FNF Coaches 2018 "Become a Tech Savvy Coach" by A.E. Engine

official partner @fnfcoaches

PLAYBOOK

+ AUDIT YOUR OFFENSIVE SYSTEM + THE FOOTWORK BEHIND PUNTING + USE JET MOTION AS A WEAPON + CHALLENGE THE SPREAD WITH PRESS QUARTERS

Q&A WITH STANFORD head COACH DAVID SHAW PROFILE ON A COACHING LEGEND

official tech partner

official Performance partner

The Magazine for High School Football Coaches

APRIL 2018

Download the FNF Coaches App

BECOME A TECH COACH SAVVY PRODUCTS THAT HELP YOU WIN

IN-GAME TECH | GAME PLAN APPS | WEARABLES VELOCITY-BASED TRAINING | CONCUSSION PREVENTION

W E N

Affordable Football Machine, the Aerial Attack Thousands of reps of

punts, kick-offs, pass reception and coverage at every practice

Introducing the NEW Aerial Attack Football machine that is designed for football programs on a tight budget. This unit will deliver right-footed deep spiral punts that turn over as well as end-over-end kick-offs for coverage and return practice. Plusâ&#x20AC;Ś it throws both long and short passes for receiving and defensive drills. The machine pivots in any direction to challenge the defensive coverage or to instantly throw to an exact location. The two solid polyurethane throwing wheels grip the ball for a tight spiral and precise ball delivery. The Aerial Attack is easily moved around during practice or can be used with the Universal Cart Clamp to attach to any cart. Now all programs can afford to practice like the pros and make the most of every practice. P.O. Box 1529 | 2805 U.S. 40 | Verdi, NV 89439 tf 800.717.4251 | ph 775.345.2882 | w sportsattack.com

10. COLLEGE COACHESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CORNER

david shaw

STANFORD HEAD COACH 4-3 OVER / PRESS

DIAGRAM 1 3

34 .

TECH SAVVY COACH12

BECOME A

E S

N M

playbook PRESENTED BY

CONTENT

APRIL

26. THE COMPANIES CHANGING HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

strength+ conditioning

04. NEWS & NOTES 06. USA FOOTBALL 16. IN-GAME TECH 18. GAME PLAN 20. PRACTICE TECH 21. TRAINING TECH 22. INJURY PREVENTION 42. TRAINING PLANS 44. NUTRITION 45. RECRUITING 48. INSPIRATION

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

coaching legend jt curtis

silicon prairie: football technology hub

continuing education

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

e are excited to present our April edition of 2018,

which has a theme of “Technology.” We feature many products that can be used during training, in the classroom, or on the field during practice or a game. We also talk to coaches about how they implement technology into their respective programs to help them win. High school football is changing on so many fronts – regardless of whether you are “old school” or “new school”, tech-savvy or computer illiterate, the coach at a small-town school or one at a powerhouse school with a college-style campus. We get it. Every coach has a different budget, and the opportunities to integrate new technology are different for every coaching staff. Technology is not about throwing money on the latest fad ... it is about investing in your players. It’s about finding ways to teach in the way they’re accustomed to learning. That includes sharing information on iPads, tablets, devices and phones. While we are certainly proud of the first three publications we’ve produced in 2018, we’re always striving for more. We hope we’ve been informative and provided information you wanted to learn more about. Our goal will always be to help coaches better understand how to succeed at the high school level. 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 the information that helps you succeed as a coach, 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.

DIGITAL | WEBSITE

FNFCOACHES.COM DIGITAL | MOBILE APP

OR PRINT | MAGAZINE

SUBSCRIPTION-BASED MAGAZINE published eight times per year

DIGITAL | EMAIL NEWSLETTER

SUBSCRIPTION-BASED EMAIL distributed year-round

DIGITAL | SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

@FNFCOACHES

IMPACT REDUCING FACEMASK CLIP FNF COACHES MAGAZINE 11880 28TH ST. N, SUITE 101 ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33716 PHONE: (727) 209-0792 FAX: (727) 209-1776 WEB: FNFCOACHES.COM

PUBLISHER: CRAIG BARONCELLI VICE PRESIDENT, SALES: DAVID WATSON VICE PRESIDENT, EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTS: DAYNE MAASDORP VICE PRESIDENT: CHRIS VITA VICE PRESIDENT, FOOTBALL: JOHN GALLUP

SALES

NATIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: PETER GILCHRIEST, DENNIS FASONE, JOHN ENGLE, CHRIS DIZE, JUSTIN HAND, MARK MORALES

PRODUCTION

MANAGING EDITOR: DAN GUTTENPLAN ART DIRECTOR: JASON TEDESCHI SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: STACEY FOSTER WEB DEVELOPER: NICOLE COOPER SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS: AUSTIN HERSCH, VIKASH SINGH, HANNAH RENKE, SAGAR GUPTA, NICK FASANO WRITERS: NANCY CLARK, WALTER VILLA, DAN GONZALEZ, CODY ALEXANDER, BILL LUND, ERIC STRUCK PHOTOGRAPHY: USA FOOTBALL, JOHN CURTIS CHRISTIAN, STANFORD UNIVERSITY, GAMESTRAT, PERCH, HUDL, OX SPORTS, GSC COACH-TO-PLAYER, GOROUT, HUDL, 4D REPORT

S.A.F.E.Clip works by absorbing impacts to the facemask when impacted!

A.E. ENGINE SPECIFIES THAT POSTPRESS CHANGES MAY OCCUR TO ANY INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PUBLICATION AND TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR GOODS OR SERVICES ADVERTISED. MAIL ORDER: TO RECEIVE A 2018 SUBSCRIPTION TO FNF COACHES MAGAZINE, SEND A CHECK OR MONEY ORDER FOR $30 TO: FNF COACHES MAGAZINE, C/O A.E. ENGINE, 11880 28TH ST. N, SUITE 101, ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33716. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR RETURN MAILING ADDRESS AND AN EMAIL ADDRESS. ONLINE ORDER: SUBSCRIPTIONS CAN BE ORDERED ONLINE AT FNFCOACHES.COM. SALES INQUIRIES: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING IN FNF COACHES MAGAZINE OR WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A FIELD REPRESENTATIVE, PLEASE CONTACT CRAIG BARONCELLI AT (727) 209-1750, OR CB@AE-ENGINE.COM. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

Hobart Mayfield has developed a patented technology that reduces force transferred to the head and neck.

NEWS & NOTES

WIN MONEY, GEAR THROUGH FNF COACHES CONTESTS

NF Coaches will be offering monthly contests and give-aways this spring and

summer, so subscribe to the print publication, visit FNFCoaches.com and follow us on Twitter @FNFCoaches.com. This month, we will have the FNF Coaches | 50 Coaches in 50 States Contest. The first coach in each state to submit a photo posing with FNF Coaches is eligible to win a CarbonTek Gen 3 Shoulder Pad System. CarbonTek provides 360 degrees of coverage to the athlete. ■■ Exoskeleton is composed of aeronautical grade Carbon Fiber, with vest utilizing OST to disperse energy. ■■ Back plate provides vital protection to lower back and utilizes same proprietary technology as shoulder pad system. All entries must be submitted by Twitter. Simply take a selfie with FNF Coaches, and tag @FNFCoaches along with your high school and state. To subscribe to FNF Coaches, visit fnfcoaches.com/subscribe.

■■ USA Football “Tip of the Spear” Master Trainer Scott Peters

IN AN EFFORT TO RECOGNIZE THE TOP BOOSTER CLUB IN

the nation, FNF Coaches will host the Frog Fitness Best Booster Club Contest in May. The winning school will win a $500 donation to the program from Frog Fitness, as well as two customized Frogs for their strength and conditioning program. The winning school will also be featured in FNF Coaches Magazine and on FNFCoaches.com. Follow @FNFCoaches for more details.

USA Football’s Tip of the Spear Contact System Clinic arms your program with the most effective and sophisticated blocking and tackling system in football. This system is designed to fit programs at any level, offering clinics for both your entire coaching staff and your entire program. Get hands-on coaching, classroom instruction, and training customized for your program. No matter your opponent, no matter your environment – this system will help you dominate this season. Take the first step towards a winning season – request clinic information today. THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSO-

ciations (NFHS is equipping schools with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). In an effort to ensure that every high school in NFHS member state associations is equipped with an AED, state associations were able to request AEDs for schools without the life-saving units. As a result, more than 400 Phillips Onsite AEDs were shipped in March to schools and state association offices in 32 states thanks to a grant from the NFHS Foundation.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Here’s the latest buzz we’re hearing on our Twitter feed (@FNFCoaches).

■■ Pop Warner will adopt the USA Football Development Model.

Pop Warner Little Scholars, the country’s oldest national youth football organization, will offer USA Football’s American Development Model (ADM) to its leagues nationwide in 2018. USA Football’s ADM offers a variety of entry points and options, empowering parents and young athletes to choose the best version of the sport for them. Pop Warner’s implementation of USA Football’s ADM offers leagues a progressive pathway and flexibility to play flag football; Rookie Tackle, a small-sided, modified version of the sport designed to bridge flag and tackle; and 11-player tackle football. This USA Football model fosters a foundation for greater enjoyment across the sport.

“Physical talent without mental or physical toughness leads to unfulfilled potential. It takes a mentality to maximize one’s potential. #Ap2w” –@DUKECOACHDJ

“Everybody wants offers. Everybody wants to post ‘Blessed to receive.’ Everybody wants official visits & pictures in jerseys. Few want to do the work required to be great. Very few love the process. Even fewer can handle the sacrifice and dedication college football requires.” –@COACHCOXTXWES

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

“HS kids. These NFL prospects are so fast being in the 225lbs - 325lbs range because of the astounding power and strength they have in their lower body. Get in the weight room! Train properly, stretch frequently, eat cleanly, go to bed early, nightly!” –@SIFUSULLIVAN

TAKE PRACTICE TO THE

NEXT LEVEL

CHAD FOX Head Coach, Wahoo High School

AND SEE THE RESULTS ON FRIDAY NIGHT

Coach-to-Player™ Helmet Communication System Simple. Effective. Affordable.

Learn more at gsc.us.com

#Hear2Win

@GSC_Hear2Win

Enter to win a free Coach-to-Player™ Helmet Communication System for your high school! Register online at fnfcoaches.com/c2p

USA FOOTBALL

USA Football online resources provide 24/7 virtual coaches clinic With more than 2,000 videos and hundreds of insightful articles, USA Football’s Coaching OnDemand and Coaches Notes offer a trove of helpful information for leaders of football programs from the youth level on up. Whether it’s Hall-of-Famers or young coaches on the rise, the ever-expanding collection is a tribute to those who put competitive instincts aside to help others in the field. “Everyone has a stereotype of coaches being closed-door and secretive, but within their community, they want to help other coaches get better, to make the game better across the board,” said USA Football Senior Manager of Education Joe Frollo. A large chunk of the Coaching OnDemand library – which adds around 25 videos per week – comes from USA Football content partner Coaches Choice, a leader in the football book and video marketplace for decades. “Over the years, they’ve worked with up-and-coming coaches, and wellknown and established coaches,” Frollo said. “There are videos of Urban Meyer when he was the wide receivers coach

at Notre Dame and some of the things that made him successful, and there’s stuff from Gus Malzahn since he’s been at Auburn, revolutionizing tempo and fast-paced offense there.” In addition, utilizing relationships fostered at its annual national conference, USA Football films and produces 50 to 100 videos each year, with high school and collegiate coaches

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

and staffs, to illustrate their expertise in various methods and tactics. “It isn’t just X’s and O’s. It incorporates program, player and staff development, and strategy,” Frollo said. “It really is a repository for everything that goes into being a football coach.” Most videos are 30 to 60 minutes in length. Along with offense, defense, special teams, program development, and health and safety categories, there’s a simple search function so you can browse listings from a massive selection of concepts. While some videos go back a decade or more, the information contained is timeless. “Things like blocking and tackling have evolved over the years – like the advance of shoulder tackling and the USA Football Tip of the Spear Contact System – but there are core football fundamentals that don’t change,” Frollo said. RPOs are a frequent hot topic, both running them on offense and stopping them on defense. Tempo, blitzes, pressure and quarters coverage are also high on the most-searched list. A small portion of Coaching OnDemand content is available free of charge. To access the full archive, you can sign up for a complimentary one-week trial membership. From there, you can subscribe for $9.99 a month or $99 for the entire year. “Coaches who come there love it,” Frollo said. “It’s like going to a clinic. You take it all in and absorb what you need. One video might mean something different to 10 different coaches. It’s a resource unmatched in the marketplace right now.” Available for $50 a year, Coaches

Notes provides in-depth articles where coaches relay their thoughts on elements they’re passionate about, supplemented with game clips, practice film, play charts or graphics. “Everybody learns in different ways. Some do clinics, others take online courses, some like to read, some like videos,” Frollo said. “The education department at USA Football tries to present information in different forms, and we don’t just chase big names. Every coach out there has something to contribute. We’re excited every time a coach shares what he knows, to add to the knowledge base out there.” Visit streaming.usafootball.com to learn more about Coaching OnDemand. To learn more about Coaches’ Notes, visit usafootball.com/coaches-notes/home.

Trevor Knight Best Performing QB at NFL Combine

Warning: Highly Explosive VKTRY Performance Insoles are scientifically proven to help athletes run faster and jump higher (+12% increase in explosiveness). Sports Medicine experts agree that VKs also reduce the chance of injury. What makes VK Performance Insoles special is the patented design, aerospace-grade carbon fiber technology and five degrees of custom flexibility to optimize performance. Proudly Made in the USA. Texas A&M tested VK Insoles last year, and last month just outfitted their entire team with VKs for spring football. Their QB Trevor Knight wore his VK Insoles in the Combine and scored first place of all the QBs in the 40, the Shuttle Run, the Vertical and the Broad Jump. For a limited time, Save $50 when you use this promotional code: “FNF2017”

1-844-468-5879

info@VKTRYgear.com

www.VKTRYgear.com

COACHING LEGEND

Q&A WITH COACH CURTIS How has technology changed football? “The speed at which information and video are available has improved significantly. It makes for a lot less work for coaches, who can rest more and spend time with family.”

How did you get opponent game film in the old days? “Coaches would exchange 16-mm tape. You would run the tape back and forth. If the tape broke, you would learn how to splice it together. “When we would play a team from elsewhere in the state, the two head coaches would drive to a halfway point, exchange tape, shake hands and see each other that Friday for game night.”

Are there are negatives to the Computer Age? “You have to guard getting bogged down with too much information. You can get overwhelmed. You have to focus on what is pertinent and what will help you make the right call.”

What is the latest technology you are excited about?

Louisiana’s JT Curtis Reflects on a Life of Football

“I fooled around with drones filming practice a bit last year, and I think it has merit, especially for wide receivers and defensive backs. It gives them a better picture of the splits, and we’re going to incorporate that more.”

John T. Curtis ranks second all-time in wins among high school football coaches with 570 over his 49-year career. His 26 state championships are tops among all coaches nationwide. BY WALTER VILLA

The stories about JT Curtis are legendary – just like the coach himself. There was the time when a college coach wanted to find out about a potential recruit on the morning after one of Curtis’ 26 Louisiana state championships. The college coach wanted to give Curtis time in the morning after the presumed state championship celebration. But by the time the college coach called the house, Curtis’ wife informed him that JT had left at 6 a.m. to work a coaching clinic. That says it all about Curtis, who hasn’t slowed down yet at age 70. He has won 26 state titles at John Curtis Christian, the school founded by his late father. JT Curtis was a two-way lineman at the University of Arkansas before transferring to Louisiana College. But he knew since middle school coaching would be his calling, and he inherited his father’s team in 1969 at the age of 22. In his first day on the job, Curtis had 39 notebooks put together for the player turnout he expected. However, only six boys showed up for his first practice. Curtis reported the situation to his father, who let him know that fixing the issue would be his problem alone. Curtis went 0-10 his first year, but won his first state title in just his seventh season. Since then, he has put together 13 undefeated seasons. “I’m a strong believer that amateur athletics are the backbone of our country,” Curtis said. “When guys come back and say ‘thanks’ – that’s the reward of coaching.”

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

The JT Curtis Profile Team: John Curtis Christian in River Ridge, Louisiana

Years as Head Coach: 50 in 2018 State Championships: 26 Coaching record: 570-64-6 Profession: Headmaster, Athletic Director, Head Coach and Pastor

Family: Wife Lydia, sons Johnny and Jeff and daughter Joanna

Accomplishments: Member of

several Halls of Fame, including Louisiana

STAY IN THE GAME! PLAY SAFER – 2ND SKULL WINNER OF THE NFL HEADHEALTH TECH CHALLENGE II

2NDSKULL CAP FOR HELMET SPORTS

2NDSKULL CAP FOR NON-HELMET SPORTS

2NDSKULL.COM 412•709•6294

COLLEGE COACHES’ CORNER

USING TECH TO BUILD CHARACTER

Q&A

with david shaw, stanford head Coach BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

avid Shaw completed his seventh season as Stan-

ford’s head coach in 2017. His teams have posted a record of 73-22 including 49-14 in Pac-12 games. He has led the Cardinal to three Pac-12 titles in the past six seasons and a pair of Rose Bowl wins. Shaw’s Stanford staff is thought to be as progressive as any in the country when it comes to implementing new technology. Shaw offered his thoughts on coaching high school football in a recent interview with FNF Coaches.

What is your process for implementing new technology? How much time do you spend thinking about it? “I think it comes up all the time. People send us a lot of ideas. We receive a lot of pitches from people, both in emails and conversations. I’m always looking for things that make sense. I’m not trying to reinvent the game of football. If it

can help our people do what they do better, I’m all for it. I’m not trying to come up with something completely off the wall.”

When a coach like Chip Kelly is hired by another school in the conference, does that cause you to be even more receptive to new technology? “I think we always try to be proactive. We recognize every program is different, every system is different. We may not want to do everything another program does. But it’s nice to know what they do. We’re always on the lookout for new ideas.”

Are you ever overwhelmed by all of the new technology out there? “You need to embrace the world we live in now. We’re able to make so many aspects of life better through technology. You can do it to the degree with which you’re comfortable. Accept it and understand it’s a changing world. The young people we work with are tech-savvy, and we need to be able to add to their lives in a language they understand.”

Have you discovered any new technology that has helped make practices more efficient? “First and foremost, we use virtual reality. We’re able to film players in practice, and they come back at a later date – not just to watch it live – but to live it again. They’ll live through another third-down blitz period, another red zone 7-on-7. And they’ll get to stand right where the quarterback was standing and see 360 degrees and be immersed in the play. That helps them react faster in games.”

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

haw views social media as a teaching opportunity for players. He believes a player’s posts reflect his character, so he monitors the accounts of his players to make sure they’re putting their best foot forward. “Social media’s huge,” Shaw said. “I try to remind my players how powerful a tool that is. It can be used for good and things that are not so good. Words can have an influence on people’s lives, feelings, and emotions. I don’t want them to take that for granted. Whatever they put out there is out there for the world.” From a recruiting perspective, Shaw admits he will stop recruiting a player that crosses a line on Twitter. “We absolutely use Twitter in recruiting to have an idea of who we’re recruiting,” Shaw said. “I’m willing to teach those who abuse it. That said, it is a sign of character and who you are as a person. If it’s not befitting of Stanford, we won’t recruit you. “We recruit to the academic side as much as the athletic side. I let them know they don’t have to choose one, but they do have to choose both.”

HIGH POWER for MAXIMUM RANGE No Beltpack or Base Station!

Have you improved the communication between coaches and players with new technology? “We went with one of the companies that makes digital play cards for practice. So now, instead of having play cards on their wristbands, players have wearable technology on their waists. We can get to the next play quicker. It allows us to be more efficient.”

I know there are NCAA-imposed restrictions on using helmet communication devices and video during games. Have you found any new technology that helps on game day? “No, for us, we’ve been diving into technology for meetings and practice. Game day is about the players. I want them to be in an unfettered world. We’re open to the rule changes that are coming down the pike. Whether that’s communication from a coach to quarterback or linebacker or sideline pictures or tablets, I think those things will be great for our game.”

You mentioned using technology in meetings. What are you using? “We use HUDL religiously. I think it’s outstanding. We can make videos and send it to guys and have them look on their own time. The simplest thing for me is being able to go home, put my kids to bed, and not have to go back to the office. I can sit on the couch and watch wide receivers or defensive linemen in individual 1-on-1s.”

What new products have helped your strength and conditioning program? “The accelerometer has been absolutely huge for us. You want to be explosive in your jumping and power lifting. Anything you can do to make players more explosive and stronger is for the best. It’s such a game of speed. We’d rather see athletes punching and exploding quickly than lying on their backs and lifting heavy weights. Then, we measure it and try again to see if they can get more explosive.”

YOUR CONNECTION TO THE

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

COACHING COMMUNITY

FNF Coaches magazine is the first football magazine 100-percent dedicated to high school football coaches.

SUBSCRIBE NOW AT FNFCOACHES.COM QUESTIONS? EMAIL US:

FNF@AE-ENGINE.COM

training partner

official partner

The Magazine for High

School Football Coaches

oct/nov 2017

@fnfcoaches

azine for The Mag

ches tball Coa ool Foo High Sch

2017 SUMMER

trainin r partne

ok playbo mes schect goal & ta ics

e Colleg Q&A Coachwestern

case e coach reserv eljak greg deb

ing es + attack ens line defing trips + defend 0 blitzes + cover

FOR THE GOOD OF OF THE GAME A GAMEENTS M ADJUST

Products That The People andGame Stronger Make the ges me chan e r in-gaperformanc fo Coaching s s Your goal gize + tip mental teamEner The Frog e reset calling with ov Staff pr ok + playbo + im s play H TRAINING IN-SEASON STRENGT itch up N schemes & tactic T’S CORNER | NUTRITIO vs. No-Huddle w to sw + Defensive Line Play+ ho SPRINTS TECHNOLOGY | ASSISTAN Defense? PREVENTION | HILL + Why Run a Quarters Triple Option gth + The Pistol Spread StrenFrog’ Your amp with ‘The ION + Revra RIT m NUT + k ch tal S CORNER Prog ISTANT ation + coa Download the FNF Coaches App

Villavicencio, (from left) Abraham center) poses withZachary Soto and Michael Donalaya. Kurt Bryan (right Dace, Arroyo High coachjunior varsity head coach Mikel Jonathan Caling,

head (Minn.)n (center ), Grace Jay left) Totino-Jeff Ferguso a, nts (from coach y Lapant with assista on, Anthon Don Roney AndersLitecky and Brian

d the Downloa hes App FNF Coac

SPECIAL ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATE

official r partne g

hes @fnfcoac

ASS pir logy + G + ins techno on TRAININ in-seas

$29.95 8 ISSUES

Download the FNF Coaches app from the Apple App Store and Google Play

■■ HUDL offers coaches an opportunity to share video on the sideline.

Become a Tech-Savvy Coach Every coach wants to make the most of the time he spends with his players. Learn how technology can make your program more efficient. New technology is sweeping through the game of high school football, and it’s important for coaches to embrace the changes. Many new products are making the game safer by providing stronger equipment and strategies to protect players from injuries – including concussions. In addition to helping with injury prevention, new technology can help coaches become efficient in their game-planning, practice planning, and strength and conditioning programs. The support systems are there in the form of apps, analytics, products and training devices to help coaches compensate for budget constraints or limited resources. With so many teams switching to uptempo, no-huddle attacks on

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

offense, there is an immediate need for products that help teams maintain that philosophy in practice. Teams are using improved communication devices between coaches and players, and sound systems with running clocks to emulate game situations, and robots to simulate players. Some of these products translate to more efficient game-day operations, while others help keep players healthy throughout the season. New technology can also help coaches improve their facilities, and stay more involved in the academic success of their student-athletes. We hope this edition inspires you to seek out ways to improve the technology within your program. Don’t let other coaches beat you in preparation before you take the field.

PRESENTED BY

ONE PAD. EVERY POSITION.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

PAT E N T P E N D I N G

carbontek.com

/CarbonTek_OST

@CarbonTek_OST

877.879.8410

info@carbontek.com

STRENGTH + CONDITIONING

Perch: The Future of Strength Training

■■ Perch uses 3D depth cameras to quantify velocity-based training.

Many companies in the strength and conditioning world are creating technology that measures power and velocity – in addition to the standard weight lifting metrics. The data is then organized on software that athletes can access immediately. BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

Imagine a high school weight room that has cameras mounted on all equipment with immediate feedback on tablets so players can fix technique and receive motivation for the next set. That setting may exist as early as this fall if Perch (perch.fit) catches on at the prep sports level. Perch uses 3D depth cameras and machine learning to quantify bar path and orientation in 3D space. By analyzing bar path, Perch can extract useful information regarding velocity, power output, and movement quality. Velocity-based training (VBT) is a new training methodology that utilizes the velocity of every rep as an objective feedback measure. By programming with velocity instead of just weight, athletes and coaches can: control for fluctuations in daily energy, improve motivation, analyze longitudinal trends, enhance training specificity, and observe the quality of movement of every athlete regardless of coaching staff size. “As athletic development and technology continually evolve, I’m always looking for new ways to maximize my athletes’ potential,” said AC Flora High (S.C.) strength coach Micah Kurtz. “Perch is extremely intriguing because it shows the potential to become an efficient, affordable and portable method to quantify my athletes’ strength, power and movement quality.”

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

3 BENEFITS OF VELOCITY BASED TRAINING

PROGRAMMING WORKOUTS. A coach

can prescribe velocities at which his athletes should be lifting. The athlete then finds the correct weight. If an athlete shows up low on energy, he can lift a lighter payload. By training at the correct intensity, regardless of the weight, we can obtain the desired training adaptations, maintain proper form, and avoid injury.

TRAINING SPECIFICITY. Velocity enables the coach to tailor workouts for individual athletes and for athletes to train for specific outcomes, leading to optimal performance on the field. MOTIVATION, FEEDBACK, AND EDUCATION. Velocity numbers are often immediately shown to athletes upon completion of a rep. This is not only to ensure athletes are lifting at the programmed intensity and volume on a given day, but also to enhance motivation. This provides the athlete with a single metric they can utilize to see improvement, compete individually or with others, and push themselves.

Perch was founded by three student-athletes at MIT – Jacob Rothman, Nate Rodman and Jordan Lucier. They set out to improve on older VBT devices that included strings and wearables for athletes. “The string-based devices devices slow down the workout and wearables are tough to implement in a team setting,” Rothman said. “We capture body movement without changing weightroom workflow. We attached cameras to the racks to allow athletes to work out as usual, nothing attached to the athlete, nothing to the bar, and then use analytics to enhance their performance.” The goal for Perch is to decrease the risk of injury and create more efficient workouts by adjusting the target goals for each lift depending on the athlete’s fatigue and power supply. “Instead of basing workout intensity on a 1 RM that was measured weeks ago, saying, I lifted this as a max eight weeks ago, we program with to velocity targets,” Rothman said. “This is daily feedback based on fatigue and energy levels. By basing workout intensity solely on weight, a coach has no idea of the athlete’s quality of movement, his speed, or his explosiveness; there’s no deeper level of feedback. Velocity closes the loop, providing a deeper level of feedback to coaches and athletes on a daily basis. We then store it online, and the coach can look at trends to figure out how to adjust the program.” One other function Perch offers – which has become popular among strength tech companies in the industry – is software that organizes workouts and player results so that players and coaches can see organized information on computers, tablets and devices. Some of those other companies include TeamBuildr, EliteForm and Volt Athletics. Those programs personalize training programs for each athlete or position group, and offer intuitive reporting after workouts.

The Frog: ‘Problem-Solver’ for High School Teams That Want to Win Frog Fitness delivered The Frog to various schools across the country over the last two seasons. Many of the schools that used the training device went on to have unprecedented success. BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

rog Fitness Product Developer Joel Metzger doesn’t see an equal to The Frog on the

strength training market, and he can easily explain why. “It’s literally the only training device out there that takes an athlete on a horizontal plane while maintaining an athletic stance and forces the core to be engaged 100 percent of the time,” Metzger said. 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. The Frog can be used to create intra-team competition with athletes racing up and down the field or simply seeing how long they can stay on the device with their core engaged. “It’s a concept of less is more,” Metzger said. “It engages the core and small muscles in the joints. You can add resistance to work all platforms of strength training. Nothing will replace iron, but this is a problem-solver. I show a strength and conditioning coach how to use it, and I can see his eyes light up.” Metzger often picks the brains of strength and conditioning coaches to determine the biggest problems they have in their programs. He finds that 100 percent of the time, The Frog is able to solve the problem. “Whatever the problem is, I can find a solution with The Frog,” Metzger said. “It’s taking the athlete off his joints. When it comes to recovery, it takes out a lot of high-impact activity on the joints that causes soreness. Athletes can take it to almost complete fatigue, but it’s not like the squat rack where it’s too much on the knees.”

■■ The Frog can be used for races to create intra-team competition.

COACH’S CORNER

Q&A with Katy (Texas) Strength and Conditioning Coach Justin Landers What has your experience with The Frog been like?

“We love it. We use it as a racing tool sometimes. It makes them work hard. Their abs are getting huge, and we appreciate having it.”

How have you incorporated it into your program?

“We use it the most during our summer camp and offseason programs. When we get the space and it’s not raining, we get after it and race them on the field. We have five of them, so instead of two or three people standing around, we get five going at once.”

Has it helped in terms of injury prevention?

“Absolutely, if they’re weak, it identifies it pretty quickly. Sometimes, they have to get off of it and build up strength to do The Frog. The old way, they would cheat and not be as strong.”

FROG FITNESS, INC. WEBSITE: FROGFITNESS.COM PHONE: 844-837-6443 EMAIL: SALES@FROGFITNESS.COM

Download the FNF Coaches app from the Apple App Store and Google Play

IN-GAME TECH

3 Ways to Update Your In-Game Technology Since the National Federation of State High school Association (NFHS) added a rule allowing the use of video during football games in 2013, many coaches have gained the advantage of instant replay. BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

■■ GameStrat specializes in sideline replay systems.

INTEGRATE A SIDELINE REPLAY SYSTEM

Companies like GameStrat, Insight Replay and HUDL offer sideline replay systems that allow coaches and players to review game film anywhere on the field. All three companies offer packages for varying budgets, but the most basic models include a video camera (a phone or device), and monitors or tablets for viewing. Some of the higher-budget packages include large monitors, end-zone cameras, tripods, mounts, as well as iPad and iPhone accessories. “Most teams have two obstacles,” said GameStrat CEO Tunch Akkaya. “The budget is the first one. But even still, some schools can afford but don’t think they have the man power to pull it off. For our system, it only requires one extra person. We can train someone 10 minutes before kickoff, whether it’s a volunteer, parent or JV player.” A sideline replay system provides coaches with opportunities to give immediate visual aids to players from the sideline as well as review previous plays to determine the opposing team’s tendencies. “Our biggest selling point is our iPads receive video from the point in time when the play is done,” Akkaya said. “Kids in this generation want to see it instantly. It’s a way to confirm what they’re doing and fix simple mistakes.”

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

■■ Endzone cameras offer coaches another view.

GET A NEW PERSPECTIVE WITH AN END ZONE CAMERA

End zone cameras have become more common in the high school game over the last five years, and companies like HUDL, Sideline Power, and HD Endzonecam offer models that allow video to stream directly to devices. Most systems include an HD camera with a 15- to 25-foot extension tower so that coaches can get an elevated look at formations and techniques. The videographer can film from a tree-stand tripod above ground in the end zone, or control the camera angle with a remote control. “You can see spacing and gaps so much better from that perspective,” Livonia Franklin (Mich.) coach Chris Kelbert said. “From the side of the field, you can’t see on the far side of the line of scrimmage. The end zone camera gives a really good view of the gaps and where the defense is lining up.” End zone camera footage is particularly useful when coaching line play. A sideline camera is often trained on an offensive player handling the ball. The end zone camera shows the formation along the lines as well as receivers’ routes and the secondary. The endzone camera also gives an offensive coach a look at how quickly a quarterback makes decisions in the pocket.

SEE THE ENTIRE FIELD WITH A DRONE WHILE THE PERCEPTION IS THAT

drones stretch a high school football budget more than sideline replay systems or end zone cameras, drones can provide an aerial vantage point for a lesser cost than other cameras. “With the drone, you can actually get over the top [of the play] and really see a different vantage point,” South Elgin High (Ill.) coach Patrik Pistorio said. “It’s much clearer. It’s everything we were looking for as a teaching tool for our kids.” DJI offers the Mavic Air Quadcopter for $799, and many high school coaches are going with that version. Mavic Air’s ActiveTrack intelligent flight mode has been improved to automatically sense multiple subjects, following your subject and keeping it in the frame with more precision, especially during highmotion activities.

Veteran John Curtis Christian (La.) head coach John Curtis has even started to incorporate drones into his program and found the footage can be particularly useful for skill position players. “I fooled around with drones filming practice a bit last year, and I think it has merit, especially for wide receivers and defensive backs,” Curtis said. “It gives them a better picture of the splits, and we’re going to incorporate that more.”

Power Quote WE ORDERED PORTA PHONE WIRELESS HEADSETS THIS YEAR TO USE ON OUR SIDELINES. THEY HAVE BEEN AWESOME. THEY HAVE CRYSTAL CLEAR RECEPTION AND THEY ARE EASY TO USE. I REALLY ENJOY NOT HAVING A CORD AND A BATTERY PACK ON MY BELT. I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS SYSTEM TO ANYONE LOOKING TO UPGRADE THEIR SIDELINE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM.” –COLIN YOUDE, HEAD FOOTBALL COACH, REMSEN-UNION HIGH (IOWA)

The TD 900 Porta Phone: A Headset That ‘Has What It Takes to Win’ Wireless football coaching headsets need to work regardless of where the game is being played. The TD 900 series from Porta Phone can meet those requirements and help you win! BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

Since founded in 1961, the goal of the Porta Phone Company has been to provide rock solid communication systems that meet the ever-changing demands of the football coaching industry. With the introduction of their TD 900 wireless headset, Porta Phone is poised to carry on this tradition in 2018 and beyond. “Our engineers keep upgrading Porta Phone wireless to overcome the many challenges that are encountered in football stadiums today,” said John Hooper, Co-Director of Porta Phone. “The TD 900 series has proven that it has what it takes to win.” Last season when both Michigan and Minnesota high school state championship games were played in domes (Ford Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, respectively), the TD 900 came through loud and clear. Porta Phone TD 900 wireless headsets are unique because they operate without a base station, belt packs or remote antennae. “That’s why Porta Phone is the most affordable on the market – because our systems require fewer components,” Hooper said. The TD 900 is an appropriate name for Porta Phone’s revolutionary system because it utilizes the 900 MHz band, a frequency range free of “RF clutter.” In addition, the allowable power output is more than double that of standard wireless systems. The TD 900 ■■ Mike Kelly, Head Coach ■■ Reno Saccocia, Head Coach Widener Univ. (Pennsylvania) Steubenville High School (Ohio) system delivers coaches

both the superior punch-out power capable of penetrating thick press box glass and concrete while delivering high definition digital audio performance. “Sometimes, the windows won’t open in the press box, and the tint will block a signal with other headsets,” Hooper said. “Our TD 900 can penetrate this thick glass providing the extended range required in larger venues.” A final key feature of the TD 900 series is its special operating system known as Spread Spectrum Frequency Hopping. TD 900 automatically switches to clear channnels to avoid interference. According to Paul Hooper, Co-Director and Head of Product Development at Porta Phone, “The TD 900 represents the best technology that we’ve ever had!”

TD 900 PORTA PHONE WIRELESS HEADSETS WEBSITE: PORTAPHONE.COM TWITTER: @PORTAPHONE

Download the FNF Coaches app from the Apple App Store and Google Play

GAME PLAN

Go Digital with Game Plan Technology Players learn on computers, tablets and devices these days, so it’s important for coaches to adapt to that educational style. Go digital with game-plan technology. BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

5 COMPANIES THAT OFFER GAME PLAN TECHNOLOGY HUDL

The software has allowed coaches to watch and share

■■ HUDL allows players to view video immediately after a game.

ame plan technology has made the process of

installing a game plan less time-consuming for coaches and easier to comprehend for players. Exchanging game tape for scouting purposes no longer requires long car rides or exchanges of VHS tapes or DVDs. Video technology is available to high school coaches with the click of a button, and gathering footage of the next week’s opponent is instantaneous through technology like HUDL, XOS Digital and OX Sports. Installing a game plan can also be done digitally, and coaches can add commentary and video to the game plan to help hold players’ attention. Consider the options available to coaches now compared to the days when coaches would hand each player a binder with that week’s game plan. Now, a coach can: ■■ Design scouting reports with video, diagrams, and notes. ■■ Share stats and analysis for 1-on-1 matchups. ■■ Quiz players on the game plan and/or positional responsibilities. ■■ Share rosters, schedules and depth charts. Veteran coach Dirk Wedd of Lawrence High (Kan.) believes a coach that refuses to adapt to digital game plan technology is destined to lose. “Kids today love seeing themselves – whether it’s pictures or video – immediately,” Wedd said. “That’s where they’re coming from. It was important for us to do whatever it took to get a bunch of young kids to develop at a faster rate.”

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

game tape on devices. Hudl is built around digital video playback: Coaches upload game films captured through the app or on a camera, and then Hudl makes the video available to anyone with viewing permissions, from training staff to players to scouts and recruiters. FOOTBALL TRENDS REPORT

The Football Trends Report is the product of a partnership between Hudl and X&O Labs. X&O Labs used Hudl to create detailed breakdowns based on formation type, play design, strategy and more. This report will look at the five most trending topics that X&O Labs uncovered during the season. GOROUT STEEL

OS Steel was designed to put the most critical information at your finger-tips, so you can spend more time on the field and less time at your desk. From importing playbooks to creating practice scripts, no other software gives you the freedom to make changes to your game plan on the fly. OX SPORTS

OX Sports allows coaches to reach players away from the field and academic setting. With players spending more and more time on devices, it is the perfect avenue for coaches to share learning tools through photos, videos, scouting reports and customized tips. XOS DIGITAL

XOS Digital allows for easy filtering and on-screen labeling. Each play is sorted by down and distance and labeled for personnel groupings. For studying defenses that would be the number of defensive backs, linebackers and linemen on the field. The front is identified, coverage, and pressure.

FEATURES ■■ Allows coaches to design scouting reports with video, diagrams and notes. ■■ Has the ability to share stats and analysis. ■■ Coaches can quiz players on the game plan and/or positional responsibilities. ■■ Coaches can share rosters, schedules and depth charts. ■■ Gives coaches the ability to organize a full library of documents, photos or video. ■■ Sign and store documents using e-Signature technology – Save on printing costs. ■■ Coaches can instant-message or email players and parents and make group email lists. ■■ Offers a GPS location check-in service. ■■ Has a calendar system so coaches can reserve time with players and parents and share team activities. ■■ Coaches can provide daily inspiration or notes for each practice. ■■ Gives coaches the ability to provide a visual representation of what players should wear to future team activities.

Organize Your Team with One App BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

he OX Sports staff started with a goal to provide coaches with one team manage-

ment solution that can handle many functions they might encounter during a football season. They’ve succeeded in that mission, and it is now difficult for a coach to find something the OX Sports team management system doesn’t provide. The software gives coaches a one-stop platform to communicate with players and parents, as well as share analysis, media, schedules, documents, rosters, depth charts, scouting reports, training tips, dress codes, instant messaging, email and more. “It’s a tool for coaches to teach, communicate, analyze and break down film – and completely organize their team,” said OX Sports Director of Customer Engagement Dustin Couch. “We tried to take as many tools as possible and put them into one platform.” OX Sports allows coaches to reach players away from the field and academic setting. With players spending more and more time on devices, it is the perfect avenue for coaches to share learning tools through photos, videos, scouting reports and customized tips. Just as important as the interaction between coach and player is a coach’s ability to communicate with parents, and coaches have that option with targeted messaging for specific audiences. A coach can send requested dress options for players, directions to away games, release forms for players, and updates on a player’s academic progress. “We want the kids to understand exactly what’s going on, and we also recognize some kids have a tendency not to listen to every word,” Couch said. “This is a nice visual way for kids and parents to understand what should be happening.”

BENEFITS ■■ It saves coaches time by organizing many aspects of the coaching experience. ■■ It allows coaches to communicate with players away from the field and school. ■■ It gives players visual learning tools using multimedia rather than relying on playbooks and binders with game plans. ■■ Players can see depth charts, schedules, dress codes and stats on their own time. ■■ A coach can use one app for all of his coaching needs rather than dealing with various apps with different functions. ■■ A coach can customize the information each player is receiving, so the players are not inundated with information they don’t need. ■■ A coach can recognize individual success stories, such as a player’s new personal best lift in the weight room, or a new record for yards during a game.

GAME CHANGER IT’S VERY NICE TO BE ABLE TO PULL OUT A TABLET OR SMARTPHONE AND HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION RIGHT THERE. I WOULD RECOMMEND OX SPORTS TO ANY PROGRAM THAT’S LOOKING TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY WITH THEIR PLAYERS.” – FORMER SNOW COLLEGE COACH RAFE MAUGHAN Download the FNF Coaches app from the Apple App Store and Google Play

PRACTICE TECH

Maximize Coaching Opportunities with GSC Coach-to-Player™ High school football coaches have to decide how to make the most of limited practice time – whether it’s maximizing reps for players or stopping practice to review coaching points. With GSC Coach-to-Player,™ coaches can do both at the same time. BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

Perhaps one seemingly impossible goal of any head coach is to have his voice ingrained in his players’ heads as they execute in practices and games. GSC Coach-toPlayer™ (C2P) makes that possible by providing coaches with an ability to speak to players through their helmets during practice. Through the C2P practice system, a coach speaks into a handheld transmitting device and his voice is audible through the speakers loaded in the helmets of the players of his choice. The technology provides additional coaching opportunities while also helping to expedite the tempo of practice. “At this level, the coach has a responsibility to teach student-athletes; the focus is more about education,” said GSC Co-Founder Jamie Schnakenberg. “The system is not defined by GSC, but by the coach’s needs. They could have multiple players with C2P installed into their helmets. They have the capability to talk with specific or multiple position groups. The coach is in control of who he wants to talk to and when.” The C2P system can also help a coach build depth on his roster by giving him an avenue to coach players who are not taking part in a particular rep. Wahoo High (Neb.) coach Chad Fox chose to have both his starting and backup quarterbacks use C2P so that both players could hear his instructions before/after practice reps. “I wanted our backup to stay engaged while

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

taking mental reps throughout practice,” Fox said. “I would even see him walking through his steps while the play was going, just like he was getting the actual rep.” C2P also allows for more focused instruction from coaches to players due to its ability to customize the communication. For instance, multiple position coaches can listen to a coordinator call a play, and then provide specific instruction to his particular position group before the snap. However, Schnakenberg has received feedback from coaches that say the moments immediately following the play are the most essential coaching opportunities. “It helps become more efficient because they can watch the play and immediately teach the student-athletes in the seconds before they move on to the next play,” Schnakenberg said. From a player’s standpoint, the C2P system results in more productive meetings, less time reviewing plays in the classroom, and more time on the field. For those who “learn by doing,” the C2P system allows them to go through reps while they’re learning new concepts rather than staring at a screen or dry-erase board. “There are seven different learning styles,” said GSC Director of Operations Alex Shada. “We are all different. What C2P encapsulates is all the different learning styles of individual players. One player might not mind getting chewed out, but another might get offended. This neutralizes all learning styles, and there’s no right or wrong way to use it.” Fox can certainly attest to that. After using the C2P technology for a season, he can’t imagine coaching practice without it. “I saw a drastic increase in our cognitive learning as our guys were able to transfer my instruction throughout the week to game day,” Fox said.

■■ GSC Coach-to-Player facilitates communication between the coach and player through the player’s headset.

TRAINING TECH

WORK ON YOUR GAME AFTER PRACTICE WITH FANTOM THROW BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

he Fantom Throw is the perfect piece of

equipment for players who want to work on their passing or receiving skills on their own. Eliminate the need for a teammate while working on your game with Fantom Throw. Fantom Throw founder Brandon Fant seemingly couldn’t put the football down when he trained to play college football, although he found it difficult to work on his receiving skills by himself. He began brainstorming and came up with the idea for the Fantom Throw, a unique piece of equipment in which a football is attached to a bungee cord and harness so that a player can train anywhere. The Fantom Throw can attach to any door, wall,

FANTOM THROW

fence or stationary object, and the natural football surface areas remains unchanged. There is no harness or jacket around the football. “I wanted to do something constructive so that people would be able to practice all the time,” Fant said. “I originally made a prototype without knowing it was a prototype. It was just a matter of solving the problem of wanting to throw and catch a football by myself.” For the price of $34.95, plus shipping and handling, players can purchase a product that allows them to practice indoor or outdoor, rain or shine, day or night. Because the football is not trapped in a harness, it allows a player to throw in a spiral rotation, free of any external resistance. Using multiple 360-degree swivel action, the football returns to the player freely after he throws it. “There’s always a chance to get better,” Fant said. “I remember wanting to throw

WEBSITE: FANTOMTHROW.COM

at 9 o’clock at night, but I didn’t have a field. So, I went to the drawing board and came up with this.” The Fantom Throw has been on the market since Nov. 1. Fant says the product has already caught on in Southern California. “Anyone who encounters the product loves it,” Fant said. “Everybody is looking for a competitive advantage. At this price point, it’s a training tool that you can get for lunch money nowadays.”

PHONE: 866-551-5506

TWITTER: @FANTOMTHROW

INJURY PREVENTION

Diagnose Concussions with Technology Coaches should support their trainers and medical staff by seeking out technology that helps diagnose concussions and provides feedback in terms of proper protocol for treatment. These companies offer that type of technology. BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

■■ The HitCheck app helps screen for concussions.

SUPPORT YOUR STAFF WITH AN APP

Coaches, parents and athletic trainers can now screen for signs of concussions in minutes by using a mobile app. One company that provides that technology is HitCheck. The mobile app is available on a smartphone and is designed for everyone – not just medical experts. Through the app, players can test their baseline cognitive skills before game day so that they compare the results after they are suspected of suffering a head injury. The app allows coaches to make smarter return-toplay decisions and can share results and concussion history for particular players with medical practioners. “Replacing subjective concussion testing with automation and verified cognitive tests gives us a better assessment tool,” Piha said. “This compares baseline results and tells us if something’s not right. That way, we take the responsibility out of the hands of coaches or trainers.” If the HitCheck app determines that the player is likely to have suffered a head injury, it will then share protocol such as next steps, if further medical assistance is necessary, and a return-to-play plan. “Our vision is to keep athletes healthy and make sure there is a tool available for quick assessment both for athletic trainers and coaches,” Piha said.

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

■■ Riddell’s InSite Training Tool alerts coaches when players suffer significant impacts.

INVEST IN THE SAFEST HELMETS

Helmet manufacturers are always in a bit of an arms race to see which company can best help reduce or identify concussions. Vicis, Inc. has developed new football helmet technology with the ZERO1 that is showing significant reduction in impact forces. The ZERO1’s multiple layers work together to slow impact forces. The helmet features a soft outer shell and an underlying layer of columns designed to mitigate collisions from multiple directions. Riddell has also thrown its hat in the ring, both with the SpeedFlex helmet and InSite Training Tool (ITT). The Flex System is engineered into the helmet’s shell, face mask and face mask attachment with hinge clips that help reduce the impact force transfer to the athlete. The Tru-Curve Liner System allows the helmet to conform to the contours of a player’s head, while the Composite Energy Management System absorbs impact energy. Riddell’s InSite Training Tool (ITT) is the latest innovation in head impact monitoring technology, designed for use by youth, high school and college football programs. It is an easy-to-use system that utilizes Riddell smart helmets and wirelessly connected devices that monitor and alert sidelines to significant impacts and records nearly every head impact that occurs to build player-specific impact profiles. GET A MOUTHGUARD THAT MEASURES HEAD IMPACT MOUTHGUARD MANUFACTURERS

are also getting in on concussion detection, with several companies creating mouthguards that send signals to computers or devices to alert trainers and coaches or head trauma. Prevent Biometrics’ real-time head impact monitoring technology takes today’s observational and inaccurate method of identifying athletes for concussion assessment, and turns it into an objective, accurate, datadriven process. The mouthguard system measures linear and rotational acceleration, location, direction and count of each head impact. It pairs that information with a team app to allow sideline monitoring of player impacts in real time. Athlete Intelligence’s state-of-theart Vector™ MouthGuard and Cue™ Sport Sensor, coaches and trainers can monitor the impact of hits to their

players’ heads during practices and games. When a player’s health has been compromised, the system will alert a coach or athletic trainer to check that player for injuries. The data provided through the sensors can help improve performance in a number of ways. The first is by providing data on each of the hits every player on the team experienced. Through gaining this information, a coach can use coaching points to eliminate the use of a player’s head in tackles or better condition linemen so they are using the proper technique through four quarters.

fnf

e n i z a g a m s e h c a co

bscribe u s / m o .c s fnfcoache

official partner @fnfcoaches

The Magazine for High School Football Coaches

february 2018

official partner

official tech partner

WIN THE DAY

@fnfcoaches

The Magazine for High School Football Coaches

Download the FNF Coaches App

march 2018

OFFSEASON GOALS Keep Players Engaged

and Motivated

playbook schemes & tactics

+ Install a Mid-Line Offense + Coaching QB Play in Triple Option + Defending Trips with Quarters + Install Cover 1 in a 3-3 or 3-4 The New Jersey state champion Bergen Catholic coaching staff includes (front, from left) Joe DiFilippo, Al Nittoli, Ralph La Testa and Guy Bertola; (rear) Dan Nastasi, Tony DeBellis, Fred Stengel, Anthony Muir, Head Coach Nunzio Campanile, Zach Sparber, Ron Carti, Ed Van Curen and Phil Fusco. Photo courtesy Dave Rubel/NJ Sports Media

Form Teams and Compete in a Strength Program 2017

FNFC18 02 Cover.indd 1

COACHES OF THE YEAR

FORM NEW STRATEGIES ASSESS YOUR PROGRAM, AND

1/19/2018 2:25:01 PM

MAKE THE RIGHT CHANGES

+ attacking cover 4 + Fitting Scheme to Personnel + Accounting for Motion + How to Practice Kickoff Coverage North Gwinnett (Ga.) head coach Bill Stewart, the 2017 FNF Coaches Coach of the Year, flanked by seniors (from left) Payne Walker, Jayden McDonald, Jake Stewart and Jimmy Urzua

FNFC18 03 Cover.indd 1

Special

annual subscription rate

$29.95 8 issues

Download the FNF Coaches App

playbook schemes & tactics

your tion connec to the ool h c s h g i h l l a b t foo g n i h c a o c Y T I N U COMM

COLLEGE COACH Q&A | ENGAGE YOUTH PLAYERS upgrade your BOOSTER PROGRAM | FUNDRAISING TECHNOLOGY ADVANTAGE | WEIGHT ROOM COMPETITION PROFILE OF A LEGEND | GET PLAYERS TO BUY IN

Use Liftathon.com to Raise Big Money with Less Effort

2/21/2018 9:02:31 AM

TECHNOLOGY

■■ (Top and bottom photos) HUDL is one of many football companies based in Silicon Prairie (Neb.).

Silicon Prairie: football Technology Hub Silicon Prairie is an area of Nebraska that is home to many new tech start-ups that have changed high school football for the better. The secret behind the innovation might be the University of Nebraska and Tom Osborne. BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

For Nebraska coaches, the Shrine Bowl can sometimes feel like a tech convention – with many of the new start-ups in the area looking to audition their products. One particular product stood out at last year’s game as coaches from various Nebraska schools – unfamiliar with each other and the differing coaching styles – attempted to communicate on the field. The coaches utilized GSC Coach-to-Player™ technology, which allows communication from a coach’s handheld transmitting device into a player’s helmet headset. The coaches could use the technology to communicate with players, get a feel for the different coaching styles, and determine how their respective skill sets fit with the staff. “It allowed the coaches who weren’t used to working together to get on the same page as fast as the players,” said GSC Co-Founder Jamie Schnakenberg. “The coaches became more productive because of C2P. It was great for the coaches in this region because they got to test this new technology. And it was great for us to be able to test it on a local level.” Silicon Prairie is home to many technology test-runs similar to the one GSC conducted at the Shrine Bowl. Some of the biggest tech companies in the football industry – like HUDL, GSC, HD Endzone Cam, and EliteForm – are based out of this part of Nebraska from Omaha to Lincoln. The concentration of so many high-tech football companies in Nebraska is no coincidence. Many of the founders and developers attended Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Raikes was the President of Microsoft until 2008, and he started a school that offers students a chance to accelerate their careers and develop into the innovators of tomorrow.

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

“It’s been really fun to watch the Midwestern area become a new hotbed for innovative companies to develop and grow,” Schnakenberg said. “With the university so close, there’s a development of incubators and small businesses.” The Raikes School has served as a launching pad for tech companies in just about every field. Many entrepreneurial students have picked up on the love for football in the region and aspired to create tech companies in the sports industry. Former Nebraska head coach and athletic director Tom Osborne has served as somewhat of a consultant for students looking to develop products for coaches. Skip Cronin is the director of the Silicon Prairiebased company EliteForm, which specializes in strength training technology that uses 3D cameras and computer software to evaluate the effectiveness of athletes’ workouts. The venture group that funded his company received feedback from Osborne before going to work on the EliteForm platform. “Osborne is a pretty savvy guy, and he said we need to get rid of these units that measure bar speed with hooks and strings on the end of the bars,” Cronin said. “He asked if we knew of a better way to do this. Guys who are much smarter than me discovered how to do it.”

Strength coaches at all levels from around the world utilize our software for programming and reporting.

N O " PA R T NE RS . " N O " S PO K E S P E O PL E . " NO "AMBASSADORS." Just 4k+ coaches who love TeamBuildr and login every day to make their programs better.

DE M O : demo.teambuildr.com PH O N E : 240.415.8362 E MA IL : info@teambuildr.com

The Companies Changing High School Football FNF Coaches is excited to present to coaches the products that are changing high school football for the better. Consider these products when looking to update the technology in your program. Technology is constantly changing the way high school football is played and coached. Some companies strive to constantly stay ahead of the curve and break new ground in a changing environment. It’s important for all coaches to understand the technology that is out there, so they can take advantage of every opportunity to run a stronger, safer program. It’s equally important for coaches to understand where the game is going. The best coaches develop relationships with companies that are at the forefront of the industry. As you take stock of your program this offseason, consider these companies that offer new technology for your players.

ATHLETE INTELLIGENCE VECTOR™ MOUTHGUARD AND CUE™ SPORT SENSOR With Athlete Intelligence’s state-of-the-art Vector™ MouthGuard and Cue™ Sport Sensor, coaches and trainers can monitor the impact of hits to their players’ heads during practices and games. When a player’s health has been compromised, the system will alert a coach or athletic trainer to check that player for injuries. The data provided through the sensors can help improve performance in a number of ways. The first is by providing data on each of the hits every player on the team experienced. Through gaining this information, a coach can use coaching points to eliminate the use of a player’s head in tackles or better condition linemen so they are using the proper technique through four quarters.

athleteintelligence.com

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

ATHLETE MONITORING AthleteMonitoring.com attempts to provide coaches with data and feedback that will help minimize the risk of injury and help players perform better at practice and games. AthleteMonitoring.com combines a bestpractice approach and the latest sports science into a simple, customizable, budget-friendly athlete monitoring and data management software that incorporates evidence like sleep, fatigue, soreness and workload to determine an approach to getting more out of each athlete.

athletemonitoring.com

BADGER SPORT ULTIMATE SOFTLOCK The Badger Sport Ultimate Softlock — there is no softer shirt on the planet™. With 200 percent more filaments than normal performance wear, this shirt raises the bar with best in class durability flexibility and a silky-soft feel that provides unparalleled comfort. Available in short-sleeve, long-sleeve, quarter-zip and a short, it’s ready to add to your practice squad.

badgersport.com

THE BIGFOOT® PORTABLE SOUND SYSTEM The Bigfoot® is the biggest, and most powerful Portable Sound System on the market. Designed to cover a football field, this thunderous battery powered system is up to any challenge. With a line array consisting of five eight-inch neodymium speakers and one highefficiency neodymium

compression driver, this product packs a punch – yet easily sets up in seconds. The Bigfoot is the first Anchor Audio Portable Sound System that offers four built-in wireless receivers – allowing everyone to be involved. It also boasts standard built-in Bluetooth® and an optional built–in CD/MP3 combo player to easily connect to anything you’ll need for an all-inclusive sound coverage.

sidelinepower.com/bigfoot-portable-sound-system

DJI – MAVIC AIR ARCTIC CARBONTEK GEN 3 SHOULDER PAD SYSTEM

DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial

BUILT FOR POWER. Created for the LB: CarbonTek reduces the maximum applied force by 81 percent! DESIGNED FOR SPEED. Streamlined for the WR: CarbonTek offers increased range of motion, is low profile and (on average) 25 percent lighter than traditional pads. ENGINEERED FOR PERFORMANCE. The compression vest attaches to the body, keeping protection where you need it, when you need it! Vest is machine washable (air dry) and is perfect for 7-on-7 camps or non-contact drills. CarbonTek provides 360 degrees of coverage to the athlete. ■■ Exoskeleton is composed of aeronautical grade Carbon Fiber, with vest utilizing OST to disperse energy. ■■ Back plate provides vital protection to lower back and utilizes same proprietary technology as shoulder pad system. ■■ Used throughout NCAA FBS & NFL.

CarbonTek.com Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @CarbonTek_OST

CATAPULT OptimEye S5 is the most widely-used athlete tracking technology in elite sport. High quality GPSderived movement data coupled with our unique suite of bespoke inertial sensor metrics gives the most demanding of practitioners valuable insights into athlete performance.

catapultsports.com

imaging technology, introduced Mavic Air, an ultra-portable, foldable camera drone that delivers higher performance, more intelligent features and greater creative possibilities than any other consumer drone. Mavic Air inherits the best features of DJI’s iconic Mavic series with a 4K camera for superior image quality, new QuickShot modes and SmartCapture for easier, more intelligent photo and video capturing, and FlightAutonomy 2.0 with Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems for smarter, safer flight. A marvel of engineering and design, Mavic Air enables limitless exploration.

dji.com

FANTOM THROW Improve your ball skills with the revolutionary newly patented Fantom Throw, single-player throwing and receiving trainer. The unique internal football-to-bungee engineering allows Fantom Throw to attach to any door, wall, fence, or stationary object giving athletes the opportunity to train anywhere. Throw and catch the Fantom Throw in a normal spiral rotation, virtually free of any external resistance. The natural football surface area remains unchanged, no external harness or jacket applied to the football.

fantomthrow.com

FORMULA 32 COACHTUBE Search sports courses from the top 5 percent of selected coaches in any skill and difficulty. Develop skills on-demand. Watch courses when and where it’s convenient for you. Take your new skill on the field or court, come back anytime to revisit your courses or keep learning.

coachtube.com

Formula 32 has successfully produced a grass-fed, GMO-free whey protein shake with zero detectable metals for football players. And here’s the best part – it only needs to be mixed with water, and tastes good. Formula 32 hired scientists to come up with Download the FNF Coaches app from the Apple App Store and Google Play

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT a protein drink specifically formulated with athletes in mind. What they came up with is a drink that has 32 grams of protein to help the muscles begin the healing process immediately after a workout. The protein drink comes from pasture-raised cows and includes 19 vitamins, 18 amino acids, 18 carbs and 470 mg of potassium.

formula32.com

GATORADE GX BOTTLE Last year, Gatorade introduced Gx, a sports fuel customization platform. The Gx ecosystem combines science-backed products with newly designed equipment, and real-time biometric and tracking technologies to provide fueling recommendations specific to an individual athlete.

gatorade.com

FROG FITNESS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; THE FROG The Frog is the first concurrent strength and aerobic training device. This Total Body Training Device will work every major muscle in your body, either individually to target and exhaust them, one or ALL AT ONCE! Every major muscle group simultaneously! Nothing works the entire body like the Frog! The design of the Frog allows for the user to match their specific abilities to the exercises they are performing.

GOROUT

frogfitness.com GoRout provides coaches an avenue to share their

GAMEBREAKER Here at GAMEBREAKER, we have been deeply involved in football at all levels for over 30 years. We are continually searching for a way to make all forms of football safer for our athletes. With the GAMEBREAKER soft shelled headgear powered by D3O Impact Technology, we have developed a product that fills a vital void in player safety. Our mission is to reduce minor or major head injury where incidental or accidental contact occurs during both practice and games.

playbook and coaching tips with players during practice with the simple click of a button. A coach programs his playbook and other useful coaching tips to GoRout Steel 2.0, and then calls up plays during practice on a tablet. Players then receive the live feed on a weather-protected wrist sleeve. The information provided by the coach can be customized by position so that each player is receiving coaching tips pertinent to his role.

gorout.com

gamebreaker.com

GAMESTRAT GameStrat is a sports software company that specializes in sideline instant replay and real-time analytics. We currently provide solutions for a number of different sports such as football, basketball and volleyball, and have plans to branch out to other sports in the future. Our mission is to help coaches win by providing them with the simplest and most effective technology.

gametimestrategy.com

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

GSC COACH-TO-PLAYER™

HOBART-MAYFIELD S.A.F.E. CLIP™

Get the most of every minute. At practice.

Hobart-Mayfield, LLC

On the field. We make on-field communication clear, secure and easy. Our coach-to-player wireless communication systems have been used for years by the National Football League. Now we’re here to help your team get the winning edge. GSC’s Coach-to-Player™ is a standalone system or it can be integrated into any coaches headset system. When integrated with a coaches headset system, the quality assurance of Coach-toPlayer™ is dependent upon the performance of the coaches headset system.

has created and patented an impact-absorbing facemask clip, the S.A.F.E.Clip™ to reduce the g-force of a blow to the face mask while maintaining the integrity of the unit. The Hobart-Mayfield staff created a facemask clip with a patented visco-elastic membrane housed in a thermoplastic body. The product has shown in independent testing to dampen blows to the face mask before the impact reaches the head/neck. The S.A.F.E.Clip™ is retrofittable to over 94 percent of current helmet/facemask configurations from all manufacturers with no alterations needed to the facemask or helmet. Other configurations are in development.

gsc.us.com

HD ENDZONE CAMERA Everyone has an endzone camera or wants one, right? Maybe you have one and just want one that WORKS? HD Endzonecam has emerged as the most durable simplest to use endzone camera on the market. Its the only system that features internal cabling, a 19” monitor and Canon HFG40 camera included! The tower is the highest quality on the market and includes a carrying case with wheels. It sets up in 5 minutes, and takes no time to learn to operate the system!

hobartmayfield.com

HUDL Perhaps no company has changed the way coaches prepare for games in the last 10 years more than Hudl. The software has allowed coaches to watch and share game tape on devices. Created by three graduates of the University of Nebraska business school, Hudl is built around digital video playback: Coaches upload game films captured through the app or on a camera, and then Hudl makes the video available to anyone with viewing permissions, from training staff to players to scouts and recruiters.

hdendzonecam.com

HITCHECK HitCheck is the mobile app that helps you screen for signs of a concussion in minutes — anytime, anywhere — right from your smartphone. Designed for everyday use by parents, coaches, athletic trainers and active people of all ages, the app’s game-like tests measure brain functions affected by concussion and deliver real-time results so you can: ■■ Make smarter return-to-play decisions. ■■ Share timely, personalized assessments with medical practitioners. ■■ Monitor recovery and track concussion history. ■■ Manage team or league records from your smartphone.

hitcheck.com

HUDL.com

LIFTATHON High school coaches can use LiftaThon.com to help maximize their fundraising effort that brings out the competitive spirit in athletes while eliminating the liability and hassle of athletes collecting cash personally from donors. LiftaThon.com offers custom online fundraising campaigns that are designed to help maximize teams’ Lift-a-thon results. The company’s “ALL IN” fundraising software creates a personal pre-designed fundraising page for each athlete, allows athletes to email, text, and post their fundraising page to potential donors, as well as automatically sends thank you emails and receipts during the campaign.

liftathon.com Download the FNF Coaches app from the Apple App Store and Google Play

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

THE MONARC SEEKER The Seeker is the world’s first robotic quarterbackcapable of tracking athletes in real time and delivering pinpoint accurate passes to any position desired. This allows players to train autonomously for the first time ever. The Seeker isn’t just a machine, it’s another player whose arm doesn’t get sore. It’s another coach available 24/7. Each throw is on target, the first time and every time with no manual adjustments necessary in robotic mode. We have a six-ball revolver style magazine, allowing six balls to be fired without having to reload the machine; making it six times as efficient and far more reliable than any other machinery on the market.

POLAR TEAM PRO Polar Team Pro combines GPS and motion tracking technology with heart rate monitoring to create the ultimate solution for player performance tracking in team sports. Follow your team’s training in real time on your iPad. Get invaluable and accurate training data for analysis for everyone in your coaching staff.

polar.com

PORTA PHONE TD 900 SERIES WIRELESS HEADSETS

monarcsport.com

With the introduction of the TD 900

OX SPORTS OX Sports allows coaches to reach players away from the field and academic setting. With players spending more and more time on devices, it is the perfect avenue for coaches to share learning tools through photos, videos, scouting reports and customized tips. Just as important as the interaction between coach and player is a coach’s ability to communicate with parents, and coaches have that option with targeted messaging for specific audiences. A coach can send requested dress options for players, directions to away games, release forms for players, and updates on a player’s academic progress.

oxsports.com

PERCH Perch uses 3D depth cameras and machine learning to quantify bar path and orientation in 3D space. By analyzing bar path, we can extract useful information regarding velocity, power output, and movement quality. Velocity based training (VBT) is a new training methodology that utilizes the velocity of every rep as an objective feedback measure. By programming with velocity instead of just weight, athletes and coaches can: control for fluctuations in daily energy, improve motivation, analyze longitudinal trends, enhance training specificity, and observe the quality of movement of every athlete regardless of coaching staff size.

perch.fit

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

2ND SKULL

Porta Phone has taken our time-honored “All in One” headset concept to the next level with rugged construction and the extra transmitting power that is allowable for wireless systems operating in the 900 MHz band. These revolutionary headsets operate without a base station or beltpacks and allow coaches to talk simultaneously in a hands-free, open line pattern. They utilize the 900 Mhz band, a frequency range free of “RF clutter”, where the allowable power output is more than double that of standard wireless systems. The TD 900 system delivers coaches both the superior punch-out power capable of penetrating thick pressbox glass and concrete while delivering high definition digital audio performance.

portaphone.com

Look like the pros, with added protection! The 2nd Skull Cap fits comfortably under any sports helmet, and offers: ■■ Impact Absorbing Technology ■■ Spandex-fabric blend for a stretchable but compressive fit ■■ Moisture-wicking fabrics for sweat management ■■ Antimicrobial treatment for anti-odor ■■ Hand washable ■■ Permitted for high school use in football, baseball, hockey and lacrosse Also recommended for BMX, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding and other activities

2ndskull.com

REVEAL™ SIDELINE REPLAY™ Reveal™ Sideline Replay™, a video system that provides coaches and players the opportunity to watch replay on the sideline during games. Reveal Sideline Replay software captures video in real-time from multiple cameras, organizes the video clips in sequence and allows coaches and players to watch any clip on-demand from a tablet, smartphone or monitor. Reveal Sideline Replay gives coaches opportunities to make in-game adjustments rather than waiting for halftime or the postgame film session. Since Reveal Sideline Replay organizes the video clips by time, date and location, it saves coaches time that would otherwise be spent editing video.

insightreplay.com

ROCKSOLID Rocksolid was built to serve everyone who loves the game! Football culture creates confident, hardworking, disciplined people and we will do anything we can to support that process. Rocksolid is committed to the game and to providing confidence to players, coaches and parents through premium experiences, football-specific marketing and game-changing equipment. ■■ Founded by former NFL players ■■ Designers of the first football-specific softshell helmet ■■ Creators of FLEX Football ■■ Serving youth, high school, college and pro athletes ■■ A lot of people love football, but at Rocksolid we live it!

liverocksolid.com

RIDDELL INSITE TRAINING TOOL Riddell’s InSite Training Tool (ITT) is the latest innovation in head impact monitoring technology, designed for use by youth, high school and college football programs. It is an easy-to-use system that utilizes Riddell smart helmets and wirelessly connected devices that monitor and alert sidelines to significant impacts and records nearly every head impact that occurs to build player-specific impact profiles.

riddell.com

RIDDELL SPEEDFLEX HELMET The SpeedFlex was created with the wants and needs of players, coaches, equipment managers and athletic trainers in mind. Notably, the Flex System is engineered into the helmet’s shell, face mask and face mask attachment with hinge clips that help reduce the impact force transfer to the athlete. The Tru-Curve Liner System allows the helmet to conform to the contours of a player’s head, while the Composite Energy Management System absorbs impact energy. The AllPoints Quick Release enables trainers to disengage the face mask with the simple press of a button. The Ratchet-Loc Retention System designs the chin strap to help players secure proper fit each time they strap up.

riddell.com

SCOREVISION SCOREBOARDS ScoreVision is a technology company that brings the game-time experience of professional arenas to high schools, colleges and sports facilities. This experience is delivered through a sophisticated system of vibrant jumbotrons driven by a series of custom scorekeeping and event production apps that offer robust functionality with simple controls. Amplify the game-time experience for your athletes and fans like never before while simplifying the efforts of your scorekeepers and production team with our easy-to-use software. The capabilities of our system span far beyond that of a single-function, metal-box scoreboard, and it offers so much more to your school and community than a simple video board mounted to a metal box. ScoreVision jumbotrons also provide custom scoreboard layouts for every sport played on your field, so your football scoreboard can be optimized for lacrosse, rugby, soccer, and more.

scorevision.com Download the FNF Coaches app from the Apple App Store and Google Play

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

SNAP ATTACK FOOTBALL TRAINING MACHINE The Snap Attack football training machine, designed by Sports Attack, can simulate punts, kicks, passes and snaps so that coaches can limit player fatigue and maximize practice reps. The Snap Attack can pivot instantly in any direction and provide accurate passes, punts and kickoffs to any location on the field. The Snap Attack Football Machine’s solid polyurethane throwing wheels firmly grip the ball for an accurate spin. The wheel guards protect arms from potential wheel burns as well as help to keep the wheels as dry as possible in inclement weather. Rapid fire and multiple ball drills are part of the Snap Attack’s repertoire. The two independently running electric motors create not only a near instantaneous recovery time, but furnish enough power to put the football anywhere on the field.

sportsattack.com

TACKLETUBE 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. The Tackle Tube website also 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.

USA FOOTBALL FOCUS 3 USA Football and Focus 3 have partnered together to create an exclusive leadership system for football coaches. This combines both Lead Now and The R Factor, custom programs for coaches who want to build elite programs, win championships, and change lives. What you get: ■■ Two elite programs ■■ 5+ hours of content ■■ 16 skill courses ■■ 80 chapter lessons

usafootball.com/focus3

tackletubeUSA.com

TEAMBUILDR Whether on tablets or on paper, in a single facility or scattered across the country, teams can pull workouts wherever and whenever they need to. Like today’s generation of athletes, the TeamBuildr platform is mobile and accessible from any device. On any given day a single team can generate thousands of pieces of data in the weight room. Our intuitive reporting and notification system will alert you when there is something you need to know. Whether a new team record is broken or an athlete beats their body weight goal, TeamBuildr makes it known.

teambuildr.com

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

VOLT FUELED BY GATORADE Volt Fueled by Gatorade is the only research-based, all-in-one sport performance and sports fueling system for coaches and teams. Used by over 100,000 coaches and athletes, Volt’s Intelligent Training System delivers sport-specific training that is optimized to your team, customizable to your needs, and personalized to each athlete.

voltathletics.com

Star ratings donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter. the4dclub.com

PLAYBOOK presented by Auditing your offensive system BY DAN GONZALEZ

n offensive system should represent a toolbox

from which a coaching staff can pull out answers to to given defensive problems. While having the ability to adjust to both internal (personnel) and external (opposition) factors year in and year out, the system should provide a solid infrastructure from which all procedures in the offense begin.

Self-study It all begins here. When I look at different aspects of the offense, I monitor in terms of different characteristics that have been identified throughout the years, going way back to when I did the passing game quality control at my alma mater. Back then, there were 64 different categories that we tracked then graded based on championship, outstanding and reasonable. While some things have obviously changed, others remain the same. Axioms for turnovers, drops, sacks and other negative plays have all held true in regard to success. Further, certain statistical standards have changed very little in the last 10 years. For example, a 400-yard per game average will put a team soundly in a top-25 finish in total offense, while 450 yards per game will garner a top-10 ranking in any given year (based on the geographic sample that has been tracked). So, in setting goals for a system such as ours, where the offense is designed to be multiple and attacks by spreading touches across the offense, play distribution drills down to something like Diagram 1. In order to meet these goals, every element of the offense must be examined in order to set teaching modules for the following season. Each component is examined, and a determination is made in gathering best-practices to mold together these inter-related portions of the offense.

Reorganizing without changing One of my first clients had just graduated a threeyear starting QB who excelled in the ACTS reading system and the QB running game. This was a loss of a 10,000-yard, 100-touchdown producer. The successor was going to be a senior, which means the development of the quarterback position needed to be accelerated. Along the way, certain aspects of the running game had to be examined. Despite incredible success in while “rebuilding” the QB position, play calls were not distributed as efficiently as they could have been.

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

DIAGRAM 1 UP-TEMPO PACE

example: 66 snaps per game

26 RUNS AND FAST SCREENS

20 QUICK RHYTHM AND DROPBACK

7 OUTSIDE POCKET

9 PA / SHOTS / SLOW SCREEN

4 DECEPTIVES

BLOCKING CORE: GUT (READ) EX ACE BLUE GUT RT

DIAGRAM 2

LB E

LB T

S E

■■ Frontside T, G and C responsible for inside gaps ■■ Backside G and T are the pullers ■■ Automatic read on the backside end, unless SCOOP is called

BLOCKING CORE: GUT (WITH “OUT ALERT”) EX ACE BLUE GUT RT ALERT: OUT

DIAGRAM 3

LB E

LB T

S E

■■ Alert for when there is a man on and man outside an open T ■■ Playside T blocks out, backside G will pull for man over T ■■ Still a read by QB

BACKSIDE RULES / READS

DIAGRAM 4 LB

■■ The Sandbox Rule: Backside outlets have landmarks they must stay within. ■■ On the backside of most pass plays, at least one player breaks into the QB’s vision. This gives the QB a receiver if the frontside route combination is covered.

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

An extensive study led to certain conclusions, detailed here: ■■ No pure zone or read accounted for a single explosive ■■ Split-zone can be taught with gap/man principles ■■ Stretch can use the same; back’s path is the key ■■ Must keep dart and fold, as they are close cousins of gap scheme and accounted for a quarter of explosives Solutions: ■■ Major in gap scheme ■■ Remove inefficient run schemes ■■ Game plan templates based on opponent fronts From this rose a cleaner, more effective way of classifying – and thus teaching – the running game as schemes were now classified on one of three levels: ■■ Foundation runs ■■ Adjustment runs ■■ Opportunity runs This seemingly simple adjustment, without a single change in verbiage to the players, allows for a structure that maximize practice time and implementation. Moreover, this reclassification gives the entire staff a focused idea of what schemes are the ones that must, at all cost, be protected for the integrity of the offense. Diagrams 2 and 3 contains playbook examples for the primary scheme in the offense, which is combined with an automatic blocking scheme adjustment that is taught as companion from the first day of installation.

Teaching No one is immune to injuries, attrition and graduation so it is critical that the teaching carries from the highest level to the lowest in a given system. Consistency is the key to winning on the practice field. Many teams waste reps in this regard, because the teaching at lower levels is so far removed from what will be required as a varsity player. These requirements should never be ignored, as the goal is to build a program. Ultimately, it has been proven that sophistication, particularly in the passing game, can be taught. Here is a quick glimpse of things that can be taught even at the junior high level:

opposed to how information gets into a game. Many high-profile coordinators have proven this. What this allows for is more reps and more technical emphasis across levels of a football program. On a Friday night, what this means is that a wider variety of means can be used while keeping concepts minimal and still operating at a high tempo. Often at the high school level, study of up-tempo menus reveal a vanilla method of attacking. As spread offenses have become common, defenses can now adjust to speed. It is therefore important to have multiple answers to defense rather than simply running the same handful of plays as fast as possible. This is not to say that one-word attack codes are not used. Quite the opposite. However, attacking a specific weakness cannot be forgotten, even at the expense of three to five seconds in between plays. For example, the derivatives of “Match” or “Banjo” coverage vs. 3-by-1 sets require an offense to revamp some 3-by-1 calls in the dropback game or force adjustments during game week. This is best done in the planning stages of the offense. Some of this teaching can simply be an adjustment in technique. For instance, one adjustment might simply be to the inside-most receiver running a double in combination (diagram 4). The slight adjustment here to the inside receiver running a speed cut in helps provide separation so the passer has more time to scan from the inside-out. Situational football also must not be forgotten. Clearly, there is an emphasis on third downs and scoring zone calls. The approach should be mapped out based on not only past performance but current trends as well.

DIAGRAM 5 PH, T 4 PH, T 3 PH, T 3 PH, T 3 PH, T 3 PH, T 4

3RD DOWN 3RD 4-6 1 (QK Rhythm) 3RD 4-6 2 (QK Rhythm) RIGHT 3RD 4-6 3 (Pot. Explosive) LT BUN 3RD 4-6 4 (Pot. Explosive) RT FIRE 3RD 4-6 5 (Look Alike) ACE 3RD 4-6 6 (Look Alike) RT

LOR 82 92 75 14 81

LTNING ORANGE L GRN 2-SLANT-6 B OUT OLIV 581 Z DRG B TEN GREEN 851 Y6 SWITCH GRN 541 SW A TEN BLACK 51 A BRONCO 9

Tempo vs. attacking Many coaches believe that verbiage can impede tempo. However, scrutiny reveals that a well-designed communication system can make up for any extra verbiage while reducing learning burden across the board. There is a distinct difference in teaching as

In-game approaches should also be mapped as a staff so that the respective installation in the spring or summer will be reflected. Here is an example of notations on the game board, a shared document that can be referenced by any member of the staff (diagram 5). Download the FNF Coaches app from the Apple App Store and Google Play

PLAYBOOK presented by The notations above are a mere example: the first two third-andmediums of the plan are centered on rhythm (avoiding a sack) while the next two will feature the potential to flip the field (perhaps a double move), and the last two are to take advantage of the anticipated defensive adjustment. The logic here is that the latter will be towards the end of the game, and in a critical situation.

Base vs. game plan At the center of it all the is teaching the quarterback, a position for whom training has gained exponentially over the years. QB schools are now common, and year-round throwing programs can be found. The next step, then is to go beyond the basic constructs of classical training. Teaching of coverage recognition is a must, but these should now be expectations at the junior high level. High school coaching has become so advanced that there is a necessity to

teach beyond the base in the spring and summer. The primary driver here is that teams often advance their game plans beyond their base during the season. By definition, more advanced learning requires more time for assimilation. Teaching a system in its entirety also has its benefits. It assures continuity. It is the reason why one of the schools using this system, Gooding High School in Idaho, has had two consecutive one-year starters (2015 and 2016 seasons) at quarterback earn first-team all-state honors. Going into 2017, they were reloading with a sophomore, but because of their approach, the young man had effectively been running the whole system since the eighth grade. Obviously, the youngster is talented, but the fact that he had so many reps for such a long period of time contributed to a third-straight first-team all-state quarterback for the program. Growth cannot be gleaned simply from a coach’s personal philosophy.

Competition is a major propellant as well. The great news is that there are many resources, and this is a great time of the year for coaches as they are able to share with each other, grow as coaches and as men and work to help realize next year’s potential. It doesn’t just happen in the weight room. Improvement can be gained by taking an honest look at strengths and weaknesses, then working to build at all levels of teaching. And, as we have shown, much of this improvement can occur without wholesale changes for the kids. Having worked and played within some of college and pro football’s most vaunted aerial attacks, Dan Gonzalez’s offenses blend quick rhythm passing with adjustable patterns throughout his years as a college coach. Now a consultant working with schools across the nation, he teaches at clinics and through his website at: gonzalezpassinggame.weebly.com.

PERFECTLY EXECUTED Total Team Management in One Application

UNIVERSAL

FLEXIBLE

DYN AMIC

Works across desktop and any iOS or Android Device.

Supports any team without compromise.

Provides powerful tools for any scenario.

FROM GAME PLANNING TO GAME-WINNING DRIVES OXSports™ features a complete suite of communication and learning tools, making it the ultimate one-stop platform to help any team win.

REQUEST A DEMO TODAY!

sales@oxsports.com

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

801.980.9450

OXSports.com

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

Punting technique: putting your best foot forward BY BILL LUND

ven after 21 seasons as a college coach,

many spent as special teams coordinator, I continue trying to learn the subtle coaching points in the kicking game, specifically punting technique. In 2013, I was fortunate enough to work with All-America punter Dean DeVries for three seasons at Hope College in. He was a self-made punter who averaged 42 yards per punt and developed pin-point accuracy, dropping three that final season on the 1-yard line. Going into his final season, Dean was invited to an all-star kicking event held by Jamie Kohl at which some of the best college and NFL punters got together for a camp. I advised Dean to be a sponge and take notes on some of the coaching points in addition to the skills and tactics he would be exposed to. I have learned almost as much from my kickers as I have from other coaches. Many of these kids work with independent kicking coaches for tips and reminders, and at times our egos get in the way of trusting our kickers may know more than us. Over time, I have been able to compile some key points that punters need to be consistent and successful. These points can be identified to assist your punters with a good set of eyes and may help you learn a bit more about the punting game.

The catch The first, and arguably the most crucial point in initiating the punt, is the catch. It is important to have a balanced stance prior to the start of the catch process. A good stance and precatch alignment are important to having adequate time to go through the kicking process. Having an accurate snapper helps, but having hands like a wide receiver is vital to begin the process of punting the football. Punters catch the ball with their fingers pointing down and thumbs up – think “pinkies together” – on the catch. At times, punters will have to catch the ball with their index fingers up and thumbs down, forming a diamond

■■ Kicking leg swings right to left across the original target line to correct for being off target to kick straight down the field.

■■ Plant foot crosses original target line.

■■ New target line established by toes out on first step.

■■ First step, toes out.

■■ Hips track the toe, shoulders follow the hips.

■■ Begin with a balanced stance; shoulders and hips square to the original target line.

on a high snap, but this affects the snap timing adversely, so it comes back to having an accurate snapper. Another critical point about the catch is receiving the ball out and away from the body. Letting the ball into the body as you orient the ball for drop will throw off a punters timing and rhythm.

Steps The next aspect is the step sequence. I prefer using a two-step sequence for punters. As punters receive the snap, keeping it away from the body, they orient the ball to where it needs to be as they begin the sequence to the drop point. We want to make sure the ball has the laces up. A right-handed punter will have the ball in his right hand holding the ball with the fingers spread with the middle finger on the bottom seam with the thumb and finger pressure equal on either side of the ball. The actual grip will have variance based on hand size and comfort in holding the ball prior to the drop, so I always defer to the punter and his comfort level, but I will ensure he is catching the ball away from his body and the laces are up. The off hand is placed lightly on the left side of the ball

with the four fingers spread and the left thumb on the upward side of the ball. The left hand serves only as a stabilizing force using very little pressure. As the catch occurs, the step sequence begins almost simultaneously. This process has multiple facets that can all adversely affect the punt should one detail be off. The first step establishes the target line for where we want to punt the ball. One of the biggest issues for punters is that they “toe” out on their first step. As our toes go, so do our hips. If our toe points to the right, our hips will track right throwing off the target line for our punt. As we plant the second step, the left foot now acts as a pivot point for the punter to rotate back to the left as he tries to kick down the original target line rounding into their kick.

Drop The drop table sequence in concurrent with the step pattern of the punter. The objective of the drop is to place the ball in a proper position to be impacted by the foot at the appropriate time, while on the target line, to the outside part of the foot. Once the ball is received, the punter extends the ball as if sliding it along an imaginary table slightly below shoulder height along the right leg (for a rightfooted punter). The arms should be flexed with the elbow rotated into the body. As the ball slides along the table, the punter wants to float the ball over an imaginary lip on the table. One of the issues that occurs along the step sequence is punters will yo-yo the ball up and down creating inconsistency in the drop. It is important to leave the left hand on the ball until the plant foot has initial contact with ground. Pulling the left hand to soon allows the more dominant right hand to push the ball inside the foot on the drop. The timing of the drop begins as the plant foot contacts the ground. We want the drop to be up and out with the tip slightly up so the ball falls level. We want to make sure that the drop matches our leg swing of the punter. ■■ Bill Lund is the linebackers coach and special teams coordinator at Saginaw Valley State University. He previously held positions at Hope College, North Park University of Carleton College, St. Norbert College, University at Buffalo, Colby College and Columbia University. Follow him on Twitter @Lundsanity51.

Download the FNF Coaches app from the Apple App Store and Google Play

PLAYBOOK presented by Using jet motion as a weapon

DIAGRAM 1

JET SWEEP

BY ERIC STRUCK

ne of my favorite and most universal tools on of-

fense is the use of Jet or fast motion by our slot receivers. Whether it is in the run game, pass game or misdirection, the Jet motion provides an offense with an unlimited variety of possibilities. Even if the Jet sweep is not a major part of your offense, there are ways to incorporate it into your offensive playbook and help your team be successful. There is something about seeing a receiver go in full speed motion right before the snap that catches the attention of the defense. Often, the use of Jet motion will cause a lot of movement from the defense. That could be the secondary rotating toward the motion, linebackers sliding toward the motion, blitzing off the edge or movement/slanting by the front. These are all effective possibilities to stopping the Jet sweep. However, there are many things an offense can do to take advantage of how the defense reacts.

WR S QB

DIAGRAM 2

JET COUNTER

WR S

H QB

DIAGRAM 3

JET POWER

WR S

H QB

Counter One of my favorite formations to run the Jet sweep from includes an H-Back in the backfield. This is a flexible formation that provides a wide variety of possibilities (diagram 1). The best play to use versus an aggressive defense that is slanting toward the motion or using linebacker movement to stop the Jet sweep is a counter run play (diagram 2). In this play, our backside guard kicks out the playside defensive end, and our H-back leads up through the hole. The H-back is looking to come tight off the double team and look inside to outside for the first wrong color jersey.

DIAGRAM 4

JET ISO

WR S

H QB

DIAGRAM 5

JET SLANTS

Power/power read Maybe the most universal concept using Jet motion and an H-back in the backfield is the power/power read concepts. These work well when the playside defensive end is slanting hard toward the motion in an attempt to not be reached by the offensive tackle. The power/power read provide the offense with multiple ways to utilize the Jet motion while giving a variety of looks to the defense. It is the hope of the offense to confuse the defensive end and keep him guessing throughout (diagram 3). For the power play, our H-back is kicking out the playside defensive end. His aiming point is the inside hip of the defender. It is important for him to step with his inside foot to maintain the

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

WR S

H QB

DIAGRAM 6

JET STICK

WR S

H QB

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

DIAGRAM 7

JET BOOTLEG

WR S

H QB

proper leverage. Our backside guard is pulling and leading up through the hole. He will stay tight to the double team and look inside to outside for the first wrong color jersey. The power read play is blocked the same way as power except now we will not block the playside defensive end. The H-back and running back serve as lead blockers in case the quarterback has a give read.

Iso Another favorite concept that can be run with Jet motion is the Iso play. We can run this play to the side of the motion or away from the motion (diagram 4). The H-back serves as the lead blocker. He is looking to insert and block the first linebacker head up to inside. If we run it away from motion, then he blocks it similar to the counter play. He looks inside to outside for the first wrong color jersey as he inserts into the second level. The center and backside guard look to double team the defensive line to the first linebacker backside. The other linemen block the first defender head to them. The Jet motion receiver carries his motion into a bubble route, and we can treat this play as an RPO. If the playside linebacker is blitzing off the edge to stop the Jet sweep, we can throw the bubble.

Passing game We can also utilize Jet motion in the passing game as well. This is an excellent way to get play-action type passes using a basic passing game. Using Jet motion is also a great way to create holes in the zone coverage of the defense if the defense is rotating or moving around to counteract the motion.

Slants Maybe the most basic way of using Jet motion to take advantage of secondary rotation or movement is to throw the

backside slant to the one receiver side (diagram 5). Our Jet motion receiver will continue into a bubble route, and we will have the outside receivers execute three step slant routes and our inside receiver will execute a skinny slant/seam route to hold the inside defenders.

Stick route Another simple way to use Jet Motion in the passing game is the stick route (diagram 6). To the one receiver side we will execute a three-step slant route. Our Jet motion receiver once again continues into a bubble route once he fakes the motion. The outside receiver will execute a fade route. He must ensure that he executes an outside release on the defender to keep the defender’s eyes away from the stick/bubble combination. Our slot receiver or H-back executes a five-yard stick route. If he is lined up wide in the slot, he will read the nearest alley defender. If that defender is head up to him, he will release inside to a depth of five yards and work to find the soft spot in the zone. If the alley defender is apexing or splitting the difference between our slot and the line of scrimmage, then we will release vertically and find the soft spot. If we are aligned in the backfield as a true H-back, then we will read the inside linebacker. We will get to a depth of five yards and work away from the linebacker if he stays inside or move to the soft spot in the coverage if the linebacker flows with the motion.

Bootleg The final way to use Jet motion is through true play action with the bootleg pass (diagram 7). In the previous pass concepts, we use the motion itself to act as the fake. With the bootleg concept, we look to ride the

motion man with a fake handoff then clear the pocket and boot away. In the diagram above, we are selling a Jet sweep to the right and bootlegging left. To the one receiver side he will execute an 18 back to 15-yard rollaway route. He will push vertically, and when he gets to 18 yards, he will hitch up. If the QB has released the ball, he will work toward it. If not or if the defender is inside the receiver, we will then work our way flat toward the sideline. We feel this is an easier route to execute as far as running and throwing to compared to a traditional comeback route. Our H-back runs the shallow drag route. If he aligned in the backfield, he will come back across behind the line of scrimmage and work to a depth of three to four yards. If he is aligned out wide as a slot receiver, then he will drag across the field at the same depth of three to four yards. Our backside receiver executes the medium drag route. He will look to get across the field at a depth of no more than 10 yards. Our Jet motion receiver will either execute a bubble route or if we see the defense over react to the bootleg then we can send him on the wheel route down the sideline. These are just a few examples of the things you can do with Jet motion. Like anything in football, it is only limited to your imagination and what you want to invest your time in. For me, personally, I really enjoy the movements and misdirection that the use of Jet motion provides. It is a fairly straightforward to create some confusion within the defense without having to spend a tremendous amount of time on different concepts. All of the above concepts we run with or without Jet motion. This is just another way to add window dressing to your offensive package. Hopefully, there was something in this article that you can take back to your program and have success with. ■■ Eric Struck is the wide receivers coach, passing game coordinator, special teams coordinator and junior varsity head coach at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, S.D. He has been an assistant coach at Washington since 2001. He also has coached the offensive line and defensive backs. Since joining the Washington staff, the team has appeared in nine state championship games, winning five, going 23-1 the last two seasons. Follow him on Twitter @EricStruck.

Download the FNF Coaches app from the Apple App Store and Google Play

PLAYBOOK presented by Challenge the spread with press quarters BY CODY ALEXANDER

efenses that press the corners within

their quarters scheme force the offense to change the way it attacks a defense in the passing game. When a defense presses the corners, it is eliminating route choices. Most offenses when faced with a team that presses tries to throw vertical routes (fades) or slants (beat the man inside – high percentage throw). The elimination of route choices can make the offense predictable. If the offense chooses to attack the defense with fades, it is putting its faith in a very low percentage throw. Unless the wide receiver is just that much better than the corner, pressing can put the advantage to the defense’s side. Since defense tends to be reactionary, it is important to create defensive schemes that can adjust to anything an offense throws at it while also forcing it to change at the same time.

Why press? The design of press quarters relies on the law of averages. Any offensive coach will admit that when a receiver is pressed it eliminates the route choices. To a defensive coach, being able to eliminate play calls from an opposing offense is like money in the bank. If a cornerback only must worry about a fade or a slant, he can attack the receiver with confidence. Both routes can easily be combated from a soft press technique, especially one from an inside alignment. Press quarters isn’t just about the pass. There is a run fit piece to the design, too. Two great examples of this concept in college are the linebackers in Michigan State’s and Pitt’s press quarters defense, both of which also are ultra-aggressive in the run game. By eliminating the outside receivers, the defense has literally shrunk the field, which allows the linebackers to be aggressive to the box. The safeties align over the slot receivers and act as stopgaps in case of

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

4-3 OVER / PRESS

DIAGRAM 1 3

■■ Cornerbacks release unders

pass. The safeties’ eyes focus on the slot receivers, while the linebackers focus on the end player on the line of scrimmage (EMOL) and react to the low-hat (run) or high-hat (pass) read given by their key. This aggressiveness allows the defense to have a seven-player box on alignment alone. The secondary, because it is in quarters coverage (four read), plays the offensive set much like man and matches the routes [Diagram 1]. Some coaches argue that pressing an outside receiver is dangerous and leaves you vulnerable to the quick outside vertical throw – the fade in particular. This is true if you play a “hard” press corner. The hard corner technique, seen in an aggressive Tampa 2 defense, stresses strong, physical play underneath, and utilizes safeties with range to combat the outside fade by the No. 1 receiver. The problem with Tampa 2 is the defense’s Mike linebacker is always in a run/pass conflict because he must cover the middle third of the defense yet also stuff the run as a primary

box fitter. As defenses have shifted to utilizing quarters schemes, the need for large physical corners has gone to the wayside, moving them to the nickel hybrid position or boundary safety (most likely to be in the run fit). Teams that defend the spread on a daily basis need fast, fluid corners who can run and match up with speedy receivers. This goes for the safeties, too.

The evolution In match quarters, the defense is running a pseudo-man scheme where the back four are either playing man (corners – release under routes) or bracket concepts (linebackers under/ safeties over). The next evolution for quarters schemes came in the form of “soft” press by the corners on the outside receivers. This is not the old school, in your face “hard” press. This is more like a point guard in basketball press. By backing the corners up to a depth of 1½ to 2 yards, the corner has taken away the chance of error by being too physical. The depth allows the corners to feather

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

off (hot-foot shuffle) and makes the receiver choose which stem point to attack immediately. Once the receiver has made his move, it is easy for the corner to react, off-hand jam (opposite hand of the stem) and get to cut off (versus a fade) or “top” the route (versus a slant). “Soft” press allows the corner the freedom to react instead of guessing and transfers the pressure from the cornerback (reactionary) to the receiver who now must show his cards early. The press alignment also eliminates certain routes from the route tree. By pressing, the averages suggest a corner will face a deep route (fade/post) or a slant. Aligning inside, the corner can drive on the slant, wall off a post or force the receiver to the sideline on a fade (forcing the lowest percentage throw). When utilizing a “soft” press technique, a defense can eliminate routes and attack the outside receiver. By shrinking the field, the safeties and linebackers can compress the line of scrimmage and shrink their focus of play. This type of match quarters acts as a bracket defense for the slot receivers and frees up the linebackers to be aggressive and downhill on the run. Safeties in a press quarters scheme do not change responsibility from regular quarters. They are still under any deep route by the No. 1 receiver coming into the field (intermediate zone), and can react quicker versus run/pass option (RPO) screens (bubble/switches). In terms of teaching “soft” press, most players have played basketball at some point in their life. It is easy to relate the soft press technique back to the basketball court. In basketball, a defender is discouraged from making physical contact. The “soft” press technique may take the physicality out of the press, but it allows the corner the freedom to react smoothly instead of guessing presnap.

The corner is forcing the receiver to show his cards early, then reacting with an off-hand jam working to the cut-off (fade) or to “top” the route (slant). A two-high safety scheme combined with pressed corners forces the offense into low percentage throws or “shots.” Deep shots are the equivalent of a three-point shot in basketball. Like Golden State in the NBA, some teams have developed their whole offense around them (see Baylor under Briles, Oklahoma State, or the whole Big 12 in fact). The point of split field quarters is to make the deep ball harder to complete for the offense, while also forcing them to throw it. By aligning in a two-high press scheme, a defense can bracket the easiest throws to the slot (middle of the field/seam). Press quarters is an easy adjustment to make for defensive coordinators looking to gain an edge on spread (or any defense). The ability to shrink the field by eliminating the outside receivers allows the defense to suffocate the run, even gaining a nine-man box. Since defense is reactionary, it is important to force the offense into running plays that have a low percentage of success. By pressing the cornerbacks, the defense has allowed the linebackers to key the box and the safeties to bracket the slot WRs. This bracket concept puts a defender over and under the modern offense’s most dangerous man, the slot. The inside alignment of the outside linebackers helps to rob the curl while the safeties (playing pseudo-man coverage) keep the top on. Suffocate the box, bracket the most dangerous receivers, and force the offense into low percentage throws. Gain an advantage with press quarters. ■■ Cody Alexander is the secondary coach at Midlothian (Texas) High School. He also is the author of “Cautious Aggression: Defending Modern Football,” which is available at Amazon and other online bookstores. You can follow him on Twitter @The_Coach_A. Visit his website at matchquarters.com.

TRAINING PLANS

10 Cool Perks of a Team Training Database Sports-specific training plans are now available through apps, allowing coaches to organize everything online and track their players’ progress. Some training programs can even track the quality of a player’s rep and share it with coaches. BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

■■ A team-training database allows coaches to identify trends within a team’s strength program.

Several companies – like Volt Fueled By Gatorade, EliteForm, and Perch – offer team training databases. With 3D camera technology and post-training feedback, these products offer features that personal trainers can’t. Lincoln High (Neb.) started tracking its strength and conditioning program on an app in 2017, and the players parlayed that momentum into a District A-2 championship. Lincoln physical education teacher Daniel Beckman said the change to a web-based strength program brought out a sense of competition between all athletes. “We have a weight training class all eight periods of the day,” Beckman said. “That’s because students want to be here.” Lincoln strength coach Stuart Venable said the use of a strength training app brought about a sense of camaraderie among the football players because they could see how hard their teammates were working. “It’s not about strength and conditioning; it’s about community and friendships,” Venable said. “We started that in the weight room. We had to get this so the kids could understand what

they’re capable of doing.” Here are 10 cool perks of a team training database. Real-time feedback. EliteForm has a function that shows a red screen if the player’s rep has not achieved the target goal, and a green screen if it does. The video feature allows for honest, objective feedback whereas a teammate might help fudge the stats. Increased competition. Players historically compete in the weight room over who can lift more or complete more reps. With a video camera monitoring every rep, players will start competing over who has better technique. Player buy-in. Players learn on tablets and devices these days, so it only makes sense to organize their progress in their weight room using the same technology. Objective data. The camera technology for Perch and EliteForm can measure velocity, so it shows when athletes are fatigued. This is the best metric in accounting for effort. Injury prevention. By reinforcing perfect technique and accounting for fatigue levels rather than simply

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

weight and reps, the training apps will prevent overuse injuries and soreness.

Save time creating workout plans.

Manage all athletes in a central location. The strength training app

Quickly access post-training reports.

Programs like Volt offer their own position-specific training programs so coaches won’t have to draft various workouts each day.

eliminates the need for countless pieces of paper littered around the weight room as athletes try to follow workout plans and record results.

After each strength training session, the training app will provide information like which athletes are getting stronger, which have hit a plateau, and overall strengths and weaknesses for the team. Split the cost among players. Rather than pay a personal trainer $3,000 for a season, buy a team strength training app, and have each player pay his share. Most apps cost around $85 per player. Program to your philosophy. If you want a team that can explode off the line of scrimmage, program your app for explosive fast-twitch exercises.

8 Speed Metrics That Tech Companies Can Measure With GPS tracking available on wearable technology like watches and bracelets, companies can provide speed metrics to players and coaches that make it possible to go through conditioning drills anywhere. BY DAN GUTTENPLAN or yards rushing or receiving. Find out which of your players is logging the most mileage in-game. Average pace. This allows coaches to see which athletes are in the best condition and which are reacting the quickest to the flow of the game. Calories burned. This gives the team trainer and/or nutritionist an idea of how the athlete needs to fuel to maintain the proper energy levels. Heart rate monitoring. This gives coaches an idea of how efficiently an athlete is spending his energy, and whether he’s recovering quickly enough between plays. Slowing the pace on offense is always an option to allow players to recover.

4 ■■ Most apps that specialize in speed training use GPS monitoring devices.

The first high school to embrace a data-driven approach to student-athlete management was Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School in Bradley, Ill. Led by strength coach Adam Vogel and head football coach Mike Kohl, BradleyBourbonnais Community High School used Catapult for football last fall. Kohl shared his excitement about the season. “It monitors all their movements. From total distance traveled, to how fast they are moving, to how much they change direction,” Kohl said. “I wasn’t totally in at the beginning and I think the biggest thing was I didn’t know how it worked. But after we went to Notre Dame and saw it in action, we wanted to see if this was something we could get done and I’m excited about the possibilities of it.” Vogel first discovered Catapult when Florida State football coach Jimbo Fisher mentioned the value of the product after the school captured a national title. It piqued Vogel’s interest and after tons of research and study, he decided to make his pitch.

“I wanted to try to be ahead of the curve on something like this,” Vogel said. “Coach Kohl wants to be different, and this was definitely a good different. We’re not trying to take out the art of coaching, because it is an art, we’re just trying to give Mike a better way to answer the questions he has in his head. Or a way to give him validation of what he’s thinking.” Here are eight metrics are available when using speed technology applications like FitBit, Polar, Catapult and Strava. Total distance. This is a crucial metric quantifies a player’s workload beyond the numbers of snaps he’s taken

Max velocity. This gives coaches an

idea of a player’s maximum threshold and whether he is playing at the same speed at which he is training. A coach might suggest a player switch positions if this metric is surprisingly low. Player load. Player load is a onenumber validated metric that simply shows how hard each athlete is working. Acceleration and deceleration. This tracks changes in direction and rotational movements and then measures how long it takes to hit top speed. Many agility drills in football are geared toward developing this skill. Fatigue index. This gives coaches a reading on how much a player’s energy level has fallen over the course of a game.

6 7

Download the FNF Coaches app from the Apple App Store and Google Play

NUTRITION

6 Tips to Eating for Endurance High school football games can last more than two hours, and coaches want their players to be just as strong in the fourth quarter as the first. The key to maintaining endurance in workouts and games is executing a smart fueling strategy. BY NANCY CLARK, SPORTS NUTRITIONIST

When it comes to eating for endurance, today’s athletes are confronted with two opposing views: ■■ Eat a traditional, carbohydratebased sports diet, or ■■ Eat a fat-based diet that severely limits carbohydrate intake. Here are five tips for high school players who are looking to maintain energy levels during workouts and competitions.

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

Protein needs for athletes range from 1.4 g/kg (for mature athletes) to 2.0 g protein/kg (for athletes building muscle or dieting to lose fat). For a 200-pound athlete, protein needs come to about 135 to 180 grams of protein per day. That means three eggs at breakfast (with the bowl of oatmeal), a hearty sandwich at lunch, a portion of lean meat/fish/ chicken at dinner, and cottage cheese (with fruit) for an afternoon or bedtime snack. Fill in the calorie-gap with fat. Include in each meal and snack some healthpromoting, anti-inflammatory fat: nuts, salmon, peanut butter, avocado, olive oil, etc. Fat adds flavor, offers satiety, and is a source of fuel for endurance exercise. Training your muscles to burn more fat for fuel happens when you do long, steady “fat burning” exercise. By burning more fat, you burn less of the limited carbohydrate (muscle glycogen, blood glucose) stores. You will have greater endurance and avoid or delay hitting the wall. Drink enough fluids. A simple way to determine if you are drinking enough fluid is to monitor your urine. You should be voiding dilute, lightcolored urine every 2 to 4 hours. You want to learn your sweat rate, so you can strategize how to prevent dehydration. Weigh yourself nude before and after one hour of race-pace exercise, during which you drink nothing. A one-pound drop pre- to post-exercise equates to 16 ounces of sweat loss. Losing two pounds of sweat in an hour equates to 32 ounces (1 quart). To prevent that loss, you could target drinking 8 ounces of water or sports drink every 15 minutes.

Eat enough calories. Most athletes need

around 21 calories per pound of lean body mass. That means, if you weigh 200 pounds and have 20 percent body fat, your lean body mass is 160 pounds and you require about 3,360 calories a day. That said, energy needs vary from person to person, depending on how fidgety you are, how much you sit in front of a computer, how much muscle you have, etc. Hence, your body is actually your best calorie counter—more accurate than any formula or app! If you eat intuitively—that is, you eat when you feel hunger and stop when feel content, you are likely eating enough. If you find yourself stopping eating just because you think you should, if you are feeling hungry all the time and are losing weight, you should eat larger portions. Eat enough carbohydrates. According to the Position Statement on Nutrition for Athletic Performance, the optimal amount of carbohydrates on a day with one hour of training is 5 to 7 grams carb/kg. On high volume days, you need about 6 to 12 g carb/kg body weight. For a 200-pound athlete, this comes to about 500 to 1,000 grams of carbs per day — the equivalent of about 2-3 (1-lb) boxes of uncooked pasta (2,000 to 4,200 calories).

Eat adequate—but not excess—protein.

NANCY CLARK MS, RD, CSSD ■■ Sports nutritionist Nancy Clark, MS, RD, CSSD, has a private practice in the Boston area. She helps both fitness exercisers and competitive athletes create winning food plans. Her best-selling Sports Nutrition Guidebook, is available at nancyclarkrd.com.

Consume enough calories during extended exercise.

If you will be exercising for longer than 60 to 90 minutes, you want to target 40 to 80 calories (10 to 20 g) of carbohydrate every 20 minutes (120 to 240 calories per hour), starting after the first hour (which gets fueled by your pre-exercise food).

RECRUITING

Turn Recruiting Around with 4D Report 4D Report: rankings, research, and reports on all 760 DI, DII, DIII, & NAIA programs. Made for HS coaches and athletes. It’s like the US News and World Report for sports. High school coaches and parents have more power in recruiting than they think. This becomes clear as you click around thousands of pages of rankings and profiles on 4dreport.com and realize the opportunities to play in college are way broader than most believe. The first-ever research project to track the outcomes of all 78,000-plus college football players over 6 years, 4D offers US News-like rankings for those choosing a place to play sports such as “Top Value Schools for Walk-Ons,” “Top Turnaround Schools by Division,” and “Top Programs Over Past 5-years by Enrollment Size or ACT Range.” 4D’s easy to use interface is backed by technology that tracks the height, weight, hometown, high school, and position data for every college athlete at every 4-year college,

BEWARE OF TUITION FARMS 4D ESTIMATES ONLY 1 IN 5

college football players is on a full athletic scholarship. Each of the 760 team reports offered by 4D breaks down a school’s tuition compared to

along with the tuition, head coach, W/L, and conference data for each team. The result lets HS coaches answer questions in seconds such as: ■■ What’s the average height of a D3 linebacker? ■■ Which teams have linebackers under 5-9? ■■ Which programs have the least returning wide receivers on the roster next year and would have a spot for a wide receiver? Perhaps the most addicting feature for high school coaches is the “Where Are They Now?” capability – click on any high school in the country and see where their players are playing in college. In a world where colleges gather any piece of data they can on your players, 4D allows you to turn the tables and have all the information about the college program at your fingertips.

the number of scholarships available and the team roster size. This may be the most enlightening data on the entire website. Some small D3 programs overpopulate their rosters with 150-plus players. At a college of 1,000 students,

football makes up 15 percent of the college’s tuition revenue. The downside for players is these programs often have very low retention, at some, only 10 percent of players stay all 4 years (it’s rarely fun to be 1 of 12 QBs).

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

he 69 current college football players from St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida, and the 30 from Vista Murietta in California can tell you much more than simply which high schools are powerhouses. Looking up where players ended up on 4D also shows you the pipelines and connections between college coaches and high schools that are so valuable in recruiting. When you can see everywhere that your rivals and competitors have placed guys, you’re one call away to getting an invaluable first-hand introduction. From a high school player’s perspective, seeing where other players like them have gone on and how their careers played out helps in more ways than one. It provides a great contact on a recruiting visit, an easy introduction to the right coach on the coaching staff, and it also gives them a way to gauge whether a certain division or conference is the right skill level of competition. Look up your state on 4Dreport.com – we guarantee you’ll be surprised by how far players have traveled and where their careers ended up.

QUICK FACTS FROM 4D ■■ The average DI offensive lineman is 6’4”

while the average D3 OL is 6’1”. ■■ The average DI wide receiver is 6’0”, with 23 percent coming in at 5’10” or shorter while 22 percent are 6’3” or taller. ■■ Of the top academic schools, the FBS programs with the best 5-year records are

Stanford, Notre Dame, USC, Michigan, and Northwestern. ■■ Only 6 DIII football schools have an enrollment of 10,000 students. If you’re looking DIII, know that it’ll be a small college. ■■ Texas Strong: 6,965 college football

players came from Texas. They play on 456 of the 760 teams in the country. ■■ Florida Spread: 49 of 50 states have a college football program (Alaska does not). There is currently a player from Florida playing in all 49 states that have college football teams.

Download the FNF Coaches app from the Apple App Store and Google Play

CONTINUING EDUCATION

8 Advantages of Getting an Advanced Degree

BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

of boosting their professional careers. Timmerman earned his Master’s degree in sports administration management at Hardin Simmons University. Jones earned his Master’s degree from Kearney State College – now University of Nebraska Kearney. The coaches offered eight advantages to earning a Master’s degree. Design Your Own Curriculum. Timmerman helped design the sports administration management program at Hardin Simmons, so he shadowed prominent coaches in the area to see how they ran their respective programs.

oing back to school can be a worthwhile

experience for high school coaches looking to advance their respective careers. Sometimes, the hands-on experience in the field is just as valuable as the degree. Keri Timmerman, former head coach at Lake Worth (Texas), and Bob Jones, former athletic director at Bastrop (Texas), recently shared their experiences of going back for advanced degrees in hopes

Get Behind-the-Scenes Experience.

Timmerman shadowed a coach that was going through a facility renovation. He learned about fundraising, working with school committees, and facility maintenance. Network. Timmerman served as a volunteer coach at Waco Midway during his course study, giving him the inside track to his first position as a coordinator.

Learn New Schemes. Timmerman wanted to learn the spread offense, so he served as a graduate assistant on a college staff implementing the spread. Work Under Legendary Coaches. Jones worked under former Wisconsin coach Barry Alvarez as part of his advanced degree curriculum. Make More Money. Jones made $14,000 per year before going back to school for an advanced degree. He gave himself the opportunity to take on bigger roles.

6 7

Create a Path to an Athletic Director Role. Jones says, “You can’t be an

AD without a Master’s. They want that advanced degree.” Give Yourself Other Options. Jones says a Master’s degree gives him options outside of football. He recently accepted a position with Hella Construction.

School of Education Continuing Education and Professional Development EARN GRADUATE CREDITS AT HOME

SUMMER ONLINE COURSES FOR COACHES

► ENROLL NOW!!!

• Real Coaching II:

Honing the Competitive Edge

• EveryBODY Wins:

Adapted Physical Education

• High School Physical Education:

Putting National Standards into Action

• Middle School and High School Health: Building a 21st Century Curiculum

• The Mental Edge:

Applied Sports Psychology for Coaches

► VIDEO GRADUATE COURSES

• SELF-PACED VIDEO COURSES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE! • CAN BE COMPLETED ON YOUR TIME WITHIN A YEAR!

drake.edu/cepd 1-800-76-TEACH (83224)

TURN YOUR LOVE OF THE GAME INTO A CAREER YOU’LL LOVE

EARN A DEGREE IN SPORTS ADMINISTRATION AT FDU Fairleigh Dickinson University’s bachelor’s and master’s programs in sports administration will equip you with the practical, theoretical, administrative and managerial skills necessary for leadership positions in the field. PROGRAMS Bachelor of Arts in Sports Administration (BASA) Concentration: Strength and Conditioning Master of Sports Administration (MSA) Concentrations: Coaching Theory and Strategies & Sports Administration 5-Year Bachelor of Arts/Master of Sports Administration (BA/MSA) Receive fifth-year scholarship support for graduate study through FDU’s Combined Degree Advantage Program

LEARN MORE fdu.edu/sportsdegrees

QUESTIONS? Metropolitan Campus · 201.692.7256 Florham Campus · 201.692.7257

LEARN FROM SPORTS ADMINISTRATION EXPERTS

TAKE CLASSES ON CAMPUS, ONLINE AND IN THE EVENINGS*

BENEFIT FROM PERSONAL ATTENTION IN SMALL CLASSES

GAIN HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE THROUGH INTERNSHIPS WITH NY AND NJ TEAMS

NETWORK WITH ACCOMPLISHED SPORTS PROFESSIONALS *offerings vary by program

INSPIRATION

Many of the best football coaches and players provide inspiration to the people around them on a daily basis. We often present quotes from players and coaches on Twitter @FNFCoaches. The following quotes made the biggest impression on our followers.

Practice Hard

You can’t go out and practice average on Wednesday, average on Thursday, okay on Friday and then expect to play well on Sunday.” –Tom Brady The man who complains about the way the ball bounces is likely the one who dropped it.” –Lou Holtz

Responsibility

Before we can talk about a championship, we have to practice like a championship team.” – Mike Singletary

PRACTICE WELL “Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.” –Bear Bryant

Character

IMPACT

Make sure when anyone tackles you he remembers how much it hurts.” – Jim Brown 48

football coaches! Get your subscription at fnfcoaches.com

CHAMPIONSHIP LEVEL TEAMS ARE BUILT IN THE OFFSEASON Tip of the Spear Contact System Clinics

SAFETY THROUGH

SUPERIOR TECHNIQUE

USA Football’s Tip of the Spear Contact System Clinics are your way to take full advantage of implementing a new approach to contact.

Two options designed for any program at any level. Coach Clinic

Coach & Player Clinic

Three hours – trains your entire staff

Five hours – trains your coaching staff AND players

Classroom instruction Interactive, on-field coaching

Split into two parts: Part 1: Train up your coaches Part 2: Train your players

Learn the entire Level 1 program and customize it to your specific program

Gets your coaches out on the field to install and drill the entire system with your players

HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS 3

Level 3 Scheme Specific

2 1

Level 2 Position Specific Contact Level 1 Principles of Contact

Fast-tracks skill mastery Teaches players how to dominate opponents with their hands and shoulders Previously available only to NFL coaches and players – now available for your entire program

Become a smarter, stronger and better team with a system focused on helping your program win. Get started today at usafootball.com/clinic

e v o r p m i y l s u o u n i t n o c e app

p Store p A e h t in Coaches F N F : h c r Sea

h t d a o l es down tech priz

hly t n o m am r n i g o r +W p l l otba o f r u o y cs i for t c a t n a epl m a g d ss a o e r c +r a s e h c from coathe country vice d a d n a s + insight fellow high from coaches school