Glazier December Webinar Schedule

Date	Speaker/School	Position	Topic Title	Time
12/3/13	Lambert Brown - Chaska HS, MN	Head Coach	Pistol Offense: Inside and Outside Zone Read Schemes and Variations	7PM EST
12/5/13	Jeff Moore - Framingham State Speaker Biography	DC	Framingham State 4-3 Black Shirt Defense with Split Field Coverages	7PM EST
12/9/13	David Feeley - Ball State Speaker Biography	Dir. of Strength & Cond./Football	Achieve the Squat to Achieve Your Ultimate Goal	7PM EST
12/10/13	Roger Holmes - Dublin HS, GA	Head Coach	Dublin Variations in the Waggle & Play-Action Passing Game in the Wing-T	7PM EST
12/12/13	Jim Ryan - Washington University in St. Louis Speaker Biography	DC/LB Coach	Defending the Spread with the 4-2-5	7PM EST
12/16/13	Fred Guidici - San Jose State Speaker Biography	Spec. Teams Coor.	Organization of Special Teams: How to Put it All Together for Practice, Coaches, and Games	7PM EST
12/17/13	Gabe Infante - St. Joseph's Prep HS, PA	Head Coach	Spread Topic TBD	7PM EST
12/19/13	Brandon Staley - John Carroll University Speaker Biography	DC/Sec. Coach	John Carroll 3-4 Defense: Middle of the Field Coverage Principles (Cover 1 & 3 Deep)	7PM EST

Verticals 2.0

This year I am going to install the R4 operating system in our offense.  We are going to keep our 4 Verticals and apply R4 to this concept.  I am a big believer in the Pat-N-Go throw in-order to throw it your receivers must be disciplined enough to stay on the numbers and physical enough not to get pressed into the sideline.  (remember the sideline hasen't missed a tackle since 1869).

These are the Rules

R4 from Darren Slack

Rhythm: Option 1 Throw on 3rd step in the Pistol (No hitch) Ball in Thrown in 1.8 seconds

Read: Option 2 Thrown off one hitch Ball in Thrown in 2.2 seconds

Rush: Thrown off ANY Step in Route Breaks under 5 yards

Release:  The QB Practices scrambling drills can buy an additional 1.5 seconds

Identify Coverage

The Reads are based on coverage so it is critical that the QB understands how to Identify the coverage: 

Man vs Zone

Vs Man the Read route is not an option. since you only have 2 seconds. 

Vs Zone you have 3 seconds so there are 3 reads. 

Collision and Cushion Conformation 

Collision Conformation if any inside route is re-routed by a defender then that speeds up the QB read to the next one.  

Cushion Conformation if an outside receiver breaks the cushion of the defender then the ball is thrown deep its pre-snapped then confirmed on the last step of the drop.         

Pre Snap

Look left to right low, look left to right high QB is looking for Grass and Leverage with Rhythm Routes. 

The Routes 

All of the Receivers have some sort of sight adjustment this is only for 2 X 2 Formations 

Outside Receivers X and Y They must stay on the top of the numbers which will allow the QB to have 7 yards to work with on a Pat-N-Go throw.  They run their route after ten yards they look in at the QB and will be able to see the back shoulder fade if the QB throws the football.  It is important that both the QB and WR know he is all ways open if they both are on the same page. We will rep this every day and I am really think about outlawing the Deep Ball Throw in Practice during 7 on 7 or just make him throw the Pat-N-Go or the Back Shoulder Fade.  

Inside Receivers H and B They must get to their hash if there are two safeties they have to win over the top by 12 yards if not they stop and do a half curl.      

A Back runs a check Down he releases through B gap and gets to 5 yards and turns to the QB

Vs Zone he turns and replaces the dropping linebacker.

Vs Man he works leverage against the linebacker maned up with him works leverage inside leverage go out side outside leverage go inside.   

Putting it All Together

Cover Zero: Man Two Reads

Rhythm: Go, Pat-N-Go, Back Shoulder Throw

Read: Seam or 12 yard stop

Rush: Check Down 

Release: Scramble 

Cover One: Man Two Reads

Rhythm: Go, Pat-N-Go, Back Shoulder Throw

Read: Seam or 12 yard stop

Rush: Check Down 

Release: Scramble  

Cover Two Zone Three Reads

Rhythm: Hole Shot

Read: Seam or 12 yard stop

Rush: Check Down 

Release: Scramble

Cover Three: Zone Three Reads 

2 Read Routes= Read the Free Safety  

Read: Seam or 12 yard stop

Read: Seam or 12 yard stop

Rush: Check Down 

Release: Scramble

Cover Four: Zone Three Reads

Rhythm: Go, Pat-N-Go, Back Shoulder Throw

Read: Seam or 12 yard stop

Rush: Check Down 

Release: Scramble

Darren Slack Links:
http://www.youtube.com/user/darinslack/videos

http://www.nationalfootballacademies.com/      

http://coachxo.com/darin-slack-r4-quarterback-system/

http://www.footballcoachingpodcast.com/dubmaddox/

http://smartfootball.com/uncategorized/improving-a-quarterbacks-throwing-motion

 http://www.nationalfootballacademies.com/staffbio/darin-slack/

http://www.quarterbackacademy.com/

  

           

Solid Screen From the Pistol

I do want to add a Stretch Play from the pistol and use Rich Rodriguez and Herb Hand running back reads for the Zone: Bounce, Bend, Bang.  It also will allow us to run the Solid Screen (Tony Franklin System)  without having to do it just from a Sprint Out, Hand Sweep or Speed Option Look which we will do those three looks also.

51 Solid

Y Block #1
B Block #2
RT Zone Right
RG Sell Zone 3 steps to Rt and then release –Peel Block
C Sell Zone 3 steps to Rt and then release – 2nd LB in Box
LG Sell Zone 3 steps to Rt and then release – 1st LB in Box
LT Sell Zone 3 steps to Rt and then release – Alley defender
H 2 Steps up field – Block #1 or M.D.M.(Most Dangerous Man)
X 3 Steps up field, Retrace, Work toward QB straight down line of scrimmage
A Back Fake Stretch Right
QB Fake Stretch Right retreat / get feet fast and throw solid screen to H as soon as he begins down L.O.S.

52 Solid

Y Block #1
B Block #2
RT Zone Right
RG Sell Zone 3 steps to Rt and then release –Peel Block
C Sell Zone 3 steps to Rt and then release – 2nd LB in Box
LG Sell Zone 3 steps to Rt and then release – 1st LB in Box
LT Sell Zone 3 steps to Rt and then release – Alley defender
H Bubble 3 Steps, Retrace, Work toward QB straight down line of scrimmage
X 2 Steps up field – Block #1 or M.D.M.(Most Dangerous Man)
A Back Fake Stretch Right
QB Fake Stretch Right retreat / get feet fast and throw solid screen to Y as soon as he begins down L.O.S.

41 Solid

Y 3 Steps up field, Retrace, Work toward QB straight down line of scrimmage
B 2 Steps up field – Block #1 or M.D.M.(Most Dangerous Man)
RT Sell Zone 3 steps to Lt and then release – Alley defender
RG Sell Zone 3 steps to Lt and then release – 1st LB in Box
C Sell Zone 3 steps to Lt and then release – 2nd LB in Box
LG Sell Zone 3 steps to Lt and then release –Peel Block
LT Zone Left
H Block #2
X Block #1
A Back Fake Stretch Left
QB Fake Stretch Left retreat / get feet fast and throw solid screen to X as soon as he begins down L.O.S.

42 Solid

Y 2 Steps up field – Block #1 or M.D.M.(Most Dangerous Man)
B Bubble 3 Steps, Retrace, Work toward QB straight down line of scrimmage
RT Sell Zone 3 steps to Lt and then release – Alley defender
RG Sell Zone 3 steps to Lt and then release – 1st LB in Box
C Sell Zone 3 steps to Lt and then release – 2nd LB in Box
LG Sell Zone 3 steps to Lt and then release –Peel Block
LT Zone Left
H Block #2
X Block #1
A Back Fake Stretch Left
QB Fake Stretch Left retreat / get feet fast and throw solid screen to B as soon as he begins down L.O.S.

I believe that Screens can add up 100 plus yards to your offense in yardage and can add about 50 to 75 in hidden yardage both in the passing game and running game because it wears out the defensive line and also takes the aggressiveness out of them. 

Rules for a Football program and why?

1. All ways keep an open line of communications: This includes your athletes, their parents, coaches, faculty members, administrations, the school board, and  community members.  We are now living in an information age where you can facebook, twitter, text, email, most school districts have web pages and the ability to send out mass phone messages.  Use these as tools to help not only promote your program but also ensure there is not an irritate parent because a time, date, or location of a game has changed. What day picture day is on and other special events. 
2. There should be no hierarchy in your program.  From the day the athlete steps into your doors until the day you part ways they should be treated with respect.  No hazing, beating up the sophomore in the varsity locker room.  Once they become a part of your organization they are family.  The San Francisco 49ers of the Bill Walsh era did not haze rookies it was not allowed.  And they went from the worst football team in the NFL to winning the Superbowl in 3 years.  
3. Demand from or hire coaches that will not only work hard for you but will also continually improve themselves with relentless effort. This might involve having to invest in your human capital but it will pay off for them and you.  
4. Even the best of people sometimes will be like water and settle in the lowest places that they can continually demand excellence from them.  
5. Set expectations for every aspect of your program.  I have had the displeasure of going through a 1-9 season when we took over a program.  Several of my fellow coaches did not like riding on the bus after away games because the athletes did not know how to act after a loss.  Well did those coaches tell our kids that you should be somber and self-reflective after a loss? No!  I mean some kids have a Low GSF (See for Definition of GSF) but we did end up changing the culture eventually. 

The Pistol Spread Option

Our base structure looks like the following;

The Cruz Block: first heard this term from the A&M Offensive Line Coach at the Frank Glazier Clinic when BJ Anderson was the offensive line coach at Sam Houston State when they had Rhett Bomar.  The rules check the inside linebacker closest to you if he steps to you or stays stationary then go block him if he runs away from you or inserts him-self into the blocking scheme then climb to safety and cut him.

Orbit Motion: Arch around to behind the mesh point keeping a 4 yard by 2 yard pitch relationship from the quarterback.  

The QB Jab Step Open to the Read DE at 6 o’clock Shuffle, Shuffle, Read DE if he “Squeeze and Chase Pull and Replace” If DE Stays Square, Runs up Field or something weird it’s a Give. If the Corner Jumps the option then throw the Fade.

The Dive Back Zone he has the Midline the Read is Bubble to Defensive End. 

The Dive Back Counter then he diamond steps Example: Counter Right Steps with the left at 9 o'clock then steps right at 12 o'clock    

The Outside Receiver to the read key runs a Fade

The Outside Receiver away runs a Post 

I would like to thank James Vint for helping me put this together for this past season. 

Transitioning from Position Coach to Offensive Coordinator

This past spring I changed jobs for various reasons the most import was family time I was driving an two hours plus a day in my commute.  I also was coaching two additional sports to go along with being the offensive coordinator.  It really cut into my family time a position coaching position opened up closer to my house fifteen minute commute and no second sport and I had the Athletic Director/ Head Football coach in a couple of my Graduate School classes. So I start attending spring ball, summer seven on seven, and summer strength and conditioning.  After the 4th of July holiday the Offensive Coordinator leaves for another job and I get named the Offensive Coordinator.   Here are the steps that was taken to align our offense and make sure everybody was on the same page.

The Head Coach and I met to go over the offense during this meeting several changes were made.

• A playbook was developed I used PPT and playmaker pro so if anything happens to me car wreck, I get a head coaching job, brain injury ect. there is something out there for the next guy to build off of.
• We went to the Tony Franklin wristband system we did convert the positions and one of the colors purple to blue.  We based this off of the number of reasons: the major one being that we had a large number of busts during Spring Practice and Seven on Seven during the summer.
• Changed the pass protection scheme from Big on Big to a Man Fan protection
• Had our Offensive Linemen Vertical Set  
• We installed a screen game which included Jail Break, Slow Screen and and the Fast Screens.  
• I made sure that we did the following drills every day Noose, Pat-n-Go, Routes on Air and we had at lease 2 screen periods a day.
• Changed how we went to Trips using our Slot receivers they were better athletes than our Outside receivers and kept them only having to learn one set of routes than a different set of routes on one side
• I met with James Vint during coaching school and got a great one on one clinic about the Pistol Offense  

Things that we did keep: 

• We worked Mesh Drill every day had very few dropped balls in the option game.
• We utilized the Pistol Formation using 30 personnel 
• We kept the option element to all of our run game there are 4 options on every play (Blog explaining this coming later!) 
• We had two basic run blocking schemes a zone and a gap scheme.
• We Two Platooned everybody

Things that needed to be changed for next year

• I have to do a better job of keeping up with our players lives.
• We are going to utilize the R4 and C4  from Darren Slack
• Going to use some silencer concepts from Anthony Pratley 
• Want to install the Midline 
• Need to use Wristbands at all levels 7th grade through Varsity we only used them for Varsity and JV this year.  
• Going to use Gus Malzahn's Fire Alarm Ten Play Menu 
• Kill our Mesh Route Concept and replace with the Shallow Concept.  
• Going to install Solid and Counter Screens.  

A New season has all ready started

We put up shoulder pads last Thursday and Friday and started QB meetings this past Wednesday.  My intent is to try to develop several quarterbacks so we just don't have to count on that one quarterback who may not be a QB when he gets to high school.  We had three varsity players at the meeting and three seventh grade QB's at the meeting.  We would have had more but our 8th grade was having tryouts on the same day.  My goal is to have 2 QB's for every sub-varsity team and they are to share equal time playing QB.  So with A & B teams 7th grade through Freshmen there should be 12 QB then 2 of them will be moved to other positions when they get to JV.  This is a similar to what Southlake Carroll did under Todd Dodge. Our Quarterback meetings we accomplished the following: 

• Watched the first of the C4 DVD's
• Went over all of the reads for 4 Verticals   (Blog about 4 Verticals soon to come) 
• We went into all of the different coverage's verses 4 Verticals.  
• We went over the Stick Route 

After the meeting the varsity guys got out the football on their own and tried to apply the thumb and hand placement, the cocked wrist, and the breaking the panel with their elbows.    

http://www.afmservers.com/share/?p=1240

http://coachgrabowski.wordpress.com/tag/four-verticals/

Important but uncommon lessons from The Score Takes Care of Itself

Like most books on leadership they are basically the same in The Score Takes Care of Itself.  You don't read books on leadership and expect to have this magical shift in your style of leadership most of the time it just validates that you are doing things right.  I have spent a total of eight years working for three of the best football programs in the state of Texas where they did the little things right most of the time which led to on and off the field success.  Their Head Coaches and Assistants exhibited between seventy to ninety percent of what is outlined in this book.  Which is not surprising considering the impact that Bill Walsh had on the coaching profession.  I several ideas worth mentioning from this book:

No Hierarchy 

I have heard this from several people who were around the 49ers organization.  They do not haze rookies My old DC from Southwest Minnesota State went to preseason camp with both the 49ers and the Oilers and he said the 49ers were professional and the rookies and free agents were not made to get hair cuts or buy veterans meals.  

  This also included respecting everybody from the office staff, secretaries, and custodial employees.  Bullying and its behavior is not to be tolerated.  

Veterans Train your Replacements!

Bill Walsh used this idea to increase his coaching staff.  If a veteran was in the twighlight of his career or a even a serious battle for starting position players were expected to help out with rookies and first year players not only on the field stuff but learning the expectations and procedures of the organization.  This would work great for the starting varsity quarterback's interactions with the second stringer, junior varsity and freshman quarterbacks.  

Enemies 

He talks about this in several ways first that you need to go along to get along.  Enemies take up too much precious time and energy you can use for productive activities instead.  You know you don't like that staff he big timed you at a clinic,  The kid he put up for all district beat out yours even though they didn't win a district game.

Then the second way is Bill Walsh does not believe in the continual use of demonizing your opponent as a motivational tool. He thought this tactic was overused and had diminishing returns. His belief was you opponent was nameless and faceless it did not matter who they are just what your players did to prepare for that meeting of the field that mattered.

http://www.thecoughlincompany.com/conversation_the-score-takes-care-of-itself.php

http://coachingtoolbox.net/blog/the-score-takes-care-of-itself/

          

Glazier Clinics Webinars free during the month of July

Schedule for July 16 - August 1:

• 7/16/13 - Shotgun Running Game & Isolation Options John Bland - University of the Cumberlands
• 7/18/13 - North Shore Zone Blitz Package out of the 4-3 Def Jon Kay - North Shore HS, TX
• 7/23/13 - Screen and Passing Game out of the Spread Tempo Offense Ken Fasnacht - Southern Oregon
• 7/25/13 - Wittenberg 4-2-5 Defense: Defending the Run Sean Ross - Wittenberg
• 7/29/13 - No-Huddle Offense: Points of Interest and Practice Organization Clay Richardson - Cal Lutheran
• 7/30/13 - Vertical Game in the Hybrid Wing-T Ron Aydelott - Riverdale HS, TN
• 8/1/13 - Cover 3 Zone Pressures out of the 3-4 Def Todd Fairlie - The Episcopal Academy, PA

97 Go

Texas Tech under Mike Leach has truly evolved this Passing game concept.  It was first perfected by Al Davis and the Oakland, L.A, then Oakland again Raiders. I think this is where Tony Franklin borrowed some Run and Shoot philosophies except they are not reading a coverage they are reading men and their ability to win the individual and if not still win the match-up.

The Concept for the quarterback is the following.
**Must read Safeties**
Cover 2 read play-side safety and go 2 on 1 vs. that safety.
Cover 1 or 3 read free safety and go 2 on 1 vs. free safety.
Cover 0 – pick best matchup
If no deep route open then go to check down

97 Go

• LT 90's Pass protection
• LG 90's Pass protection
• C 90's Pass Protection
• RG 90's Pass Protection
• RT 90's Pass Protection
• X Go Out side release on #'s re-stack on Corner after 10 yards look at QB's Eyes Watching for the back shoulder throw.
• Y Go (Work for Outside Release) vs. 2 safeties = Bend if you cannot win after 10 yards, vs. 1 safety = stay vertical
• Z Go Out side release on #'s after 10 yards look at QB's Eyes Watching for the back shoulder throw.
• H Go (Work for Outside Release) vs. 2 safeties = Bend if you cannot win after 10 yards, vs. 1 safety = stay vertical 
• F 1002 count then Check-Down- if man break in or out/if zone settle
• Q Must read Safeties-If cover 2 read play-side safety and go 2 on 1 vs. that safety-If cover 1 or 3 read free safety and go 2 on 1 vs. free safety. If no deep route open then go to back shoulder throw to check-down

90 Shallow

The Shallow concept has been around since the 90'the first time I read about the shallow concept was from Mike Shannhan.  It was adopted by the Air Raid.  Chris Hatcher uses Go Routs vs Tony Franklin who uses a post with the shallow route.  I do like the how Tony pre-snaps his deep routes but also add another check that is used in the Darren Slack R4 system where which he checks the deep route again after the quarter back hits the last step in his drop.   But the cardnal rule with throwing the deep ball is to throw it early.     CONCEPT: Hot , Shallow, Dig, Shoot
Pre-snap Post and Go if “0” cover or grass -  Shallow rules (eyes away from where shallow starts- if shallow starts on right side , eyes start left ,etc.)

90 Y Shallow

• LT 90's Pass protection
• LG 90's Pass protection
• C 90's Pass Protection
• RG 90's Pass Protection
• RT 90's Pass Protection
• X Go Outside (hit defenders shoulder if he squats)
• Y 2 yard Shallow/ run on the heels of the defensive line with a slight angle up-field- if you get to opposite hash only be 5 yards deep-catch and sprint to numbers gaining ground as you run/ peek 
• Z 10 Post
• H (Align at least 8-10 yards from tackle) 10 Dig( Go through outside shoulder of “tough defender”)
• F Check Protection - 3 Shoot #’s -head swivel after clearing DE and look for ball
• Q Shallow (Y), Dig ( H), Shoot (F), Pre-snap Post (Z) and Go (X) if “0” cover or grass- Shallow rules (eyes away from where shallow starts- if shallow starts on right side , eyes start left ,etc.

90 H Shallow

• LT 90's Pass protection
• LG 90's Pass protection
• C 90's Pass Protection
• RG 90's Pass Protection
• RT 90's Pass Protection
• X 10 Post 
• Y (Align at least 8-10 yards from tackle) 10 Dig( Go through outside shoulder of “tough defender”)
• Z Go Outside (hit defenders shoulder if he squats)
• H 2 yard Shallow/ run on the heels of the defensive line with a slight angle up-field- if you get to opposite hash only be 5 yards deep-catch and sprint to numbers gaining ground as you run/ peek 
• F Check Protection - 3 Shoot #’s -head swivel after clearing DE and look for ball
• Q Shallow (H), Dig ( Y), Shoot (F), Pre-snap Post (X) and Go (Z) if “0” cover or grass- Shallow rules (eyes away from where shallow starts- if shallow starts on left side , eyes start right ,etc

90 Z Shallow

• LT 90's Pass protection
• LG 90's Pass protection
• C 90's Pass Protection
• RG 90's Pass Protection
• RT 90's Pass Protection
• X Go Outside (hit defenders shoulder if he squats)
• Y 10 Post  
• Z 2 yard Shallow/ run on the heels of the defensive line with a slight angle up-field- if you get to opposite hash only be 5 yards deep-catch and sprint to numbers gaining ground as you run/ peek 
• H (Align at least 8-10 yards from tackle) 10 Dig( Go through outside shoulder of “tough defender”)
• F Check Protection - 3 Shoot #’s -head swivel after clearing DE and look for ball
• Q Shallow (Z), Dig ( H), Shoot (F), Pre-snap Post (Y) and Go (X) if “0” cover or grass- Shallow rules (eyes away from where shallow starts- if shallow starts on right side , eyes start left ,etc.

90 X Shallow

• LT 90's Pass protection
• LG 90's Pass protection
• C 90's Pass Protection
• RG 90's Pass Protection
• RT 90's Pass Protection
• X 2 yard Shallow/ run on the heels of the defensive line with a slight angle up-field- if you get to opposite hash only be 5 yards deep-catch and sprint to numbers gaining ground as you run/ peek 
• Y (Align at least 8-10 yards from tackle) 10 Dig( Go through outside shoulder of “tough defender”)
• Z Go Outside (hit defenders shoulder if he squats)
• H 10 Post 
• F Check Protection - 3 Shoot #’s -head swivel after clearing DE and look for ball
• Q Shallow (X), Dig ( Y), Shoot (F), Pre-snap Post (H) and Go (Z) if “0” cover or grass- Shallow rules (eyes away from where shallow starts- if shallow starts on left side , eyes start right ,etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_ARMNAgUkA  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svhnA0Ppjn4 

Wrist Bands

I prefer using wrist bands to all other forms of communicants for getting the play in.  But unlike most wrist bands I prefer the system wristbands which tell that particular position what to do instead of the play.  I would prefer to keep the skill kids in the dark and just concentrate on the position technique and responsibility.  The offensive line is going to know most of the time what type of play they are running their wrist band will say what protection they are using, the screen,  and their run blocking assignment.  The Quarterback is the only one who needs to see the whole picture.

 

From the Example we can run all of our run plays with a backside fast screen so we can take advantage of receivers selfishness and they will run a fast screen and end up blocking the backside force player and corner back without both of them blocking.  The quarterback also always has the option if he feels that the leverage is there is to give the right tackle a "Bambi" call and he will 60 set the DE and the Quarterback will throw the fast screen.  Also from the example we can block counter, and power and also block a new play power kick  by having all the offensive linemen block power except the right guard blocks counter.  It is a way to add a new play without adding excess verbiage.

Wrist Band 101

Brand 

• TAG
• NEUMANN
• ALL STAR
• NIKE
• DRI-FIT

Style

• 3.5” X 5” WINDOW
• 2 or 3 Window Band for Skill Players playing multiple positions

Care

• Have players keep their own bands
• Possibly have bands embroidered with player number (Players can’t “borrow” other player’s band)
• If bands are distributed and collected daily, wash bands every day with 1 cap Clorox and AIR DRY.

How it Works

• The program is designed so that all sheets in Excel are connected and the formulas reference the different sheets accordingly.
• PB  = The PB (or Play Bank) sheet is where all of the plays are housed.  New plays, old plays, additions per week, etc. all are put into the PB.  You may format the PB however you wish.  You may organize it to fit your preference. ANY PLAY RESPONSIBILITIES ARE CHANGED IN THE PB, NOT THE MASTER
• MASTER = The MASTER sheet is the sheet where the plays are entered (copied and pasted, or typed) to be ON THE WRISTBAND.

If you would like a wristband program here is the link https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1nKmQzMhC5hQ1JWcXVZc1hoOFN5VWM0STRYdE1wLVRUUnpj 

Testing and Evaluating your Strength and Speed Program

I have worked at several programs some of the places I have been did test every 6 weeks others just did once a or twice a semester.  First thing I would say about testing is it should be easy to do if at all possible it should be part of the workout.  See the following example:  Week 7 is a built in workout.

Or you can rep max at the end of each set my last year as a power lifting coach this worked very well for example if a Kid was front squatting 80% of his max 150 for 2 sets of 8 and on the 3rd set He had to do as many as he could if he reached 12 then it was assumed that the next time he did front squats his new 80% would be 160.  Generally if they can get 12 on their last set then their max went up 10 pounds for lower body or whole body lifts and their max went up 5 pounds for upper body lifts.  If they went 3 workout times without getting 12 then its time for an intervention asking them questions about their diet, sleep length, and recovery strategies.  

Junior high athletes should not 1 rep max, they should do the recommended John Wellborn Start with the bar concentrate on great technique once the can so 2 sets of 8 reps and 1 set of rep max if 12 reps move up 5 lbs on upperbody lifts and 10 on lowerbody lifts.  They should master the movements and spend at least a month with power clean using only a dowel or broom stick working on form and bar speed.  Also it is a great idea to start off with goblet squat instead of back squats.  

Now with high school athletes this is what should be tested and why.

Power Clean

Power Clean king of all exercises dealing with football teaches athletes how to triple extend. Uses the rear chain hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.  It teaches proper finishing movement for tackling and blocking.  It is a difficult lift to preform and does make the athlete have to be coach-able.  This is also my warning if you don't know how to teach it learn how to.  

  

200 Plus Pound Pull-up for Reps

First of all there are a lot of programs across the country who do not do any upper back exercises.  In football there is a lot of grabbing going on wrapping up in tackles, keeping the ball high and tight when running with the football,  and controlling your opponent blocking (holding).  Also having a stronger back will keep the shoulder joint balanced reducing shoulder injuries. Finally it will make your athletes bench stronger.  Listen to http://coachxo.com/john-welbourn-crossfit-football/ for more anecdotal proof.  Why 200 plus simple as a formor offensive lineman when I eventually could preform a pull-up it took about 50 workouts of modified pull-ups to preform one body weight pull-up and I was way over 200 pounds but that time I was strong as an Ox in all my other lifts.  Now compare that to the 135 lb 4th string receiver whose biggest contribution to the team is catching the ball for the quarterback in pregame warm-ups so the qb does not hurt a finger catching a ball.  So if a football players weight is under 200 lbs then strap on enough weight to bring it up to 200 lbs and do as many pull-up as he can.  If he is over 200 lbs jump up there and rep out as many reps as possible.  

Squats or Front Squats

So why front squats over back squats? Well, one problem with back squats is that they have a tendency to put too much strain on your lower back, especially when done incorrectly. An arched back and or forward lean can compromise your balance, and increase your likelihood of spraining a ligament or injuring a disk, which would suck. Simply put, the bar placement influences your center of gravity during the motion. With the weight on the back and a forward lean of the torso you have more back extension, and therefore more pressure on your lower back. With the weight on the front of the shoulders and the torso upright you have more hip extension and less pressure on your lower back.

A second benefit of front squats is that they increase your core strength even more than back squats. Now most of the time when you’re talking about increasing core strength you tend to think about crunches, hanging knee raises and planks. With front squats however, the load to the front of your body forces your abs and core to stay activated to stabilize your body throughout the movement. If your midsection isn’t activated and your torso isn’t erect during the movement. Do it once, and you’ll never do it again.

Lastly, the front squat imitates the catch position of the clean and the starting position in similar to that of the overhead press, push press and split jerk motions. Now, I know that performing the front squats using the clean grip is uncomfortable at first, but using this grip is strongly encouraged. Meatheads and bodybuilders utilize the cross-armed grip because it’s less stressful on the wrists. Be an athlete and get better by doing the front squat with a clean grip! 

Bench Press 

It is a good indicator of upper body strength and that is usually the first question most ask if you look strong "how much do you bench press?"  

40 yard dash  

Usually the next question some one ask is "What is your fourty?"   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40-yard_dash 

20 yard shuttle

purpose: this is a test of speed, explosion, body control and the ability to change direction (agility).

Three marker cones are placed along a line five yards apart. The player straddles the middle line and puts one hand down in a three-point stance. The player can start by going either to the right or left direction. For example, on the signal 'Go' the player turns and runs five yards to the right side and touches the line with his right hand. He then runs 10 yards to his left and touches the other line with his left hand, then finally turns and finishes by running back through the start/finish line. The player is required to touch the line at each turn. 

Vertical Jump

Using a vertec which is a waste of money or a tape with 1 inch increments on a wall the athlete stands side on to a wall and reaches up with the hand closest to the wall. Keeping the feet flat on the ground, the point of the fingertips is marked or recorded. This is called the standing reach height. The athlete then stands away from the wall, and leaps vertically as high as possible using both arms and legs to assist in projecting the body upwards. The jumping technique can or cannot use a countermovement (see vertical jump technique). Attempt to touch the wall at the highest point of the jump. The difference in distance between the standing reach height and the jump height is the score. The best of three attempts is recorded. It is a quick and easy test to see if your program is building athletes if they are gaining weight and their vertical is improving then your program is working great.  If their vertical is staying the same, but they are gaining weight need to work on plyometics or more explosive lifts.  If they are not gaining weight and their vertical is not improving then its time to change up your program.  

What do do with the numbers?   

If you have a kid in your program and there is more that a 3 tenth of a second difference between the 20 yard Shuttle and the 40 yard dash.  If the 40 yard is 3 tenth of second slower than the Shuttle then work to increase power clean, starts, and running form.  If the 20 yard Shuttle is 3 tenth of second slower then the 40 yard time work on squats, core stability, hip flexibility and change of direction drills.  

   

   

92 Mesh

Mesh is a staple of the System though in recent years Tony has gone away from it since his Middle Tennessee stop.  It is good against Cover 2, 2 man, Cover 3, and Cover 4, mesh is not a good blitz beater you do have the corner or post if you like but you need to keep with the formula.  The formula is quick passing game, screens, and outside runs in the 1st and 3rd quarters.  Go fast fatigue those defensive linemen and make those offensive linemen better by doing so.

Pre-snap the quarterback is going to look low left to right and high left to right looking for grass.  The center will make the line calls most of the time it will be a 4-1, 4-2, 3-2,3-3 nickel call.  The quarterback can also give the F a free call which free releases him or a stay call which the F will stay in the protection because the quarterback senses blitz pre-snap.

• LT 90's Pass protection
• LG 90's Pass protection
• C 90's Pass Protection
• RG 90's Pass Protection
• RT 90's Pass Protection
• X 5 yards under mesh as you are running look a(at the Y if he is being followed the defense is in man continue running route after mesh if there is no defender following it is zone settle down get eyes on quarterback) with mesh Slap hands with Y. 
• Y 6 yards over mesh as you are running look a(at the X if he is being followed the defense is in man continue running route after mesh if there is no defender following it is zone settle down get eyes on quarterback) with mesh Slap hands with X.
• Z 10 Corner-aiming point is front pylon if outside 25 yard line and back pylon if inside 25 yard line (Look at QB on pre-snap for possible change to post signal – if post keep it “skinny” unless 0 cover and no safety)
• H 3 Shoot #’s (head swivel on route to check for early throw)
• F Swing #’s (head swivel on route to check for early throw)
• Q High (Corner or Post), Playside mesh, Playside back (Swing or Shoot), Backside mesh, Backside back (Swing or Shoot)

    

Lessons of the Bill Walsh Offense from his book "The Score Takes Care of Itself"

I am reading this book now it is even better than his "Finding the Winning Edge".  It is less technical about running an NFL team and more about how to run an organization.   I am listening to it on my Ipod and have gotten through roughly one third of the book. Here is an excerpt of some of his leadership practices.  

Lessons of the Bill Walsh Offense 

1. Success doesn't care which road you take to get to its door step.
2. Be bold remove fear of the unknown from your mind.
3. Desperation should not drive  innovation ""What assets do we have that we are not taking advantage of?"
4. Be obsessed looking for the upside of the down side. 

Game Planning Brian Billick

"Good Artists barrow, Great Artists steal"- Pablo Picasso 

Thank you Mathew Brophy! 

Last one with the chalk offense Part 6

Power Right Kick Miami

This little bit of inspiration comes from James Vint I was listening to him being interviewed on a Podcast where he is describing how to combine Midline and the Power Play.  So I tweaked it a using the Power Kick Scheme or if you are a system guy its Tony Franklin's power.  The Miami tag is where we will put a midline concept on the back side of any blocking scheme.

Formation is Ace
LT Lock it Block back side DE
LG Counter Pull to Play DE
C Block Backside LB
RG Combo with RT to Backside Linebacker
RT (Get wide splits) Combo with RG to Backside Linebacker
X Block Corner or #1 with inside leverage
H Block the Safety
Y Crack number one Linebacker in the box
Z Block Corner or #1 with inside leverage.
F Align in front of QB Drop step opposite: POA: A Gap-Out. Inside leverage on pulling Guard

Q Read first man on the line of scrimmage past the center on the back side his playside number.  If the number goes up the field it is a give read.  If the Playside number goes lateral then it is a keep read. 

Coaching Character Initiative 2012

Last one with the chalk offense Part 5

Q Power Z Jet Read

One thing about well coached defense is that as a play caller you can take advantage of they being well coached.  When we run jet make sure you let officials know that it is a forward pass so that if the quarterback is slow with the read and the Z drops the jet it is an incomplete pass.  The ball goes back to the original line of scrimmage helps your team stay out of 2nd or 3rd and the teen's.  

Formation Blue Z Fly

• LT Run Zone Left 
• LG Skip Pull to Play Side Linebacker
• C Block Back and cover up Defensive Tackle
• RG Combo with RT to Backside Linebacker
• RT (Get wide splits) Combo with RG to Backside Linebacker
• X Block Corner with outside leverage
• H Boss the Safety
• Y Block out on Safety 
• Z Fly Motion get ready to receive the ball on jet if not Rock the Baby and carry out fake.
• F Align in B Gap Bugger Block the DE 
• Q Read Backside Linebacker If he steps away from you with the jet keep the ball and run power. If he steps towards you Underhand pitch the ball to the Z on the Jet.      

Ohio State Urban Meyer Year 2

Philosophy and Culture of Ohio State

• Don't blame losses on the players its the coaches fault. 
• Not spending enough time with the players.
• Take the time to genuinely care the players.
• Brutally honesty, Demanding, Truly care for players

The Signing Class in the Big Ten

• One out of the three kids not make it to year three even with having the best weight coaches, and academic support available
• One out of the three kids are on academic probation and if they do get a degree it is not a very good degree. 
• And the other guy makes it!
• We cannot let them disappear kids need us as coaches to keep them from disappearing

What three things keeps you awake at night?

• If those three things keep you awake up at night then devote your time to that.

• Why was Ohio State not the most fundamental team in America?
• How do you handle being undefeated that won alot of close blue collar games.
• Was told they were the best team in America during Christmas Break

Why does a young man fail?

• Lack of truth in his life!
• Why do football teams fail they don't trust their coaches.
• Winning is fradge 

Evaluation

• Do not lose a kid!
• Only bad people leave the program
• Take two weeks to self-evaluate
• Strength continue to improve and enhance it
• Weakness develop a plan to bring that weakness up "The Chase"
• What kind of teammate are you? 
• Selfless and Heart
• Academics "how important is it to you?"
• Off-season commitment Attitude and Effort 
• Football Commitment
• Are you satisfied?  

Teach Accountability

• Draft 
• Divide it into captions 1st round draft pick
• Hard working
• High GSF Give a Shit Factor 
• 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, Round 
• You need to be told to change. 

  Real life Wednesdays

• Graduate back in the day you can get a Job
• Nowadays they cannot get a Job
• Get a Degree
• Understand the Alumni base
• Educate on Finances and Real Life
• Goal is to have 4 job opportunities when they graduate.
• Action Plan
• Build Resume
• Finational Breakdown
• Interests
• What does a job entail?
• Difference between a high school diploma and a college degree
• Teach them how to put on a shirt and tie and have a conversation about life after football.