteria. The players turn in their nomination forms to me and I count the "votes". The 6 seniors with the most nominations are informed by me that they have been "nominated" by their peers for captains positions. At that point I issue each one a Captain's Bible which they must review with their parents, and return the signatory back page within one week signed by both the player and parent(s), and keep the rest of the "Bible". At that point I meet with ALL of them to let them know that the coaches and I will observe their leadership over the summer, and during double-session practices. Prior to the first scrimmage the team will meet again, voting forms with the criteria will be distributed again with the names of the nominees. The players are asked to submit the names of three of the six nominees they believe met all (or most) of the criteria over the summer and double session practices. The coaching staff tallies the results, breaks any ties based upon our own observations, and the nominees who have "earned" the respect of their peers and coaches are named team captains. Have done it this way for 16 years and once we only had two captains, and once we had four. The cream always rises to the top.
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Mar 12, 2012 11:38:29 GMT -6
Failing to prepare - is preparing to fail. John Wooden
Hard work is 1% inspiration, and 99% perspiration.
The difference between CHAMP and CHUMP is "U".
It takes an "IRON" Will to Win!
First we will be strong... then we will be first!
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Mar 12, 2012 10:43:16 GMT -6
When I had the numbers (50) our kids learned to play both offense and defense. We did everything we could to two-platoon, and limit the number of two-way starters (1 or 2, usually skilled position players). When I didn't have the numbers (35) our kids learned to play offense and defense. We did everything we could to two-platoon, and limit the number of two-way starters (4 or 5, usually a mix of skilled position players and linemen). Football is, and has always been a numbers game. Get as many playing as you can. Eventually you'll find you have more kids who haven't played football, wanting to play football, and your numbers will increase.
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Mar 12, 2012 10:12:29 GMT -6
When a kid tells me he doesn't want to play football because "it's too hard" I respond with,
"Football is just a game. LIFE is hard; you not going to play that either?" If the kid rethinks it and comes out I'll work with him. If he doesn't... I'll go with the ones I have.
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Jul 6, 2011 7:13:35 GMT -6
Just moved to central Texas (Austin) and am going into my 39th year of coaching football at both the college and high school levels. Was an assistant and a DC at JC and D2 schools in California, and have been an assistant, DC, OC, and a HC for 18 years at the high school level. I've run just about everything on defense and have run the 4-2-5 for the past 15 years. I find it provides the best balance, easy to teach, and lets the kids pin their ears back and get after it without a lot of pre-snap adjustments. Have also run just about everything you can run on the offensive side of the ball but found the Double Wing about 10 years ago and have been running it ever since.
|
|
