FNF Coaches 2017 "Training" by A.E. Engine

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The Magazine for High School Football Coaches

playbook schemes and tactics to add to your gameplan

june+july 2017 official partner

College Coach Q&A with BOWLING GREEN COACH MIKE JINKS Eastwood High (Texas) coach Julio Lopez poses with players Jamari Bullock, Jake Hernandez, Seth Ochoa and Pete Cadena

THE FROG

Take Your Banquet to the Next Level page 8

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page 9

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CONTENT 10. COLLEGE COACHES’ CORNER

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WIN THE

OFFSEASON 12 40.

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1 S

playbook PRESENTED BY

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DIAGRAM 2

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04. COACHES’ CONNECTION 06. NEWS & NOTES 08. GEAR 09. VKTRY GEAR 35. W.O.D. WELDER

ON THE FRONT COVER ■■ Eastwood High (Texas) coach Julio Lopez poses with players Jamari Bullock, Jake Hernandez, Seth Ochoa and Pete Cadena.

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36. analytics

COACHES’ CONNECTION LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

THE FNF COACHES APP

e are proud to present our fifth monthly edition of 2017, which has a

strength-and-conditioning theme. The months of May and June offer the perfect time for a coach to take stock of his program and make sure he is making the most of the time he is requesting of his players during the summer months. Strength-and-conditioning programs have become so personal to high school football coaches, as many of the programs now complement the style a team plays during the season. Strength programs for up-tempo programs might focus on building fast-twitch muscles in the weight room and work on speed and agility on the track and field. Other programs strive to develop big, physical teams that dominate both sides of the line of scrimmage. We will share the stories and tips from experts in the field of training – whether it’s strength, conditioning, speed, equipment, nutrition, motivation, safety or recovery – in hopes of sharing some information that high school football coaches may not know. It can be overwhelming to tackle all of the various ways in which players are training these days. It’s worth taking the time in the offseason to make sure you are aware of all of the latest trends and educational opportunities so that if a parent asks for your advice, you will be armed with the information you need. If you would like to learn more about any of the topics we cover in this edition, we’d like to hear from you at fnf@ae-engine.com. We want to continue to provide you with information you want in the coming months, so we’d like to hear your suggestions for content. Engage with us on our website, FNFCoaches.com, and social media, @FNFCoaches, and tell us your suggestions for feature stories. APP OF THE MONTH

TEAMBUILDR TeamBuildr does not provide, sell or promote any strength and conditioning programming. The software is a simply a platform on which strength coaches can build their workouts. TeamBuildr is Web-based and is, therefore, accessible on any computer, tablet or smartphone. It allows coaches to send workouts electronically or print them out in the weight room. TeamBuildr stores and secures fitness data, which allows coaches of all skill levels to make better decisions when training their athletes.

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he FNF Coaches app is available for free on iTunes (designed for both the iPhone and iPad) and Amazon (for Android). It is geared toward high school football head coaches and assistants across the continental United States. Coaches who download the FNF Coaches app will be eligible to win an Insight Replay Sideline Replay System. The Sideline Replay System allows coaches to capture video in real-time from multiple cameras and mobile devices. To become eligible for the give-away, a coach must download the FNF Coaches app on the iPhone or Android. Open the app, and the Insight Replay promotion will serve as the welcome screen. Click on the promotion, and enter your name to be eligible to win.

USA FOOTBALL’S COACHES’ NOTES

o beyond the coaching philosophy – learn the steps to implement them in your program. USA Football’s NEW Coaches’ Notes provides strategies you can trust and is written by coaches for coaches. Learn the philosophy, dive into the schematics, watch it in action and start implementing immediately into your program. Coaches’ Notes allows coaches to get deep into the details of on and off field strategies. ■■ Interactive – features video, schematics and written explanations. ■■ Read it, watch it, print it off, mark it up – learn at your own pace. ■■ Unlimited access for just $50/year ■■ Access your go-to football resource – subscribe at usafootball.com/coaches-notes

SUBSCRIBE TO FNF COACHES The January, February and March editions of FNF Coaches were mailed to coaches across the country – free of charge. Starting this month, coaches will need a subscription to FNF Coaches to receive the magazine on a monthly basis. FNF Coaches magazine is 100-percent dedicated to high school football coaches. Our intent is to inform coaches on the latest trends and technology advancements in the industry. Each issue will feature a Playbook section with team strategies, training advice, fundraising tips, coaching profiles, health and prevention keys and the latest team-building practices. The publication schedule includes editions in January, February, March, April, May, Summer, September and November. Coaches can order an eight-issue subscription at fnfcoaches.com/subscribe for $26.95 plus $3 for shipping and handling.

Trevor Knight Best Performing QB at NFL Combine

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NEWS & NOTES Minnesota Coach’s Policy of Acceptance Rewarded

anny Lilya, a sophomore football player at Moose

Lake High (Minn.), has been selected the 2017 national recipient of the “National High School Spirit of Sport Award” by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). The “National High School Spirit of Sport Award” was created by the NFHS to recognize those individuals who exemplify the ideals of the spirit of sport that represent the core mission of educationbased athletics.

Lilya was born with a broken back, is a paraplegic, and has been confined to a wheelchair his entire life. However, that has not prevented him from participating in the sport he loves. Last fall, Lilya was the holder on extra points and field goals for the Moose Lake/Willow River Rebels football team. Lilya clearly benefits from having a forward-thinking football coach in Dave Louzek. “Part of Rebels football has always been including everybody,” Louzek said.

High school seniors now can sign football letters of intent in December in addition to the

A shortage of referees in Hawaii could lead to games being played on weekdays rather than the traditional kickoffs on Friday and Saturday. The Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) says games will likely be played on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Cal Evans, a longtime official, says this is a good thing: “By spreading those games out, it gives us much more confidence that we will … do a better job of covering those games.”

traditional signing period in February. The Collegiate Commissioners Association announced its approval of the new signing period. The early signing period is scheduled for Dec. 20-22, 2017. The early letter-ofintent signing period is part of a package of reforms that also permits high school juniors to take official visits from April through June.

THE AMERICAN FOOTBALL COACHES’ ASSOCIATION IS LOOKING INTO SIDELINE-TO-

quarterback communication in college football – as well as other technological improvements such as tablets on the sideline. College football coaches have generally come to an agreement on utilizing headset communication, although the AFCA has had only preliminary discussions with the NFL about how to implement the technology. Utilizing tablets on the sideline, something high school coaches have been doing since 2013, still appears to be years away for college football. College football has trailed the NFL in terms of new technology, and in this case the sport is behind even high school football.

EVERY HIGH

school and junior high school student-athlete in Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association member schools will be covered by concussion insurance beginning Aug. 1, 2017. For years, the WIAA has been at the forefront of addressing the concussion issue. Now the organization that oversees high school sports is taking on one of the biggest concerns in athletics today. The WIAA purchased a policy for all studentathletes, approximately 80,000 annually, providing them with zero out-of-pocket costs should they suffer a concussion. Wisconsin is the fourth state to provide this coverage for all student-athletes.

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RESEARCH PRESENTED AT THE

Two former Michigan State football players – Matthew Eleweke and Mark Meyers – have created a phone app that allows high school and college students to connect with their classmates more efficiently. The goal of their company, Sympl., is simply to get more people studying together more often.

American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine’s Specialty Day in April indicated that USA Football’s Heads Up Football helped reduce concussion rates among high school football players. The study monitored players from 24 schools in Greenville Country, South Carolina in 2015. At least one coach from 14 of the schools received Heads Up Football training. Coaches at the remaining 10 schools performed standard training. The concussion rate for athletes with Heads Up training was 4.1 percent compared with 6 percent for athletes without Heads Up training. Athletes with Heads Up training returned to full participation 27 percent faster.

TACKLE TUBE Tackle Tube Offers a ‘Huge Safety Factor’ For high school football coaches tasked with teaching tackling technique in limited live practice periods, the Tackle Tube offers the perfect solution. DAN GUTTENPLAN

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With concussion research at the forefront of the sport of football, coaches are limited to the number of full-pad practices they can hold each week. As a result, it has become more difficult to teach tackling technique, since there are fewer opportunities to run live drills. The Tackle Tube is designed to give coaches a tool that will facilitate correct tackling position and hones judgment and timing. The mobile ring made of high density energy absorbent foam allows coaches to provide both a stationary and moving target while teaching perfect form. “When it comes to tackling, technique is key,” said Tackle Tube CEO Steve Sloan. “You can’t just throw the players out on the field without teaching technique. From a safety standpoint, this allows players to hit the tube at different angles, speeds – and the fact that they’re hitting this instead of hitting each other is also a huge safety factor.” TackleTube.com offers several instructional videos for coaches looking to incorporate the Tackle Tube into their practices. A tackling progression video begins with the shoulder punch, then moves the player onto all fours, then starts the player on either one knee or two knees, and finally moves the player to a standing position for the swoop step. “What’s just as important as teaching the technique is the confidence the players get from using this tool,” Sloan said. “It’s amazing. The more confident a player is, the harder he’ll play, and the more productive he’ll be on the field.”

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PORTA PHONE GOLD SERIES ARE A NEW

breed of wireless that features a transceiver installed inside the headset ear cup. This compact design eliminates belt pack radios making the systems trouble free and affordable. Gold Series include breakthrough Spread Spectrum technology and automatically switch to the best frequency when necessary to avoid interference. Since there is no base station required all coaches are wireless and totally mobile. To learn more visit our website, or call Porta Phone at 1(800) 233-1113 for a quote. MSRP (Complete 5-Coach Gold system): $2,995 portaphone.com

USA FOOTBALL Add to my list

Base Cover 1 stunts and twists in the double eagle-double ﬂex defense LEO HAND

Because so many teams are now employing no-huddle offenses, defensive huddles should be stored on the same shelf as leather helmets. Defensive calls should be conveyed to

players from the sideline via wristbands. Also, all verbiage must be eliminated from the call.

Many coaches avoid implementing complex stunt maneuvers or comprehensive stunt packages because they are unable to express the information in a concise, precise manner. The answer? Simplify. For me, “Nat-Wamer-1 Tag” is all I need to tell my defense to convey ﬁve vital bits of information: How defenders are aligned in the box, three different stunt maneuvers and the pass coverage.

The system works as follows: Since no defensive alignment is mentioned, players know that they will line up in their base alignment. No need exists to mention the alignment if it’s a team’s base. If you want to change from base to something else, simply precedes the call with a single

syllable that designates the variant. Two-digit numbers and word descriptions are too longwinded. For example, “forty-three” and “single ﬂex” both add three syllables to the call. It is

much more succinct to assign each variation a single syllable (e.g., sap, wap, Mom, Tom, etc.) than to give a multi-syllable word or number description. Next, defensive maneuvers are designated by phonetic sounds that can be merged to create words that are meaningless to everyone on the planet except the players who use them every day in practice.

GO BEYOND THE COACHING PHILOSOPHY – LEARN THE STEPS TO IMPLEMENT THEM IN YOUR PROGRAM

USA Football’s NEW Coaches’ Notes provides strategies you can trust and is written by coaches for coaches. Learn the philosophy, dive into the schematics, watch it in action and start implementing immediately into your program. Coaches’ Notes allows coaches to get deep into the details of on and off field strategies. ■■ Interactive – features video, schematics and written explanations ■■ Read it, watch it, print it off, mark it up – learn at your own pace ■■ Unlimited access for just $50/year Access your go-to football resource – subscribe at: usafootball.com/coaches-notes

For example, with Nat-Wamer 1 Tag: Nat tells nose and Ted to twist Wam tells Whip to blitz through the weakside A gap. When the sufﬁx “er” is added to “wam” or any other stunt involving Whip, Mike is assigned to play his Base 3 technique versus run and spy the near back versus pass. 1 Tag conveys a variation of Cover 1 in which the strong end covers the tight end and Stud blitzes from the edge.

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MINI FOOTBALLS kids are tired of trophies! How about something different? Customprinted, synthetic leather mini footballs with a white signature panel for autographs. Put your team logo or mascot on the side. Great for awards at your next team banquet. Easy to order with our online virtual designer so you can view your logo on the ball before you order. Fast production times with rush order options. Order today at MiniThrowBalls.com or call 800-648-9309.

VKTRY GEAR Increase a Player’s Explosiveness with VK Insoles The long hours a football player invests into training on the field and in the weight room can be made all the more impactful with a simple insert into his shoe. DAN GUTTENPLAN

The VKTRY Performance Insole is the first-ever high performance athletic insole designed to return energy an athlete generates as explosive power, speed and agility. Through independent, scientific studies, the VK Insole has been proven to increase a player’s explosiveness by +12 percent, which results in faster times in the 40-yard dash, higher vertical leaps, and longer broad jumps. VK’s patented carbon fiber design is scientifically proven to help athletes improve their performance and protect against injuries. “There’s no substitute for training well and taking care of your body by adding muscle,” said VKTRY Gear’s CEO Steve Wasik. “Using VKs allows athletes to maximize performance. Our insole generates more energy return to the athlete – or less loss due to ground reaction force by minimizing energy lost into the ground. As you push down on the VK , it pushes back and propels the athlete up and forward.” The product was originally designed with a goal of improving the U.S. Bobsled Team’s start, when the competitors sprint down the opening chute before boarding the bobsled. Over the years, the technology has translated to performance gains in every sport – from football, to track and field, to cheerleading. The insoles combine the comfort of a foam cushion with the energy returning potential of heel-to-toe carbon fiber. VKTRY offers five degrees of flexibility to optimize performance and maximize comfort for each individual athlete, which prevents

THE FEATURES ■■ VKs return energy back to the athlete

because of the unique and patented shape, the full-length carbon fiber base, and the specially engineered construction. ■■ VKs are made in 5 different degrees of flexibility based on an athlete’s shoe size and weight in order to provide customized and optimized athletic performance. ■■ VKTRY Gear has a proprietary algorithm which determines optimal “Pro” level based on how much deflection force an athlete can comfortably exert on the VK. This force is stored and released back to the athlete. ■■ Unlike any other insoles, VKs offer a heel-to-toe shock-absorbing, pure carbon fiber base for added support and stability and propulsive energy return.

THE BENEFITS ■■ VKs return the energy an athlete

the carbon fiber from flattening out. As a result, athletes get more push from their feet. VK Insoles are customized for each athlete based on shoe size, body weight and sport. Every player on a football team – regardless of position – can benefit from using VKs. “Some people think our insoles improve speed for wide receivers or skill-position players,” Wasik said. “What VKs do is increase explosiveness. And every athlete on the field can benefit from more explosiveness.”

generates as explosive power, speed and agility. ■■ Medical experts agree that VKs help protect athletes against injury (such as turf toe, plantar fasciitis and stress fractures). ■■ VK test results show that athletes will experience a +12 percent increase in explosiveness. ■■ Athletes who tested in VKs improved their 40-yard dash times by an average of 0.12 seconds, their vertical jump results by an average of +1.6 inches, and their broad jump results by an average of +4 inches. ■■ Many athletes who wear VKs feel like they have more energy and are less fatigued at the end of the game. ■■ An athlete does not need to be fit for VK insoles. He/she must simply provide information such as body weight, shoe size, and sport of choice.

“I TRIED VK INSOLES FOR MYSELF AND INSTANTLY FELT THE ENERGY RETURN. INCREASING SPEED AND EXPLOSIVENESS IS ALL ABOUT ONE THING – PUTTING A FORCE INTO THE GROUND – AND THAT’S WHAT VKS DO FOR AN ATHLETE.” – BILL PARISI, STRENGTH AND FITNESS EXPERT AND FOUNDER OF PARISI SPEED SCHOOLS Download the FNF Coaches app from the Apple App Store and Google Play

COLLEGE COACHES’ CORNER DELEGATE RESPONSIBILITIES

■■ Bowling Green coach Mike Jinks

Q&A

State University in 2015 after a highly successful stint as a high school coach at Steele High (Cibolo, Texas). Jinks compiled a 76-18 record over eight seasons at Steele and led the Knights to the 2010 Class 5A Division II State Championship.

was a physical brand of football. I wanted good-looking kids on both sides of the line, and that started 10 years ago. We cycled through our regular offseason cycle throughout the season. People thought it was crazy that we squatted on game day.”

What type of strength and conditioning program did you run at the high school level?

Did you design your schemes to be physical on both sides of the ball?

“We opened [Steele High] in 2006 and played a varsity season with a bunch of juniors. I went back and read every leadership book out here. One thing I kept coming back to was to look at what I could continue to improve. What are the weaknesses? In order to take our game to the next level, we wanted those weaknesses to become strengths. Our strength program was huge in getting us to where we wanted to go. Even though we were playing varsity games in that first season, we lifted right through the season. Guys stayed in the offseason with a weightlifting mindset. Even during the season, we got through four or five sessions per week. It wasn’t about maintaining in-season. We didn’t want to maintain. We went through four or five different true sets because we wanted to get stronger. That was huge. What we wanted to be known for

“What we wanted to be was really tough and physical. That was our core belief. We considered that when we put in our base offense and defense, which could be multiple. If you look at 2010 when we won a state championship, [current Los Angeles Rams running back] Malcolm Brown took 90 percent of our snaps under center. The next year, [current

WITH BOWLING GREEN COACH MIKE JINKS DAN GUTTENPLAN

ike Jinks was hired as head coach at Bowling Green

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inks said one of the biggest mistakes young head coaches make is taking on too much responsibility. When it comes to gameplanning, there are not enough hours in the week for one coach to do it all. Jinks recommends that head coaches delegate responsibility to as many assistants as possible. Then when it comes time to install a game plan, it can be a collaborative effort. “You need to make the most of how ever many coaches the budget allows you to hire,” Jinks said. “As far as a game-plan standpoint, those days get long. You might be trying to take notes, and you’ll forget something. When you break it up with six or seven men, you’re able to be pretty efficient.” Jinks has found that every coach has his particular strength in breaking down film. Some coaches might quickly notice that the next opponent is running every counter to the left, or only opting to pass on third down. A coordinator might miss those trends when he’s zipping through as much game film as possible to find the weak spots on the opponent’s roster. “It’s impossible for one coach to do it all,” Jinks said.

Minnesota Vikings safety] Tommy Armstrong Jr. took 95 percent of snaps out of shotgun, and we were even more dominant. Tommy threw 35 or 40 touchdowns. It was the same offense; we just ran it from the shotgun.”

how can high school coaches help players get recruited by colleges? “The only obligation a head coach has is to make sure he educates student-athletes and parents. One of the things we saw in Texas as I was leaving was a lot of kids being misguided. There was a surge of guys promoting recruiting programs and mentoring services. Kids were paying anywhere from $3,000 or $5,000 and getting guaranteed full scholarships. Parents need to understand if a player is playing at a high level, he will get recruited. The resources are limitless. There’s no need to pay anyone that amount of money to do it. That was the most important thing for me. Make sure the program puts the kids

in a situation to showcase their skill sets. When you’re talking about South Texas and Florida, those coaches need to make sure they keep spring ball organized. Get out the spring schedule to all universities. Let them know when kids are practicing and in the weight room so all kids can get evaluated.”

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What can you do to stress the importance of academics at the high school level? “The thing you’ve got to do as a high school head coach is recognize that you’re part of the faculty. You need to foster relationships with people in that building. The entire coaching staff needs to stay in good graces and be present among the faculty. Teachers need to come to us if somebody is struggling. Make sure they can find you. If Johnny is struggling, they need to be able to reach out before it’s too late. You can redirect Johnny to get him back on track.”

What type of new technology have you found helpful to your program? “We’ve used it all – not so much at Bowling Green because of the budget. At Texas Tech, from time to time we used those things. That’s part of the day-to-day in the Power Five Conferences. It’s amazing what they’re able to do now. I’ve seen sleep monitoring, players wearing GPS trackers to see how much they’re running. That was part of what we used with the Air Raid Offense.”

How did you use that to your advantage? “The one where we measured the amount of miles that we were putting on skill position players was the one we used the most. That was when we needed to cut reps down.”

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What technology are you not using due to budget restraints that you would like to be?

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“I’ve seen sideline replay at the high school level. There’s a lot of talk about that every year at our conference meeting. They want to know if it’s something we’re interested in. I can say I feel confident most college staffs would like us to take it further. The biggest issue is the different venues. Our site is different than another team’s site. Ohio State has a budget of X amount, we have X amount. The same equipment isn’t available for both programs.”

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Win the Offseason WITH A STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM A coach can lay the groundwork for a successful preseason by keeping players engaged and motivated throughout the summer. DAN GUTTENPLAN

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A coach may find it easy to motivate a player when he can hang the figurative cookie of a Friday night game in front of a player’s face and demand maximum effort for a couple of days. Finding a way to motivate players may not be as easy for a coach during the summer months, when games are on the distant horizon, and distractions are plentiful. However, we all know the best teams always seem to have the most productive summers. The summer is a time for players to get stronger, faster and betterconditioned. The only way for a coach to achieve that goal is to provide a structured program for his players, and ample motivation along the way.

Players today are interested in what’s new. What are the latest developments in strength and conditioning? What workouts will help them play faster on Friday night? We attempt to answer those questions this month through our cover theme – strength and conditioning. High school football has become a year-round sport, and that requires a year-round commitment to strength training, conditioning, speed workouts, nutrition and recovery. Follow along as we relay information we’ve gathered from experts in the field in attempt to make you – the coach – better prepared for the upcoming season.

10 Things Every Strength Program Should Include HALL OF FAME STRENGTH TRAINER SHARES HIS TIPS A head coach should have a big hand in designing a strength program, as the core philosophy should fall in line with the team’s style of play. Make the most of your team’s time in the weight room by coming up with an organized plan.

Establish metrics to measure success.

Connors’ metric of choice is the Power Quotient, a formula he created and is now popular among NFL scouts. It takes the value of a player’s vertical jump, broad jump and power clean and divides that total ■■ East Carolina strength by the player’s 40-yard and conditioning coach Jeff Connors dash time. “That’s a good indication of power,” Connors said. Jeff Connors took over East Carolina University’s top athletic Test core lifts routinely. The players at East Carolina are tested in 12 strength and performance position in 2011 after spending 10 conditioning exercises at the end of each training seasons on the University of North Carolina staff phase. Team members get points for each event, as strength and conditioning coordinator. Connors and it’s standardized by position. was inducted into the USA Strength & ConditionMatch the strength program with the in-game ing Coaches Hall of Fame in 2016. He shares 10 philosophy. East Carolina wants to play an things every strength program should include. Competitive scenarios. Summer lifting programs up-tempo style, so Connors builds a strength can become boring and tedious if a coach program that complements that style. “We want doesn’t appeal to his players’ competitiveness. to be prepared to go 90 to 100 snaps,” Connors Connors splits up the team into smaller groups – said. “It’s no secret to anyone that a lot of games often pitting offense vs. defense. The same two are close in the fourth quarter. That’s when you players face off on every lift, and they’re scored win or lose.” Mat drills. Connors is not shy about based on their improvement. Assign leaders. Peer pressure can be a good borrowing training programs that work in thing when it comes to doing something other places. He models his mat drills – which constructive. Connors assigns captains for each include breakdowns and other footwork drills – lifting group and relies on the leaders to focus on after Bobby Bowden’s program at Florida State. things like attendance and effort. Plyometrics/metabolics. Connors has been Develop fast-twitch qualities. “We place a lot of using some exercises for more than 25 years. emphasis on training the nervous system,” Those include players running stadiums in Connors said. “The nervous system only knows weighted vests, multi-jumps, and position-specific one thing. If you want to develop fast-twitch movements on intervals. qualities, whatever you do has to be fast. We Reward player commitment. It may sound measure bar speed with every lift.” cheesy, but Connors has found that Lift heavy. Connors devotes at least one day players respond to rewards. His top players in a week to heavy lifts. “In our program, the strength program earn Super Pirate Elite anything that is not heavy or fast is considered status. They get plaques to commemorate their body building, which is what you’re looking for offseason commitment, although coaches can be in hypertrophy. That’s not bad either, but it’s not flexible with the money they have available in how we train.” the budget.

MEASURE BAR SPEED AND WATTAGE

ot only does Connors track the amount of weight an East Carolina player lifts at each station of the weight room, he also tracks the bar speed and wattage. That gives him a better measure of a player’s fast-twitch improvement and power. “It’s connecting the mind to muscle,” Connors said. “It helps develop fast-twitch qualities and it’s tied to recovery.” Connors uses the TENDO Fitrodyne (tendosport.com), which attaches to the bar and provides a speed measurement. Tendo Power Analyzers are portable training tools and are an easy way to determine power output and bar speed in training and testing. Tendo Units can also be interfaced with laptop computer and utilize Tendo Power Analyzer software. This is fast becoming the choice of the prossesional trainers, colleges and pro teams. “That’s what NFL scouts ask about,” Connors said. “All you have to do is hook it to the bar, and it gives you a measure of speed and power. You consider those numbers and provide feedback to the athlete.”

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WIN THE OFFSEASON

RESIST OVER-TRAINING

S 6 Tips for Speed Training FOCUS ON TECHNIQUE BEFORE CONDITIONING DAN GUTTENPLAN

ill Sullivan is the owner of Sullivan PROformance

Speed and Agility, based out of Phoenix, Ariz. He has trained over 40 collegiate AllAmericans and numerous Pro Bowl participants. He offers six tips on speed training. Stay off the track. Football is not a game played in straight lines, so Sullivan conducts most of his speed training on the field. Only on Day 1 when he is teaching a player to run with proper mechanics does Sullivan work on linear speed. Correct posture. “Most athletes don’t know how to create body lean through their ankles,” Sullivan said. “They try to do it through their hips. It creates inefficient moment. When your foot hits the ground, you want all of your energy moving in the right place.” Focus on synchronization. The key to improving speed is being able to coordinate the entire body with efficient movement. Sullivan does not recommend drilling players on proper upper-body form without incorporating the entire system. “If you’re not working the entire cycle – and you’re not synched – then you shouldn’t be doing it.” Perfect foot strike. When a player’s foot strikes the ground, the knee on the plant foot should be in front of the other. The surface area of the entire foot should be on the ground under the

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hips. The foot’s optimal surface area should push off and drive into flight space. Agility work. Sullivan does not recommend using ladders; rather, he wants players to practice running as they will in a game. “We teach kids how to cut, break down and reversepivot,” Sullivan said. Quick feet. Having quick feet in a game is dependent on a player’s ability to react quickly and find balance. “We get athletes competing and moving without cones,” Sullivan said.

ullivan has found that the most common training mistake a high school player makes is overtraining. With more players seeking out individual trainers or position coaches, it has become difficult for high school coaches to gauge when a player needs rest. “Offseason programs miss out on the end result,” Sullivan said. “You have to decide if you’re designing a program for speed and quickness or for mental conditioning. Stadium stairs, running through sandpits, those allow you to press a kid mentally. For us, we’re trying to run a speed program.” Sullivan trains players 3 to 4 days per week, but will scale back if an athlete has too much on his plate. “If a kid comes in, and he’s doing strength and conditioning in the morning and playing 7-on7 in the afternoon, he’s working against what I’m trying to create,” Sullivan said. “I may have to decrease my intensity.”

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The Frog is a game-changer for strength training Frog Fitness shipped 12 ‘Frogs’ to Eastwood High (Texas) in April. A month later, the Superintendent of Ysleta Independent School District is considering ordering Frogs for all seven high schools in his district.

■■ The Eastwood High (Texas) football team received 12 Frogs from Frog Fitness.

astwood High football coach Julio Lopez

never had time to feel overwhelmed when a shipment of 12 Frogs arrived at his school in April. That’s because a team of Frog Fitness employees arrived with the shipment of state-of-the-art training equipment to offer a two-day orientation on how the product works. “They went over what you can do with all of the different uses, and how to incorporate it into a workout,” Lopez said. “There’s stationary stuff you can do. We’ve been using them to move up and down the field. We can superset with them in the weight room. They did a whole clinic showing us how to use these things.” Lopez took it from there, setting up stations for Frogs in the weight room and organizing competitions and races between athletes on the Frogs during training sessions. He’s already noticed that his players have improved hip flexibility and core strength. “We’ve never worked the core as much as we do now using The Frog,” Lopez said. “Core strength determines

what kind of athlete you’ll be on the field. This forces players to bring their knees to their belly button and extend back out in a horizontal position. We use them every single day.” The Frog is the result of years of relentless hard work, research and development, and scientific testing. The Frog is already being widely accepted throughout the NFL, the NBA, Pro Motocross, and MMA. Even America’s most respected warriors throughout the U.S. Military are training with The Frog, and most recently Olympic athletes began adding The Frog to their training regimens. One of the key benefits of incorporating The Frog into training for a high school football program is that it has massive benefits for a player of any size. Skill position players and linemen alike can benefit from improving core strength and hip flexibility.

“It feels like we just did leg day at the gym,” said Eastwood sophomore Eddie Cruz. “I get off of it, and I can barely walk. It hits every muscle in my body. It takes it to another level that you never thought you could have. I know we’re the only school in our area to have them; it’s really a blessing for our school.” Eastwood may not be the only school in the area to have The Frog for long. Superintendent of Ysleta Independent School District Dr. Xavier De La Torre visited Eastwood for one of the orientation days in April. It didn’t take long before he considered outfitting each of the seven high schools in the district with Frogs. “If it goes as well as I think it’s going to go, then it’s something we really consider providing our student-athletes at all seven comprehensive high schools,” De La Torre said.

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WIN THE OFFSEASON 7 Drills to Improve Conditioning GET YOUR PLAYERS IN SHAPE FOR PRESEASON QUARTER-MILE GAUNTLETS

reenwood High (S.C.) coach Dan

Pippin, the reigning USA Football South Carolina Coach of the Year, believes his players are in the best shape in the Southeast. He offers seven offseason conditioning drills. Track workouts. Shorter distances like 40s, 80s or 110s translate to speed on the field. Pippin also has the entire team run quarter-miles – more for mental toughness than the physical rewards. Power cleans. Pippin believes the transfer of power from the toes to the shoulders is most similar to the strength players showcase on the football field. Pippin has his players max out on the power clean during testing days. Squats. For linemen, squats will improve a player’s ability to sit in the proper stance in pass protection

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DAN PIPPIN HEAD COACH, GREENWOOD (S.C.)

and stop the momentum of a pass-rusher. For skill position players, it will improve a player’s ability to break tackles. Track hurdles. Pippin lines up hurdles on the track alternating one that is set at the highest level and one set at the lowest. The players must go under the high hurdles by bending at the knees with their chests up. They then step over the low hurdles to increase hip flexibility.

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Bag work. The Greenwood

coaching staff sets up bags between yard markers – typically four per 10-yard stretch. The players then shuffle back and forth by stepping over the bags. Box jumps. Pippin is always looking for ways to break up the monotony of the weight room, and he’s found that box jumps bring out the competitiveness in players. Rather than set a number of reps for players to complete, set a time and watch them compete to see who can do the most. Footwork ladders. Pippin wants players who can get from Point A to Point B the quickest, but often on the football field, the quickest way isn’t a straight line. Footwork ladders help players improve their footwork so they can get around blocks and piles.

he Greenwood staff assigns players to accountability groups each offseason, and charts each group’s offseason production based on metrics like attendance, improvement and overall performance. While the accountability score takes into account everything that happens in the weight room and outdoors, the battle for the top group always seems to be settled on the track. Pippin’s exercise of choice: quarter miles. “The best thing about quarter-miles is when they get to that last curve coming into the straight-away,” Pippin said. “That’s where it gets hard. I can equate that to when it gets hard in practice or games.” Pippin will often set a goal time for a specific player mid-workout, offering the rest of the team an opportunity to end the conditioning workout if that specific player hits the goal. “Kids take a lot of pride in that,” Pippin said. “With the accountability groups, it’s always three or four teams that are real close at the end. The last thing to break the closeness is we’ll time quarters. Winning a free steak dinner makes it pretty competitive.”

7 Tips for Offseason Nutrition Lisa Dorfman is the only dietitian to author two books about football nutrition. She has published Legally Lean, Vegetarian Sports Nutrition Guide; and Performance Nutrition for Tackling Stress. Dorfman offers seven tips for offseason nutrition.

Fuel before morning workouts. Many football

Eat protein and carbohydrates after a workout.

players pull themselves out of bed to make it to a morning workout. Dorfman recognizes that it may be unrealistic for all athletes to eat a balanced meal before a morning lift or training session. She recommends that athletes-on-the-go drink at least 16 ounces of fluid – perhaps an endurance sports drink with carbohydrates. A box of dry cereal will also help provide energy. Dorfman recommends athletes eat six to eight ounces of protein after a workout, along with two baseballs worth of pasta, rice, or some other carbohydrate. Do not eat foods heavy in fat – such as a McDonald’s breakfast – before or after a workout for risk of causing an upset stomach. “Those foods take too long to digest, and they’re not the most nutritious,” Dorfman said. Pack nut butter and jam sandwiches. These sandwiches are easy to make, and don’t spoil in heat as quickly as cold cuts. An athlete’s travel bag should also include a sports drink or water bottle, bananas, apples, oranges and breakfast bars. Hydrate 24-7. Players should hydrate at night before bed and then first thing the next morning. Eighty percent of a player’s hydration comes from fluid, and 20 percent comes from food. Fruits and vegetables provide hydration. An athlete should also consume 3 to 10 liters of fluid per day, based on heat and body composition. Drink the right fluids. Soda, sugary juices and coffee are not the types of fluids that provide optimal hydration. Players should drink water, sports drinks, coconut water, fortified juices, smoothies, milk, almond milk, soy milk or lactose-free milk. Athletes want to replace 1 ½ times the amount of weight they lose in fluid. So if a player drops 1 pound during practice, he should drink 16 to 20 ounces of water in addition to his regular water intake. Do not replace meals with mass-gainers. Dorfman isn’t opposed to mass gainers, as long as they are consumed between meals rather than in place of meals. Players who are trying to

4 5

LISA DORFMAN MS, RD, CSSD, LMHC, DIETITIAN

gain weight often buy mass-gainers in order to increase their daily calorie intake – only to scale back on the calories in their regular meals. High school football players should eat between 4,000 to 6,000 calories per day. A sports-certified dietician can determine the right amount for a player based on a body count measurement. A player attempting to gain weight should add 350 to 500 calories to the daily recommendation. Eat 4-6 small meals per day. The fueling process requires a 24-hour-a-day commitment for athletes in training. Don’t wait eight hours between meals. It’s better not to space out protein intake throughout the day with 5- to 8- ounce portions instead of one 18-ounce serving. Avoid chicken nuggets. They do not provide good weight – just water weight that will come off with exercise.

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WIN THE OFFSEASON Get Your Players to Buy In Coaches find that the most difficult challenge they face in the offseason is boredom among players. Keeping players engaged is a hallmark to any successful offseason program.

5 Tips for Offseason Workouts BILLY GRESHMAN, CARVER (ALA.)

Bring in guest speakers. “Bring in different speakers from various aspects of their lives. We bring in police officers, firefighters, lawyers, people who have made progress that players can relate to. They’re not all going to play college football or in the NFL. Show them role models.” GEORGE WILSON, MURRIETA VALLEY (CALIF.)

Track attendance. “Consistency is the No. 1 thing. We lift every day, and there are very high consequences for players missing. They get into workouts, and if they’re not consistent, it’s a waste of time. Focus on attendance, being on time, and the tempo of the workout. It’s about logistics and structure.” ■■ South Plaquemines High (La.) football players prepare for an offseason workout.

It’s unrealistic for coaches to expect players to arrive for the first day of offseason workouts with the same motivation that they bring to the field each Friday night. In May and June, games are still months away, and the light at the end of the tunnel for players is dim. However, keeping players engaged through the slog of the summer months provides the foundation for a successful season. But coaches must be mindful of the fact that they can’t just treat the offseason as an extension of the regular season. Mix up the training program, and offer the players new experiences. “A lot of times, the offseason is about characterbuilding,” said Carver High (Ala.) coach Billy Greshman. “It’s teaching the players how to react in certain situations, helping them learn who they are away from their families. Show them who they represent. That’s a big part of offseason workouts for programs all across the country.” It is a perfect time for coaches to help build life skills and character. A person’s character is reflected by their every-day behavior, and if they become high-character individuals, they are more likely to be consistent in the offseason program. “How you handle situations in life will be reflected in the way you handle offseason workouts,” Gresham said. “Are you committed to self-improvement or not?”

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EMANUEL POWELL, LANDRY WALKER (LA.)

Put a block in the school schedule. “Football is year-round with strength training the entire year. We’ve started working out in a full block during the school day. In the old days, you’d put the workout on the board. Now you have to be engaged the entire time.” TOM ORDIALES, BRADDOCK (FLA.)

Reward strength training with playing time. “I’m the defensive coordinator, and I like longer, faster athletes on defense. I tell our strength coach what I’m looking for, and he trains the players to fit the defense. If guys aren’t doing the plyometrics or track workouts, they’re not going to fit the mold.” GARRETT GRAY, MISSION VIEJO (CALIF.)

Explain injury prevention. “We brought in a strength coach and analyzed each kid for broken chains. We designed individual plans for them. In three months, we design a new plan based on increased speed and size. We looked at all injuries and worked on strengthening the areas that were most susceptible.”

THREE GOALS OF RECOVERY

hen it comes to recovery, a football player should have three goals after each workout, practice or game.

1 2 3 ■■ A whirlpool can help players bring down their core temperature and decrease the risk of hypoxic injury.

five Keys to Recovery MAXIMIZING WORKOUTS

reg Gastelum owns and directs Git Right Sports

Performance & Fitness. As a strength and speed coach, he works with elite, high-profile clients from the NFL, as well anyone looking to improve their personal health and fitness. Eat within 30 minutes of a workout. Timing is essential to recovery. The sooner you eat a snack, the better you’ll be able to maximize your recovery. Aim to eat within 30 minutes after the end of a practice or game. You’ll reduce soreness, replenish nutrients, and reduce your risk of injury. Replenish fluids. During the course of a football practice or game, players lose valuable fluids that keep their bodies functioning properly. The physical exertion required to perform on the field often leaves players dehydrated. It is important that individuals replace the fluids lost during a game by drinking plenty of water in the hours immediately following a game. In addition, essential electrolytes are also depleted and must be replaced to help retain fluids in the body. Nurse strained muscles. Even the bestconditioned athletes suffer from muscle strains due to overuse. Strained muscles should be treated by applying ice for 20 minutes every hour while awake. Ice helps to reduce pain and swelling associated with muscle strains. Once the swelling has subsided, heat may be used to loosen tight muscles and reduce pain.

Get the proper rest. Avoid strenuous activities, especially those that use muscle groups that are sore. While sleeping, growth hormone is released from the pituitary gland in the brain. Growth hormone stimulates muscle growth and repair, and helps athletes recover from a tough game. Adequate sleep also helps athletes recover mental sharpness that diminishes with fatigue. Use a foam roller. The pressure of body weight on the roller stimulates the golgi tendon organ, which is located at the junction of muscles and tendons and regulates muscle tension. This causes a reflexive relaxation of muscles, and can also reputedly help work out tight or painful “trigger points” caused by scarring or muscular adhesions.

Provide the depleted body with the proper nutrients to replenish glycogen and electrolyte stores. Cool the body’s core temperature, hydrate and decrease the production of catabolic hormones. Decrease the risk of secondary hypoxic injury. Micro tears occur throughout muscle tissue and are the primary cause of delayed onset muscle soreness. Cooling the body’s tissue limits the extent of delayed soreness by decreasing the tissue’s need for oxygen.

How does a player achieve each of the three goals? The first is a nutrition goal which can be filled by providing the body with glycogen and electrolytes in the form of a postworkout shake, sports drink or water. Timing matters, so refuel as quickly as possible. To achieve the last two goals, a player can sit in a cold whirlpool at 55 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes.

■■ Strained muscles should be treated by applying ice for 20 minutes every hour while awake.

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WIN THE OFFSEASON What Is Your Favorite Strength and Conditioning Drill? Every coach has an offseason strength and conditioning drill that he feels will give him a sense of his team’s respective fitness level. We asked these 10 coaches to share their favorite drill.

OVERHEAD SQUATS

CRAIG KOEHLER, CONCORD HIGH (IND.)

“My big thing is overhead squats as a functional test. Can they keep their spine stiff? Can they hinge their hip behind their heels with their heels on the ground? Can they maintain good core posture? It’s a red flag if they can’t keep the bar above their traps with their elbows locked.”

PLYOMETRICS

SCOTT MEYER, SERVITE (CALIF.)

“We have a lot of guys playing multiple sports, so we like to focus on strength and speed. Plyometric exercises work the upper body, lower body and core. We also do the power cleans, dead lifts, squats and other heavy exercises. But for my money, I like to see how they respond to plyometric exercises in the offseason.”

BACK SQUATS

BRIAN ORTIZ, HOLY CROSS (TEXAS)

“The back squat is the biggest for us. We squat 4 x 5 reps for warmup. The fourth set is close to 80 percent of their max. The main set is 3 x 5 reps. I won’t let you move until you do all 15 reps, even if you have to take weight off.”

SHOULDER EXERCISES

GARRETT GRAY, MISSION VIEJO (CALIF.)

“We had a really bad rash of shoulder injuries. We decided we needed to strengthen all shoulder capsules. All of the kids are on a rotator cuff program. Some kids might have tight hips, and they’ll have yoga. Or we might try to strengthen weak wrists and elbows for a particular player.”

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SHUTTLE RUN

J.D. WILLIAMS, KATY (TEXAS)

“It’s the old shuttle run with five cones shaped like an ‘X’. We test that and find out about their strength and quickness. Everyone does the 40 now, but we do the fivecone shuttle. We’ll test in March before spring football, at the end of April, and then we’ll get a benchmark at the end of the summer.”

THE FROG

JAMES EIDSON, SAN PASQUAL (CALIF.)

“One thing I’ve definitely seen is that kids today have a large amount of hip issues. When you put them on a horizontal plane and ask them to push back with their legs, you can see which hip has the issue. In the old days, you’d make them squat and try to teach them form. This is a game-changer.”

3 X 200 METERS

HAL WASSON, SOUTHLAKE CARROLL (TEXAS)

“We test in 200s and then separate them in groups according to speed. Every kid has to make a specific time. We do 3 x 200s on a specific time, and we never leave that phase of the offseason until 100 percent of the kids pass. It might last seven days or it could last 21 days.”

MEDICINE BALL RELAYS

CALEB ROSS, MCGILL-TOOLEN (ALA.)

“We built weight lifting into our culture when I got here three years ago. We did tire flips and medicine ball relays to create as much competition as possible. We changed the entire offseason workout program. We had to get them to believe they could be winners again, so we encouraged competition every day.”

QUARTER-MILES

DAN PIPPIN, GREENWOOD (S.C.)

“It takes a mental toughness that translates to practices and games. I think maybe the only track event harder than the 400 is the 800 – one of those two. I want my guys to believe they’re in the best shape of anybody in the Southeast. Is that a true statement? I can’t tell you, but my guys believe it.”

HURDLES

JOE WILLIS, COLLEYVILLE HERITAGE (TEXAS)

“We want to see our players run with strength. Flexibility is very much overlooked. Between football and track, you can build a football player to avoid injuries. If you’re a skill player who carries the ball, go work on hurdles every day. There’s a tie between flexibility and speed. We want our guys to get out and sprint.”

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PLAYBOOK presented by The 4-2-5 nickel versus the spread offense JOHN RICE

ickel defenses originated, in part, as a countermove

to the offensive practice of utilizing threewide receiver formations that spread the defense. The offense did this either by placing running backs in the slots as receivers, by widening tight ends or by substituting receivers for running backs. With this strategy, offenses could create mismatches by forcing linebackers to align over slot receivers. The two ways defensive coaches avoided these speed mismatches created by threewide receiver formations were either to play zone defense or to insert a fifth defensive back and align him over the third receiver. The nickel back, as the fifth defensive back became known, could replace either a defensive lineman or a linebacker. It gave the defense more flexibility, because now that the defense had a defensive back aligned over a third receiver, man coverage could be played without fear of a third receiver being covered by a linebacker. The first nickel alignment that was commonly used was a 4-2-5 with four defensive linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs. Soon afterward, offensive strategy evolved, and four- and five-receiver sets began to be utilized. Thereafter, the dime defense was created to counter these offensive sets.

PERSONNEL IN THE 4-2-5 NICKEL

VS. DOUBLES

DIAGRAM 1

1 E

STING

DIAGRAM 2

1 S

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M C

VS. TRIPS LEFT OPEN

DIAGRAM 3 2

Situational uses:

■■ Four-man rush ■■ Ability to play zone coverage with five defensive backs

passing situations and is characterized by inserting a fifth defensive back for a defensive lineman or a linebacker (diagram 1).

Strengths:

E N

The 4-2-5 nickel is a situational defense that is used in

■■ Against teams that throw in the flats (Cover 3 with both flats defended by the strong safety and nickel) ■■ Against a team that utilizes a three- or fourreceiver formation ■■ Against a team that runs balanced passing formations ■■ Against a team that, in normal passing situations, shows a tendency to run the ball more than is expected ■■ Against a team that motions a back to the weak side of a formation

1 SS

C S

■■ John Rice is the head football coach at J.W. North High School in Riverside, California, a position he assumed in 2013. He has been a high school football coach for over 25 years, and has served as a head coach, as well as a coordinator, both offensively and defensively, and as a position coach at various times for every position on the gridiron. His career has included stints at two large-school state championship-level programs, including defensive coordinator at national power Louisville Trinity, a 19-time state champion. He has been the featured speaker on over 30 instructional coaching DVDs on a wide variety of both offensive and defensive topics, and has authored two books, Coaching Nickel and Dime Defenses and Defending the Spread Offense. In addition, he has written several articles that have been published in Gridiron Coach Magazine and American Football Coach Magazine. He is also a frequent presenter at instructional football clinics across the United States.

check out more in-depth coach content at usafootball.com/coaches-notes

■■ Strong flat coverage in two-deep or three-deep zone coverage ■■ Strong outside run support to either side of the formation ■■ Ability to match speed for speed in a three- or four-receiver set ■■ Ability to play man coverage with a free safety ■■ Ability to double-cover one or two receivers in man coverage ■■ Ability to bring three or four defenders from either side of the formation ■■ Ability to zone blitz

Weaknesses: ■■ Three-level flood routes are difficult to defend ■■ A six-man front is easier to block than a seven-man front on run plays

BASIC PREMISE OF THE 4-2-5 NICKEL The 4-2-5 nickel is characterized by using four down linemen in an even front, two linebackers and five defensive backs. The fifth defensive back will replace either a down lineman or a linebacker. If a college 4-3 is the base defense, the fifth defensive back usually replaces one of the linebackers. If a 5-2 is the base defense, the fifth defensive back replaces one of the five down linemen. If a 3-4 is the base defense, one of the four linebackers moves to a down lineman, and the fifth defensive back replaces another linebacker. It is important for players to grasp the base alignment and technique for each defender in the 4-2-5 nickel as well as basic responsibilities for run toward the defender, run away, key and responsibility for dropback pass. Keep in mind that many alignments are possible for the down linemen and linebackers. The alignment for the defensive left and right ends is outside eye of the offensive tackle. The ends’ technique is a squeeze technique, similar to the gapcontrol technique used in a 50 defense, because in some situations the nickel package will see run, and the ends will have to react accordingly. It is possible to abandon the squeeze technique and adopt a more aggressive pass-rush technique. The ends are responsible for contain rush, unless

they are stunting. If backfield run flow is toward them, they are responsible for the off-tackle gap. If flow is away, they are responsible for quarterback bootleg or reverse. The alignment for the defensive tackles is given as “solid” or head-up on the guard. This recommendation is only meant as one possible alignment. Because shaded alignments are possible, the exact alignment of the defensive tackles should be made according to what is best for that particular defensive call. On any run play, the tackles can play two gaps if they are aligned head-up, or, if they are aligned on a shade, they are responsible for the gap to their alignment. On flow away, the defensive tackles are responsible for pursuit and cutback. On a drop-back pass, they rush the passer, either with a pre-determined pass-rush move or a stunt called in the huddle. The alignment of the linebackers, identified as “stud” and “wild,” is listed as either stacked or in a gap. Their exact alignment is flexible. Their technique is listed as “squeeze/hat read,” which means they are reading the helmet of the guard in front of them. Some coaches prefer that the inside linebackers read the backs. The most important point is to be consistent. On flow toward the inside linebacker, they are responsible for defending the gap assigned to them, normally the A or B gap. Usually, the inside linebacker’s gap responsibility is the opposite gap assigned the defensive tackle in front of him. So, if the defensive tackle to his side is aligned on the inside shade of the guard, the linebacker is responsible for the B gap. If the defensive tackle in front of him is aligned on the outside shade, the inside linebacker is responsible for the A gap. If flow is away from the inside linebacker, he should not turn his shoulders but shuffle up and in toward the line of scrimmage. He should maintain backside leverage, overpursue and be ready to play the cutback. The strong safety and nickel are defensive backs who are mirrors of each other. The strong safety aligns to the strong side of the formation, over the No. 2 receiver. His depth will depend on the pass coverage called. In press-man

coverage, he will be up on the line of scrimmage. In zone, he will be off the line of scrimmage. The technique of the strong safety and nickel will depend on the defensive call. They will blitz, play man coverage or play zone coverage. In zone coverage, the strong safety and nickel will key the unit end – the outermost player on the line in a three-point stance, either a tight end or tackle – through to the near back. If they are playing man coverage, they will key the receiver lined up in front of them. The corners align on the No. 1 receiver to their side, unless trips exist opposite their side, in which case they align over the inside-most receiver. They key the unit end through to the near back. If they are playing man coverage, they will key the receiver lined up in front of them.

VARIATION: 4-1-6 DIME STING diagram 2 Situational uses: ■■ Against one-back passing formations with slide protection ■■ Against a team that likes to roll out to the field ■■ Against a team that utilizes play-action to the strong side of the formation ■■ Against a team that utilizes a fiveor seven-step drop by the quarterback ■■ Against a team that doesn’t execute the hot route to the tight end with any consistency ■■ Against a team that doesn’t throw the fade well

Strengths: ■■ Four-man overload to the strong side of the formation ■■ Six-man rush ■■ The quarterback should have to get rid of the ball quickly ■■ Strong versus play action ■■ Strong versus a roll out to the strong side of the formation

Weaknesses: ■■ No safety help for the corners or nickel back ■■ The hot route to the tight end is difficult to cover unless the free safety is aligned five- to seven-yards deep at the snap.

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PLAYBOOK presented by Defending against the weakside counter, iso and I blast from the 3-5-3

SLANT STRONG

DIAGRAM 1

THOMAS COUSINS

s coaches, we use our game-planning sessions to

determine what opponents do best and what their favorite plays are. Then, we set out to stop those plays. Times will arise when you may decide to play entire games while only running one front call, because that strategy is what you feel gives you the best chance of success. Other times, you may decide to always make the strength call to the field or even to a specific player. All of these tactics are fine as long as it fits what you see and you decide that they are what give you the advantage.

SLANT WEAK

DIAGRAM 2

DIAGRAM 3

Slant strong The first line call this defense uses is slant strong, where defensive linemen slant toward the strength call (diagram 1). The strong tackle performs a crossover step, dip and rip to get to the hip of the tight end to his side. The weak tackle performs a crossover step, dip and rip to get to the hip of the weak guard. The nose does a crossover step, dip, rip and gets to the hip of the strong guard.

Line calls The following sections are examples of common line calls we employ in our 3-5-3 to defend against three common offensive plays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; weakside counter, iso and I blast. On every play, the defensive linemen perform one of five line calls. They are moving on every play, and they are never asked to take on the offensive lineman they are lined up over, which is why the defensive linemen in our system can be smaller than they would be in other defensive fronts.

OUT

DIAGRAM 4

Slant weak In the slant weak, the defensive linemen slant away from the strength call, just as it sounds. The strong tackle performs a crossover step, dip and rip to get to the hip of the strong guard. The weak tackle performs a crossover step, dip and rip to get to the hip of the tight end to his side. If no tight end is present, he gets to the hip of an imaginary tight end. The nose does a crossover step, dip and rip to get to the hip of the weak guard (diagram 2).

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S FS

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PINCH

DIAGRAM 5

I FORMATION WEAKSIDE COUNTER

DIAGRAM 6

When the call is “In,” the defensive tackles slant to the hips of both guards, both performing a crossover step, dip and rip to get to the hip of the guard to his side. The nose slants to the strength call, performing a crossover step, dip and rip to get to the hip of the strong guard (diagram 3). ST

Out C

I FORMATION ISOLATION

DIAGRAM 7

With Out, defensive tackles slant to the hips of either tight end or to an imaginary tight end on the weak side, performing a crossover step, dip and rip to get to the hip. The nose slants to the strength call, performing a crossover step, dip and rip to get to the hip of the strong guard (diagram 4).

Pinch

I FORMATION BLAST

Now, let’s take a look at how we use these within the 3-5-3 to defend three common offensive plays: ■■ I formation weakside counter (diagram 6) ■■ I formation isolation (diagram 7) ■■ I formation blast (diagram 8)

DIAGRAM 8

The last line call used is pinch, where the defensive tackles slant to the hips of both guards, just as they would with an in call. Both tackles perform a crossover step, dip and rip to get to the hip of the guard to their sides. The nose slants away from the strength call, performing a crossover step, dip and rip to get to the hip of the weak guard (diagram 5).

■■ Thomas Cousins is an assistant football coach at West Ashley (S.C.) High School, a position he assumed in 2006. Before joining the Wildcats’ staff, he coached at Avon Park (Fla.) High School for seven seasons (1999-2005), the last three as the Red Devils’ head coach. Involved with football for more than three decades as either a player or a coach, Cousins began his coaching career in 1991 as a defensive line coach at his alma mater, Newberry College.

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PLAYBOOK presented by Defeating reach and scoop blocks within one-gap control

1-TECHNIQUE

DIAGRAM 1

JOHN LEVRA

ne-gap control is an important concept in coaching

defensive line play. In both seven- and eightplayer-front schemes, an attack philosophy is conducive to one-gap control. A lineman in this scheme is afforded the freedom of vertical penetration, possessing and utilizing hair-trigger reactions and being assigned, as desired, the task of attacking the line of scrimmage. This freedom makes defensive linemen forceful threats to push a point and force a break in the continuity of the offensive line. “Pushing a point” is a phrase used to describe the action of a defensive lineman when he creates a bubble in the offensive line by charging straight ahead on the snap. If the defender regularly breaks through the resistance and breaks the continuity of the offensive line, the offense typically responds by downgrading its priorities from knocking people off the ball and achieving movement to assuming a more passive stance. This passive stance is a byproduct of the mental state of offensive linemen, who become acutely aware of defensive penetration. In a passive stance, an offensive lineman is focusing on damage control. Collectively, the offensive line simply hopes to maintain the offensive integrity at the line of scrimmage. Once a passive stance is established within the offensive line, the trenches belong to the defense. One-gap control a popular style of play at high school, college and NFL levels. It can be taught to any player of any talent level and experience. Its advantages include: ■■ Allowing defensive linemen to use a dominant shoulder in techniques. ■■ Enabling defensive linemen to attack on the snap and read on the run. ■■ Permitting defensive lineman to threaten the offensive line with a vertical push. ■■ Providing an opportunity for defensive lineman to get a jump into pass rush move much more quickly upon pass recognition. Once the defenders have the advantage, it’s time to press on. Let’s look at how to defeat three common blocks used against one-gap control and keep pressure in the offensive backfield.

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1 2-TECHNIQUE

DIAGRAM 2

2 3-TECHNIQUE

DIAGRAM 3

2 1-TECHNIQUE

DIAGRAM 4

1 ■■ John Levra coached football for 44 years, including as the defensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, British Columbia Lions and Chicago Bears. He also was the offensive line coach for the Denver Broncos and the running backs coach for the New Orleans Saints. Before that, he was the head coach at Stephen F. Austin and the offensive coordinator at Kansas and Pittsburg State. He also coached seven years at Kansas high schools.

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2-TECHNIQUE

DIAGRAM 5

2 2-TECHNIQUE

DIAGRAM 6

1 2-TECHNIQUE

DIAGRAM 7

Scoop block

Reach block On a reach block, the ball is moving toward the off side and away from the defender. On the snap, the defender drives off of the ball with a big step and gets his hat in the crack. He then reads the screws of the primary blocker and looks to see if the blocker turns his head so that the defender can see his earhole. In making such a read, a defender aligned in a 1-technique or 2-technique ricochets off the primary blocker on whom he is aligned and squeezes inside down the line of scrimmage. A 3-technique, on the other hand, ricochets off the blocker to his outside. The 3-technique can then squeeze down the line of scrimmage. By flattening out to defeat the

should tighten his alignment. A 1-technique defender tightens to a gap alignment while a 2-technique assumes a 1-technique gap alignment. The defender should explode upfield on the snap of the ball but not with his customary big first step. Since the cheated split eliminates the possibility of a crack for the defensive player to get his hat into, he should shorten his initial step. His primary objective should be to grab the inside offensive lineman as the blocker attempts to reach inside. The defender should ricochet off of the reach blocker to the outside and flatten out to pursue inside. He should stay on his feet as he fights down the line of scrimmage in an attempt to make the hit on the ball-carrier. A reach block from cheated splits is not applicable against a 3-technique, because a 3-technique will widen his alignment versus cheated splits, moving outside to a 1-technique alignment on the next offensive lineman. Even if a 3-technique doesn’t widen his alignment, cheated side splits would not affect his reactions against a reach-block scheme. ■■ (diagram 4) A reach block from cheated splits versus a defensive guard aligned in a 1-technique ■■ (diagram 5) A reach block from cheated splits versus a defensive guard aligned in a 2-technique

reach block, the defender stays on his feet to effectively pursues the ball-carrier. ■■ (diagram 1) A reach block by the offensive tackle versus a defensive guard aligned in a 1-technique ■■ (diagram 2) A reach block by the offensive tackle versus a defensive guard aligned in a 2-technique ■■ (diagram 3) A reach block by the offensive tackle versus a defensive guard aligned in a 3-technique

Reach block from cheated splits From cheated splits, a reach block is employed against both a 1-technique and a 2-technique. When the defender notices a cheated split – typically undersplit or foot-to-foot split – the defender

On a scoop block, the ball is moving toward the on side (toward the defender). Similar to a reach block from cheated splits, a scoop block is not applicable against a 3-technique defender. A 1-technique and 2-technique should play a scoop block in the same manner. On the snap, the defender should attack the line of scrimmage with a big first step and get his head in the crack. He then should ricochet to the outside off the scoop blocker and wheel back door. Next, he should flatten out his path to pursue the ball-carrier outside. It is important to note that a scoop is rarely employed against either a defensive tackle or a defensive end unless it is used in combination with a rub technique by the primary blocker. A scoop block is most typically seen by a defensive guard. A 3-technique is not scoop blocked, because his outside shade alignment makes it impossible – and unsound – for an inside blocker to be assigned to block him. As such, only a 1-technique or a 2-technique will encounter a scoop block by an inside blocker. ■■ (diagram 7) A scoop block versus a defensive tackle aligned in a 1-technique ■■ A scoop block versus a defensive tackle aligned in a 2-technique Download the FNF Coaches app from the Apple App Store and Google Play

PLAYBOOK presented by Passing concepts utilized in packaging RPOs RICH HARGITT

ot including screen plays, a team’s passing attack

can be broken down into two categories of equal importance: the quick passing game and the dropback passing game. Most offensive systems lend themselves well to the run-pass option (RPO) system of attack. As such, certain passing game concepts can be packaged with an overall RPO scheme. Among the more common passing game concepts in the air raid system that can be packaged with runs in RPO schemes are the all hitch, the fade/flat and the slant.

ALL HITCH

DIAGRAM 1

Z H QB

All hitch All hitch is a simple concept that lends to the quarterback getting a high number of completions. This concept is relatively easy for quarterbacks because it is mirrored – or identical – across the field, allowing the quarterback to locate the best matchup and quickly get rid of the ball. In this play concept, all of the receivers execute a six-yard vertical release with their arms pumping to sell deep routes – before breaking the route back toward the quarterback and settling at five yards (Diagram 1). These routes are mirrored regardless of formation. One of the best formations to run all hitch from is an empty set, because this formation allows the offense to spread the defense across the width of the field and isolate defenders (Diagram 2). The quarterback should be coached daily in practice to pick his best matchup and throw the ball before the receiver even turns back to him. The quick timing of this throw makes all hitch a highly effective concept for almost any downand-distance and one that leads to high completion rates and great run-after-the-catch potential.

Fade/flat Many modern defenses have adopted a standard two-high safety look that allows them to easily play Cover 2 or Cover 4 – a coverage shift that has forced air raid offenses to adapt attack methods as well as some basic counter concepts. One of the primary responses to this proliferation of two-high safety looks is to attack the defensive cornerbacks. Since most cornerbacks are taught to play the flat as well as to cover a deep quarter of the field, these athletes are required to perform a wide array of complex tasks. Not surprisingly, some quarterbacks have tremendous difficulty in successfully accomplishing all of these tasks play after play. As such, the offense can exploit potential vulnerabilities with a concept known as the fade/flat concept (Diagram 3).

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ALL HITCH (EMPTY SET)

DIAGRAM 2

Z H

FADE/FLAT

DIAGRAM 3

Z H

Y QB

Commonly called only when the defense is in a two-high safety structure and the offense is working out of a 2-by-2 formation, the fade/flat allows the quarterback to mirror read both cornerbacks. The basis is simple in that the receivers are trying to create a high-to-low read on the cornerback. The outside receiver executes an outside release fade route and tries to get behind the cornerback as quickly as possible while staying near the sideline. The inside receiver drives upfield for three steps before pushing for a spot five yards deep along the sideline. The quarterback reads the cornerback and throws opposite to his reaction to these routes. If that defender drops deep to defend the fade route, the

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SLANT/BUBBLE (TWINS)

DIAGRAM 4

Y H

Z QB

SLANT/BUBBLE (TRIPS)

DIAGRAM 5

Slant

Y H

Z QB

SLANT/SKINNY (TWINS)

DIAGRAM 6

Y H

Z QB

SLANT/SKINNY (TRIPS)

DIAGRAM 7

Y H

Z QB

quarterback immediately throws to the flat. If the cornerback stays low in his coverage to take the flat route, the quarterback throws to the outside receiver on the fade route. A key coaching point is that the quarterback must throw the ball with no loft on it. The flat route throw must be executed with a flat trajectory so that the cornerback cannot close the distance on that receiver in time to disrupt the throw. If the quarterback throws the fade route, there is also a danger that the safety may be able to make a play on the ball unless it is thrown flat and hard. Fade/flat is a simple way to attack two-high safety looks and is easy to teach quarterbacks from the youth level through collegiate ranks.

The slant route is a great way to get the ball to athletes quickly in space, allowing them the potential for gaining significant yards after the catch. This concept has route adjustments built in based upon the defense’s coverage. For example, if the slant concept is called, and the defense is in a one-high safety look or Cover 3 alignment, then the No. 1 (or outside) receiver runs a three-step slant, and the No. 2 (or inside) receiver runs a bubble route (Diagram 4). If the concept is called from a 3-by-1 (or trips) alignment against this coverage, then the No. 1 and No. 2 receivers both run three-step slant routes, and the inside receiver (No. 3) runs the bubble route (Diagram 5). The slant/bubble combination is designed to place the flat defender or outside linebacker in conflict so that quarterback can throw the pass based off his movement. For example, if the defender works down toward the bubble route, the ball should be thrown to the slant route behind him. If the flat defender works for depth to cover the slant route, then the ball should be thrown to the bubble route. The slant concept changes if the coverage is in the two-high safety families of coverages (Cover 2, Cover 4, etc.). In a 2-by-2 alignment, the outside receiver still runs the three-step slant, but the No. 2 receiver now runs a three-step slant route that stays “skinny” – getting more depth than width – and attempts to pull the outside linebacker and safety toward the middle of the field (Diagram 6). The concept of slant routes extends to the 3-by-1 alignment versus two-high safeties as well. In that 3-by-1 formation, there are three slants, with the inside two routes both being skinny slant routes (Diagram 7). ■■ Rich Hargitt is the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at Eastside High School in Taylors, S.C. He has served as a head coach and offensive coordinator at the high school level in Illinois, Indiana, and North and South Carolina.

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PLAYBOOK presented by Flexbone Triple Option: The Power of the Veer TERRY DONOVAN

he Flexbone triple option can be a high flying, explo-

sive offense able to generate a lot of points, while racking up huge yards in the running game. While some are intrigued with throwing the ball all over the field, there is nothing more beautiful than the precision of a well-executed triple option offense. It is an entire offensive system that when done correctly is a sophisticated and technical offense that can control the clock and cement your team’s identity. This very versatile offense has many advantages. One great benefit is the fact that you can cancel defensive linemen without blocking them. Rather than a gap scheme, where your guys either base block or double team defensive linemen, the triple option will leave two guys on the defensive front unblocked. This is why the military academies run some variation of the Flexbone. It allows them to compete at a high level without the same athletes their opponents have. Most high schools are not able to recruit; you play with the kids you have. Think of the flexibility your offense gains by not having to block some defenders.

FLEXBONE/JOKER INSIDE VEER RT-234 VS. 4-4

S C

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LB 5

Y QB Z

FLEXBONE/JOKER VS. 5-3

DIAGRAM 2 S

INSIDE VEER The Flexbone triple option is a complete offensive system and not just a play. Each different play has multiple options, but the cornerstone of the offense if the inside veer. This is our all-weather concept and we run this until the defense adjusts to take it away. In Figure 1. The inside veer against a 44. This is a defense we see often. We can run it either way but want to run it towards the A gap player, the 1 technique or 2i. The first player on or outside the tackle is the read, and we identify as No. 1. In this case it is a 5 technique. Our quarterback will give it to the fullback unless the DE can tackle him. If the DE comes down hard and can tackle the FB, the QB will reseat the ball and travel down the line looking to get up field. If the outside linebacker, who is the “pitch” guy or No. 2 comes at him to tackle him he will pitch to the Z, who starts in motion right before the snap and gets himself in position to receive a parallel pitch. The rules in Diagram 1. For the offensive line are play side tackle veer inside to inside backer. PSG and Center double or ACE the 2i. The backside guard and tackle will scoop. The Y will block the defender covering the deep part of the field, the cornerback. The X will run a cutoff path, and block whoever crosses his face. And the H will arc and block No. 3 which would be the free safety.

DIAGRAM 1

C LB 5

LB T

Y QB Z

FLEXBONE/JOKER VS. 5-3 0/1 MIDLINE VS. 4-4

DIAGRAM 3 S

C LB

LB 5

C LB

LB 3

Y QB Z

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VS 5-2 Diagram 2 shows the inside veer against a 53, which we see half of the time in our season. The rules for the offensive line are PST and PSG double or “DEUCE” the 3 technique. Center will rip past the nose. The backside guard will scoop the nose and tackle will scoop. The Y will block the defender covering the deep part of the field, in this case the near safety. The X will run a cutoff path, and the H will block No. 3 who will be PS linebacker. OQ gives the ball to FB unless DE can tackle him. If the DE can tackle the FB, QB reseats the ball and goes to get positive yards unless No. 2 comes for him, then QB pitches to Z, who gets into position to receive the pitch.

MIDLINE Our best changeup to our inside veer is the Midline play. This makes the defense change responsibilities and is a great way for us to get our quarterback the ball. The big difference is now we read the first defender on or outside the guard. In most cases this is a 3 technique. We run this as a double option. The Z now looks as if he is in

motion to receive the pitch but wraps up inside to lead block for the QB. The rules for Midline in Diagram 3. Are for the offensive line, are play side tackle blocks out. PSG veers past the 3 technique. Center doubles with backside guard. The backside tackle will scoop. The Y will block the defender covering the deep part of the field, the cornerback. The X will run a cutoff path, and block whoever crosses his face. The H will load and block the inside backer and the Z will lead up for QB. The Quarterback will give the ball to the FB unless the DT can tackle him, if so the QB will reseat the ball and run up field for positive yards.

CONCLUSION These plays are the staples to our tough nose, discipline, and exciting offense. The inside veer is the engine that makes our offense go. The Flexbone Triple Option is an offensive system that can take your offense to great heights. But there needs to be commitment. To be successful your team needs to be a triple option team and not just a team that runs triple option.

■■ Terry Donovan is the offensive line coach and offensive coordinator at Kasson Mantorville High (Minn.). He is also a USA Football Master Trainer. Prior to his coaching career, he was a mainstay offensive lineman for the Rochester Giants amateur football team until the age of 38.

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PLAYBOOK presented by Midline option concepts from the pistol versus an even front JAMES VINT

he midline is an option play that attacks the mid-

point of the defense. The midline concept can be run several different ways from the pistol, putting pressure on the defense’s A and B gap defenders. The midline is a quick-hitting play, and because of the closeness of the read to the quarterback, is one of the easiest option plays to install. The midline option has simple rules for the offensive line as each player is responsible for his gap away from the play side. Against an even front, the midline initially runs to a 3 technique or wider. The playside guard releases inside to block the A gap backer. The center is responsible for the backside A gap player, who will usually be a 1 technique or 2i. The backside guard has the backside B gap player. The backside tackle has the backside C gap player. To create movement, any time the defense gives the offense a 1 and 5 technique to the backside, the offense can have the center and backside guard combo the 1 technique to the backside backer. If the backside backer walks up to blitz 1 the B gap, the guard stays base on him, and the center stays base on the 1 technique. On the play side, the guard releases to the backer. The tackle and tight end adjust their blocking assignments based on the call. The base midline scheme is run versus 3 and 9 techniques to the play side. The tackle releases up to the backer, and the tight end base blocks the 9 technique. If the defense has a 7 technique, the offense makes a fold call. This puts the tackle blocking out on the 7 technique and the tight end folding and tracking the playside linebacker. One important coaching point for the playside guard is to reduce his shoulder to get underneath the 3 technique. If he doesn’t reduce his shoulder, he will get washed down and will not get vertical. One way to teach this is called “picking grass.” Basically, he must reduce his shoulder and pick up grass.

Rip 7 Midline Right (Fold) Rip 7 puts the fullback aligned as a twin receiver opposite the tight end. You can use your fullback, or you can bring a receiver into the game. With the fullback aligned opposite the tight end, the defense must either rotate the secondary or adjust the front. Below, the fold scheme is being run on the front side as the defense has rotated its secondary weak. The read is the exact same for the quarterback (diagram 1). Coaching points: ■■ The tailback stays on the midpoint.

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RIP 7 MIDLINE RIGHT (FOLD)

DIAGRAM 1 FS

C W R

LIZ 3 BONE MIDLINE RIGHT (WEAK)

DIAGRAM 2 R

FS C

M S

W N

■■ The quarterback reads the 3 technique. ■■ The center and backside guard combo the backside 1 technique to the Will linebacker.

Liz 3 Bone Midline Right (Weak) The midline is a great play to run from three-back sets as well, typically checked to the side of the 3 technique. Being a three-back set means the offset back to the weak side can become the second player tracking the playside backer if the play is run away from the tight end. The backside back comes around to be the pitchman, calling, “Ball, ball” as he runs his pitch path. Because of the tight path of the quarterback into the B gap, the ball will rarely be pitched (diagram 2). Coaching points: ■■ The formation call puts the fullback to the left and the

halfback offset right. ■■ The reads for the quarterback remain the same. ■■ The halfback and the playside guard track the playside backer to the free safety. ■■ A midline option series gives a pistol offense an easy set of plays to install to attack the defense in a quick-hitting manner. They make the defense react quickly and work alongside inside and outside zone reads. ■■ Being able to run multiple plays from the same look keeps the defense honest – and oftentimes vanilla – if you can run them effectively. ■■ James Vint is the offensive line coach at Estacado High school in Seminole, Texas. He has been both an offensive and defensive coordinator at the high school and college levels, including Truman State University and Iowa Wesleyan College.

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LEARN FROM THE TOP COACHES USA FOOTBALL’S COACHES NOTES OFFERS EDUCATIONAL TOOLS HERE’S A SAMPLE:

Teaching the speed option in the spread offense DAVE CHRISTENSEN, ASSISTANT COACH ARIZONA STATE

e run the option game with our quarterback as an alternative to get on the perimeter. In fact, we probably run this play more than the stretch play. There are a number of different ways to block this play. We can load the scheme and block the defensive end or read him. Game planning and the alignment of the defense will make the decision. We like the option against an aggressive defensive end, using a man-blocking scheme. When we are fortunate to have fast athletic tackles, that gives us the opportunity to reach the defensive end and option the flat defender.

his spring, USA Football will launch Coaches’ Notes,

a daily deep-dive into schemes, drills and program development written by coaches for coaches. For $50 a year, coaches can gain full access to the service, including topics covering technical/tactical, staff development, coaching philosophy, physical development, motivation and health and safety. Whether you are looking to completely overhaul your system, find some tweaks to what you already have or improve critical off-the-field components, Coaches’ Notes will provide proven methods that your peers are already taking advantage of – and what’s coming next. Football is unlike any other sport. Coaches spend the entire offseason helping each other get better while raising their own games. With Coaches’ Notes, tap into that knowledge from your home, office or tablet.

By coaches, for coaches. USA Football works with top coaches across the nation at the high school, college and NFL levels to share what they know. From young up-and-comers to proven champions, it’s a coach’s buffet. More than words. Every article includes video, graphic illustrations, playbook pages and other ways to consume the information in order to drive home the message. Every day. A new note will post to USA Football’s Coaches’ Notes every day, bringing seven new ideas each week, 30 fresh topics every month and 365 ways to improve yourself and your team each year. Beyond the X’s and O’s. Sustained success doesn’t happen without solid organization behind it. Coaches not only share their best schemes, plays and teaching tools, they dig into how to build the strongest staff, offseason program and in-season plan to bring out the best in your athletes and staff.

SHOTGUN OPTION

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To us, the option play is run from the shotgun. By running it from the shotgun, you have the built-in space between the quarterback and the defensive end. Some coaches say, “When you run option, you hold your breath every time the quarterback runs the ball,” but when he faces up the end rarely if ever does a big hit or injury occur. The quarterback secures the snap in the shotgun and gets his eyes on the defensive end. The quarterback has two hands on the ball and makes the defender make a decision – take the quarterback or cover the pitch. The pitch relationship must be good so the defensive end cannot force the quarterback to pitch and tackle the pitchman before he turns the corner.

COACHES’ NOTES WILL BE AVAILABLE IN APRIL 2017 AT USAFOOTBALL.COM/COACHES-NOTES.

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FACILITIES 10 Tips to Make the Weight Room Player-Friendly Fayetteville High (Ark.) offensive coordinator Benji Mahan is part of a staff that manages 100 varsity players over the summer. Here are methods they use to make the weight room player-friendly over the summer. DREW CHAMPLIN

INCENTIVES.

Fayetteville has 20 workouts on set dates throughout the summer. If you make all 20, you earn a steak dinner at the head coach’s house. “What’s really nice is you can add value to some guys who may not be able to play athletically, but they’re there and they are on the team,” Mahan said. MAKEUP DAYS. If you can’t make one of those set dates, makeup days are allowed on Wednesday and Friday. Coaches would rather not hold those, but also want their players to get all 20 workouts in.

GOOD SCHEDULE.

Fayetteville coaches set the dates on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. That gives players time to spend the weekend how they choose. MUSIC. Coaches make sure the players can get motivated by listening to music throughout the workouts. “It could be rap,” Mahan said. “It could be rock. Just nothing with foul language. We’ve got to censor it before we play it.”

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GOOD TIMING. Workouts start

■■ The Fayetteville (Ark.) weight room has 24 stations, and the weights are always racked.

at 7:30 a.m. It’s not too early, and kids are home on the couch by 9:30 a.m. and can do whatever they want for the rest of the day. “It’s not so stinking hot where you can’t get anything done outside,” Mahan said.

SHORTER WORKOUTS.

Mahan and the Fayetteville staff work the weight room at game speed. Usually, the team is in the weight room for 45 minutes and doing conditioning outside for 45 minutes. “We try to get them in there and go fast, work out fast, trade the weights on and off

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as fast as we can and pick the tempo up,” Mahan said. “That’s how we play on Friday nights, so we try to incorporate it all.”

GOOD CULTURE.

Mahan and the staff do what they can to make sure the players feel welcomed in the weight room through positivity and teaching. “It needs to be one that the kids find refuge in and not one that they resist,” he said. STRUCTURE. Athletes also come into the weight room knowing exactly what part of the body they’ll be focusing on that day.

“They know as far as what day is leg day, what day is upper body day, what day is clean day,” Mahan said. “They know on Tuesday, it’s going to be squat day, so get your mind right. We try to coach them up the day before saying what tomorrow is and let’s come in ready to attack it.”

LEARNING ASPECT.

Mahan said they focus and teach like they would if it was a game situation. “We’re going to tell you the reps, we’re going to tell you the percentage,” Mahan said. “We’re going to tell you once.”

BENJI MAHAN OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR, FAYETTEVILLE (ARK.)

AESTHETICS.

Mahan and the staff try to keep the equipment room set up with fresh weights. When an athlete walks into the room, there are 24 stations and the weights are all racked right. It doesn’t look like a tornado has come through there.

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their own hands through their CrossFit training. “There are so many benefits to keeping the hands and skin healthy for training,” said Keegan Pafford. “We developed it so they’re not a hindrance or holding people back.” W.O.D. Welder offers the three-step hand care kit for $24.50. It includes a 1-ounce push-up tube of salve, a 2-ounce jar of extreme cream and one long-lasting natural pumice stone. W.O.D. Welder also offers a callus shaver with five replacement blades, flexible adhesive tape and lip balm, as well as a host of products to aid in recovery, such as a bath bomb and a muscle recovery bath shot.

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ANALYTICS 5 Factors That Prove That Onside Kicks Are Worth the Risk Craig Mandolini is the special teams coach for St. Joseph Catholic High (Miss.). He recently wrote a paper that focused on how onside kicks should be used more frequently in high school football for a strategic advantage. CRAIG MANDOLINI

Through my research, I’ve found one strategy coaches are not using enough is the intentional use of the onside kick as an offensive weapon. Onside kicks are commonly thought of as the “last chance desperation attempt” to win. Many coaches are afraid the use the onside kick more often because of the traditional understanding of field position. I would like to debunk this myth in an effort to get more coaches looking at the advantages of using the onside kick at any time of the game, even the opening kickoff. Onside kicks can be an effective weapon in the high school game for the following reasons: Field position. Our opponent’s average starting field position for the past seven years when we onside kick and do not recover is their own 45 yard line. When we kick deep, their average starting field position is their own 37 yard line. The average field position difference of 8 yards is worth the risk of earning another possession. Return factor. Over the last seven years, deep kicks have been returned for touchdowns 30 percent of the time. By comparison, no onside kicks have been returned for a touchdown over the same period.

KICKOFF STATISTICS Record Opponent’s Average Record Touchdowns Scored Onside Kicks Attempted Onside Kicks Recovered Percentage of Recovery Deep Kicks Average Starting Field Position (Recovered) Average Starting Field Position (Failed) Touchdowns Scored from Recovery of Onside Kick Opponents’ Scores from Deep Kickoff

Recovery factor. Over a seven-

year period, our team recovered 57.9 percent of our onside kicks. By comparison, we never caused a change of possession on a deep kick. Momentum swing. Over the seven-year period, we scored on 86.1 percent of our possessions following a recovered onside kick. Outside factors. These are also factors to consider when deciding whether to kick deep or onside kick: Wind can aid or restrict the ball, so field position will

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be affected by heavy winds. Rain can soften the ground and not allow for as much bounce from the onside kick and can affect the roll of the ball. However, it also makes the ball harder to hold on to and allows a better chance for a fumble. Temperature can dry out the ground or, in winter, freeze the ground. In both cases, the ground is harder than normal and can cause a high bounce that affects the roll of the ball. Lighting can be dim and that affects how well the opposing team can pick up the ball when it is bouncing.

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 3-8 7-5 9-4 6-5 7-5 9-2 10-3 5-6 6-6 6-5 5-6 6-6 6-6 7-5 26 53 59 51 62 70 78 13 39 59 48 50 67 75 6 19 42 32 31 40 39 46 48 71.2 66.6 62 59.7 52 13 14 0 3 12 3 3 +47 +46 +47 +45 +46 +39 +38 -49 -49 -48 -45 -47 -40 -39 5 16 38 26 26 36 35 10 5 0 2 0 0 1

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ASSISTANT’S CORNER EIGHT WAYS TO MAKE AN IMPACT IN THE SUMMER Fresh off a Class 3-A title in Tennessee, the school’s eighth under legendary head coach Gary Rankin, the Alcoa Tornadoes program knows about staying sharp in the summer. Here’s what Rankin and Alcoa defensive coordinator Brian Nix say to assistant coaches looking to make an impact in the summer months. ALEX EWALT

Be smart while learning more. Rankin and

Nix stress the importance of upping your knowledge by studying other high school and college teams, but make sure you stick with programs with goals that are similar to yours. “We try to find programs that match what we’re doing from a schematic standpoint,” Rankin says. Nix adds that he studies college defenses that face similar offenses to what Alcoa sees. Have fun with your players. Assistants can use the summer months to bond with players in the weight room or even outside of school. “You can relax a little bit then and maybe get a little closer to them.” Rankin says. “If you start demanding performance out of them during the season, and you’ve never had that interaction before, then there’s not a system of trust,” Nix says. Consider a dinner outing or a cookout at your home to build camaraderie. Build a culture for the season. The summer months are more relaxed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build ground rules, accepted daily practices and the right attitude. “The team culture can’t just be maintained by [the head coach],” Nix says. Nix directs book studies and other teambuilding activities during the summer—and makes sure his players know that there are rules to be followed in those months, too.

■■ Alcoa High (Tenn.) coach Gary Rankin

Know technology/social media? Make yourself useful. With HUDL, Twitter and all the

other ways a team gathers and sends out information, a tech-savvy coach can make a big impact between spring and fall practices. “That’s where younger coaches can add value to the staff,” Nix says. From editing and uploading film to posting announcements on social media to working with analytics, there are always chances for assistants to help in that area. ”If you’re a young coach, learn as much about that stuff as you can.” Help your non-elite college hopefuls. Rankin and Nix say that summer months are

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important in the recruitment of kids who want to play in college but who won’t necessarily end up at a Power 5 school. Putting in the extra effort for players’ recruitment at that level shouldn’t go overlooked by assistants in June and July. “Big talents will take care of themselves, but other kids need help,” Rankin says. Start paying attention to the younger players. Don’t neglect your underclassmen in the offseason, Nix says. Pay attention to how they work in the weight room and in workouts—it will pay dividends sooner than you think. Nix says assistants can add value by helping to flesh out the lower end of the depth chart when staffs map out their full rosters, a task that Alcoa traditionally does at the very end of summer. Learn to contribute to something unglamorous—like equipment. Handling equipment is a job that nobody wants to focus on but that often falls at least partly on the head coach, Nix says. “If you can take that off a head coach’s plate and organize equipment, order equipment, hand out equipment and make sure it’s taken care of, you become very valuable very quick.” Be mindful of everyone’s time off. It’s a grind from August until at least November, and both players and coaches need to recharge in the summer. “We want the kids to have a summer,” Rankin says. “It’s getting to be at some programs that kids are tied up almost 24/7.” Both coaches also stress the importance to assistants of maximizing family time when possible.

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INSPIRATION PROVIDING A PATH TO THE NFL

S ■■ St. Xavier (Ohio) coach Steve Specht was honored by (from left) Don Shula, Greg Scruggs and Troy Vincent when he received the Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award in 2013.

A Champion Who Wipes the Slate Clean FORMER NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR TALKS SUSTAINING SUCCESS DAN GUTTENPLAN

t. Xavier High (Ohio) coach Steve Specht has three

state championships to his name, along with a Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award. How does he stay motivated? Forget the past. Steve Specht had plenty of professional successes to reflect upon when he recently spoke at the USA Football National Conference in Orlando, Fla., but the former Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award recipient chose to look forward. “You come off a year when you win a state championship, and you don’t want to defend anything,” Specht said. “Pursue something new.” No one would have blamed him if he took a few minutes to share stories of his most recent championship – St. X’s third since 2005 but first since 2007. St. Xavier (Cincinnati) constructed four consecutive come-from-behind victories en route to the Division I state title, a doubleovertime victory over St. Ignatius in the state championship game, to become the first five-loss team in Ohio High School Athletic Association history to win a state title. “We have a motto that goes along with the Jesuit philosophy – Strive for Magis,” Specht said. “It’s a philosophy of always striving for more.” What does that entail at St. X? Specht gives his players the month of December off, and then starts his offseason strength and conditioning

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program in January. He expects his players to lift as a team at 6 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. That schedule continues all the way up to the preseason in August. “When you’re talking about sustaining success, it’s about having a blueprint,” Specht said. “We have the St. Xavier way. Every coach has it. We believe in our blueprint. Whether it’s the offseason or in-season, how you establish that blueprint will dictate whether your team is successful or unsuccessful.” Specht’s cumulative record in 13 seasons at St. Xavier is 123-46 with three state championships. Specht sits on the board of USA Football and has coached in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

pecht received the Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award in 2013. He was nominated by a former player, Greg Scruggs, who has since had a four-year career in the NFL. As a student at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Scruggs lived in the Boys Hope House on campus. After playing the quad drums in the school marching band for three years and varsity basketball for two, he reluctantly joined the football team his senior year, at the behest of head coach Steve Specht. “He instilled, not just in me, but in all of us, the discipline and the confidence to succeed,” Scruggs said. “And not just in football, but the qualities to be a good man, a good husband, a good father. “He treated all of us like we were his kids. He was a parent to us. He would have 132 kids every year and he treated us that way.’’

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