2013 - 04 - Afm

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VOLUME 19
APRIL
2013
M O N T H L Y
ADD WINGS
TO YOUR WING-T
TEAM BUILDING
THE ART OF THE
COMEBACK
BO PELINI
and KEVIN KELLEY

PLUS 8 GREAT COACHES
SHOW YOU HOW
OFF-SEASON,
OFF THE FIELD
NO PADS &
NO CONTACT
DRILLS FOR
YOUR D
BETTER
BACKER READS
MORE Xs & Os
41 DIAGRAMS
With the right preparation,

anything is possible.
ebraska A
thletics
- Tom Osborne
Letter from AFM
Speed Report Weight Training for

Speed in a High School Environment - Part II
By Dale Baskett, Football Speed Specialist and Fred Eaves,
Strength and Conditioning Coach, Battle Ground Academy (TN)
Safety First Culture Shift: Changing the

culture of football to reduce violent injuries.
By Sam Spiegelman
Drills Report No Pads, No Problem: Five Drills
to Improve Your Defensive Line Without Using
Helmets and Shoulder Pads
By Ron Cook, Defensive Coordinator, Lumberton HS (NC)
The Art of the Comeback Rallying your team
from a big deficit requires adjustments, inspiration
and composure.
By AFM Editorial Staff
Chemistry Class Team-Building is an important
tool for developing cohesion among players.
By David Purdum
Take to the Air Transform your Wing-T
into a dynamic passing attack.
By Jared Van Acker, Head Coach, Freedom High School (VA)
Inside Linebacker Reads in the 3-4 Defense
The 3-4 defense gives the inside linebackers a read
on the uncovered guard through to the fullback.
By Jack Beidler, Assistant Coach, Lebanon Valley College
Bruhn, N
Strength Report
Creating an Edge in the Off-Season
By Rob Taylor, Owner and Founder, Smarter Team Training
to: Scott
Cover Pho
Tackling Drills Without Full Contact

Tackling progressions for both the head-up
and profile tackle can be taught to emphasize safety.
By Johnny Metcalf, Defensive Coordinator,
John Carroll Catholic High School (AL)
Developing an Efficient Kickoff Team

Following a detailed teaching progression for
your kickoff team will maximize their potential.
By Juan Vasquez, Special Teams Coach, Florida A & M University
Getting the Most From Your Screen Game

An effective screen game is the perfect answer
to an overly-aggressive defense.
By Rich Holzer, Head Coach, Meade High School (MD)
Web Exclusives Articles only available at
AmericanFootballMonthly.com
Managing Your Program Spring Practice:
Make it About the Details and Development
with Keith Grabowski, Offensive Coordinator, Baldwin Wallace University
Heres a sample of the articles

you can look forward
to in May:
t Understanding Coverages and Attacking Them

t Running the Triple Option in the Pistol
t Organization of Weekly and Game Day Duties with a Short Staff
t Defending the Power Play
t 10 Common Errors in Your Strength and Conditioning Program
PLUS much more including online articles for subscribers only!
Not a Subscriber? Dont miss a single issue.

Subscribe today and get 10 issues for the low introductory price of $29.99 (Reg.$39)
Offer valid for new subscribers in the USA.
Online Priority Code: AFPR1304 t www.AmericanFootballMonthly.com
M O N T H L Y
www.AmericanFootballMonthly.com
Editor & Publisher: John Gallup

jgallup@AFMmedia.com
Managing Editor: Rex Lardner
rlardner@AFMmedia.com
any of the high school teams we profile in AFM are prominent, successful programs that
have great facilities and are very well-funded. They can afford top-of-the-line equipment,
uniforms and the latest football innovations.
But there are also hundreds of other programs that struggle just to acquire basic equipment in order
to compete. Many such schools are located in districts that have suffered from significant budget cuts
in recent years and where dollars in the community are often scarce. For these programs, any help from
the outside is deeply appreciated and sometimes necessary simply to field a team.
CytoSport, which is one of the largest sports nutrition companies in the US and the maker of Muscle
Milk, recognized that many high school athletic departments could use a helping hand and they
were in a position to give back. So last year they announced the creation of the Muscle Milk Recovery
Grant Program pledging a total of $250,000 in grants to high school athletic departments to meet
urgent needs. High schools were invited to submit grant requests that demonstrated a need and a
financial hardship directly to Muscle Milk or post their stories on a special Facebook page devoted to
the program.
Over 600 grant applications were received, many written by students. Quite a number included
videos that documented deteriorating equipment and sub par facilities. We have been amazed by the
tremendous stories that have been told through the grant applications, said CytoSport Chief Marketing
Officer Nikki Brown. Whether the recipient school needs updated uniforms, safe workout equipment
or upgraded facilities, one of the major themes within every application is the sense of pride that will
be instilled with each grant. We are so excited to be able to assist in the development of these studentathletes and provide a brighter future for these athletic programs across the country.
CytoSport recently announced the 22 high schools that will share the grant money this year.
Whether the funds are used for new strength and conditioning equipment for Jasper County High
School in Monticello, Georgia or uniforms for the football team at Maplewood High School in Guys
Mills, Pennsylvania or any of the other 20 worthwhile athletic department needs, the Muscle Milk
Recovery Grant funds will provide a much-needed boost to athletic programs across the country.
This is a huge blessing. You dont know how much stress lifts when you come into a season not
wondering if you have a budget, said Brian Burks, head football coach at Compton High School in
California, one recipient of grant funds. This grant is going to provide basic football equipment for us
so now we can afford things that championship teams have.
If your team has a desperate need for new or updated equipment or facilities
and youre also facing a financial hardship, you can apply for a 2013-14 Muscle
Milk Recovery Grant beginning in June. Look for notifications in upcoming AFM
e-newsletters or keep an eye on the programs Facebook page for information
about how to apply.
Thanks, Muscle Milk, for helping athletic programs survive in these difficult
financial times. We hope other companies will follow your lead.
John Gallup
Editor & Publisher
Design & Production:

Scott Corsetti
scottcorsetti@gmail.com
Contributing Writers:
Dale Baskett, Steve Dorsey, Bryon Hamilton
and David Purdum
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Charlotte Vann
cvann@AFMmedia.com
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mtaylor@AFMmedia.com
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Camp Season
The NFL High School Player Development program presented by the National
Guard conducts free camps for high school players that combine football skills
teaching with character development lessons.
ummer is right around the corner, and

that means that it will soon be time
for football camps for high school athletes to begin. Camps have become a popular
way for high school players to get meaningful
instruction and work on their fundamentals in
the months leading up to the season.
If you could design the perfect football camp,
what would it be like?
Naturally, you would include drills to improve
athletes football skills. Having a multi-day schedule of position-specific and team drills that have
been developed and used by a collegiate coaching staff would be ideal. To make sure that each
athlete was getting personalized instruction, you
would have a staff of experienced coaches ready
to offer guidance and advice.
Your perfect camp would be free for all partici-
www.nflhspd.com
pants so that even disadvantaged young athletes

could attend. To help participants become better
individuals off the field, you would organize instruction sessions on how to be more successful
at school, at home, and in the community.
The perfect football camp is not a fantasy, but
a reality made possible by the NFL High School
Player Development program presented by the
National Guard. Every year, at various locations
around the country, the HSPD program stages
five-day camps for high school football players,
primarily in underserved communities. Last year,
the program hosted over 40,000 athletes at over
200 camps in all 32 NFL markets.
The HSPD camps feature football skill development drills and instruction based on a practice plan developed each year by a leading FBS
coach and his staff. This year, University of Miami
Head Coach Al Golden and the Hurricane coaching staff worked with the HSPD program to prepare a written plan and an accompanying DVD
that will be used as the basis of football instruction and drills at the 2013 camps. Individual instruction on fundamentals is followed by group
instruction including 7-on-7 drills and linemen
challenge competitions.
The HSPD camps are free to all participants.
While traditional football camps cost hundreds
of dollars and are out of reach for many, HSPD
camps offer a top-quality football experience to
all high school players, regardless of their ability
to pay. Its the commitment that the NFL and the
National Guard have to helping young athletes
everywhere that makes the camps possible.
Perhaps what most separates the HSPD camps
from all other football camps is their character
Special Advertising Feature
development program. Every HSPD camp participant takes part in a characterbuilding session,
conducted by coaches and National Guardsmen,
designed to help individuals be more successful
in the classroom, in the community, and at home.
The sessions, which are often held in classroom
settings, provide lessons in leadership, sportsmanship, time management, and citizenship as
well as timely topics such as social media and
cyberbullying. The character-building activities
are reinforced in the HSPD Planner, which is a calendar datebook that is given to every participant.
help them organize their own practices. Plus, being affiliated with the NFL is an association that
can benefit any coach.
The combination of football instruction provided by a top FBS program and taught by an
experienced staff of coaches, character development sessions that are invaluable to high school
athletes facing lifes challenges, and a take-home
planner that has lasting impact all combine to
make the camps of NFL High School Player Development program presented by the National
Guard the perfect football camps for high school
are giving young men something they can take

with them for the rest of their lives through the
character development part of the program. Youre
also helping each player develop better football
skills and allowing young athletes a chance to be
associated with a great football brand, the NFL.
Information about camp dates and locations
in your area can easily be found at the NFLs comprehensive web site devoted to the HSPD www.
NFLHSPD.com. Simply visit the site, click on HSPD
and then Sites and search for sites by state or zip
code. You can contact the site manager for more
In addition to character-related lessons, the planners contain information on a wide variety of topics that can be helpful in athletes daily lives.
Site managers for the HSPD camps, many of
whom are coaches from the local community,
are assisted in managing the football activities
by local high school coaches interested in giving
back to the game. Coaches receive the satisfaction of supporting a worthwhile program in their
area along with many other benefits. They can
network with other coaches and learn different
coaching techniques that can be brought back
to their programs. They receive complimentary
copies of the DVD and practice plan that can
players. The amazing fact that they are free to all

participants is icing on the cake.
As a football coach, your involvement in the
HSPD program can take several forms. First and
most simply, you can promote participation in a
camp in your area to athletes on your team and
other teams in the region who you believe would
benefit by taking part in a local camp. You can
reach out directly to players and other coaches,
promote through your league or state association, or contact your local media. According to
HSPD Regional Director and legendary coach Bill
McGregor, youll be providing a valuable service.
By promoting the HSPD program, he said, you
information about your local camp or camps.

If youre interested in taking a more active
role in the HSPD camps, you can contact the site
manager for a camp in your area and express
your interest in coaching at the camp. You can
also contact the NFL directly on the HSPD web
site by clicking the Get Involved tab.
The bottom line for coaches is that the NFLs
HSPD program presents a great opportunity to give
back to the game and also benefit personally. For
your athletes, the HSPD camps present a chance
to take part in Americas premier football skills and
character development programs and become a
better football player and individual. p
GET INVOLVED IN 2013 If youre a coach who wants to share your expertise with athletes in your area, you can contact the NFL HSPD program and volunteer your services as a
coach at your local camp. If you can spare more time and would really like to give something back to the game, you can organize a new HSPD camp in your region. Either way, youll be part of
the nations best summer camp program for deserving athletes improving football skills and building character with the NFL HSPD program presented by the National Guard.
For more information, visit www.NFLHSPD.com and enter the promo code AFM413.
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800-472-6766
Creating an Edge
In the Off-Season
#Z3PC5BZMPStOwner and FoundertSmarter Team Training
ootball players are getting faster. The process of increasing speed is two-fold. You
must perform sprints as you would on
game day, but you also have to increase
lower-body strength and power.
If you are looking for an edge this off-season,
or just trying to add a new dynamic to the predictable programming, maybe it is time to revisit
what you are doing in the weight room and during your conditioning sessions. Many programs
across the country base their strength program
on percentages. With multiple reps and set
schemes that are touted as the best, one must
question if any are really better than the other.
When you look at your program, why do you
have a separate plan for the core lifts, but expect
the muscles that are trained during the auxiliary
lifts to respond any differently to strength training? Do these muscles need any less attention?
Here are questions you may want to consider
when developing your program:
the weak links of the body. Be sure to choose an

appropriate weight for your players fitness level.
Remember that they can always place the resistance on the floor or rack and complete the following protocols with their body weight as their
resistance to promote a safe and effective training environment. Novice trainees can use these
dumbbell exercises as a workout, and advanced
athletes may even use these as intense finishing
touches to a great training session.
Add these strength training protocols to your
weekly schedule to strengthen the muscles used
when playing. By utilizing single-joint and multijoint exercises, players can effectively overload
the muscles involved in developing their strength
and speed by encouraging muscular growth,
stamina, and power through consistent training. Use these three protocols to enhance their
strength, practice honing their running skills, and
continue to develop on a consistent basis.
#2 Which muscles and joints are susceptible

to injury throughout the season?
Not all athletic movements come from the same

starting stance. Strengthening the entire range of
motion is important for optimal speed gains.
Description:
Execute this circuit two to three times with

minimal rest between exercises. Discipline your
players to maintain good form, adhere to each
protocols expectations, and accept the mental
and physical challenge.
Lunge Pauses
5-5-5 Calf Raises
By focusing on the muscles of the upper leg

and hips, players will be able to develop strength,
power, and provide more force back and down
into the ground which will drive their body forward at a faster rate while sprinting, blocking, or
jumping.
Strengthen the foot and ankle to allow more

transfer of energy from the powerhouse muscle
groups to the ground.
#3 Which muscles and joints are used while

playing football?
The answer needs to be all of them. Your
strength program needs to address the entire
body. Football players are neither bodybuilders
nor weight lifters. If your team doesnt address
strengthening the head, neck, and upper back,
rotator cuff, grip and forearms, groin and ankles,
is it truly a comprehensive program? Each coach,
parent, and player needs to ask, Why doesnt our
plan address these areas 2-3 times per week?
Would you skip game planning for special teams?
Then why would you not prepare the entire body
for the violence of this collision sport?
Here are a few protocols that you can use to
help your team develop competition:
Focus on proper technique and strengthen
Power Zone Squats
Have players stand with feet shoulder width

apart and dumbbells at their side. Complete a
full, deep squat. Then a three-quarter squat. Next
a half-squat. And finally a quarter-squat. All in a
controlled manner. This is one rep. Hold them accountable and maintain good technique. When
more than ten reps can be completed, increase the
resistance or slow down the speed of each rep.
DB STRENGTH CIRCUIT
#1 Which muscles and joints are used to
enhance speed?
ders above their hip, maintaining a good spine

position. Lower the back knee until it is just one
inch off the ground. Pause in this position for 30
seconds. As soon as the time is up, have them
complete as many full range reps up and down
in a controlled manner while maintaining contact with the knee and wall until fatigue sets in.
Keep track of the number of proper repetitions
they can complete successfully. When they can
achieve more than ten reps, plan to use a heavier
dumbbell for the next workout.
Description:
Hold a dumbbell in each hand at their side
while facing a wall. Slide the right foot toward
the base of the wall. Then bend the right knee
so that the knee is now touching the wall. With
the left leg, have them step back and align their
left knee under their left hip with their shoul-
Description:
When your athletes have tapped out of the
squat protocol, and while still holding the dumbbells by their side, have them stand in a comfortable position with their back toward the wall.
Now, think calf raise. This protocol has a fivesecond up phase, five-second isometric phase or
hold at the top, and a five-second down phase.
Balance and motor control will be tested, too.
But strong feet and ankles are what separate the
best sprinters from the average runner.

The closer you can match your training with
the intensity, duration and recovery of a football
game, the better your athletes will perform late
in games when your opponents are running out
of gas. Have them meet with their position coach
to establish a list of routes for their position. Run
these routes as agility drills one day a week.
Then, on non- consecutive days, perform sprints
with changes of direction, resisted sprints, jumps
into sprints and reaction drills. Feel free to get
creative with your drills, but remember, the closer these drills mirror specific positions, the more
effective they will be.
Use this six-week game template as a starting
point to time your drills:
Six weeks before camp: Two quarters of 20 minutes, 17 and 18 reps per quarter and 2 minutes
between quarters (35 plays with 40 seconds rest
between plays/drills).
Five weeks before camp: Two quarters of 20
minutes, 20 reps per quarter and 2 minutes
Four weeks before camp: Three quarters of 15
minutes, 15 reps per quarter and 2 minutes
Three weeks before camp: Three quarters of 20
minutes, 17, 17 and 16 reps per quarter, and 2
minutes between quarters (50 plays with 34 seconds rest between plays).
Two weeks before camp: Four quarters of 15
minutes, 15, 15 and 10 reps per quarter, and two
minutes between quarters (55 plays with 32 seconds rest between plays).
One week before camp: Four quarters of 15
minutes, 15 reps per quarter and two minutes
between plays).
If your players cant meet with your coaches,
try some of the suggested routes. Remember
to work on improving your footwork on both
offense and defense, and practice each pattern
on both sides of the formation. For best results, combine conditioning on the field with a
strength-training program in the gym. V
About the Author: Rob Taylor is the founder and
owner of Smarter Team Training. You can reach
him at his email coachtaylor@smarterteamtraining or his web site www.smarterteamtraining.
com. A regular contributor to AFM, Coach Taylors
latest blog is at AmericanFootballMonthly.com.
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Weight Training for Speed in a

High School Environment Part II
This is part II of the Speed Report that focuses on improving
speed for your players in the weightroom.
By Dale Baskett t Football Speed Specialist

Fred Eaves t Strength and Conditioning Coach,
Battle Ground Academy (TN)
The Squat
The next area of emphasis for speed development in the weight room is a staple in every
coachs strength program. It is the squat and its
different variations. The squat is an exercise that
builds tremendous leg and core strength which
are both needed to apply force into the ground
in order to generate speed and power. The overhead squat, back squat, and front squat form the
base of our core lower body exercises.
We will squat twice per week with one session
being heavy and one session being light and dynamic. On our light and dynamic day, we will squat
with tremendous speed. I am not concerned with
the amount of weight on the bar. I am only concerned with how fast we move it. I will not let our
athletes train heavier than 60% for a top set on our
light days. We constantly stress a fast, dynamic,
controlled movement on the dynamic squat day.
One of the biggest mistakes a coach can make is to
squat too heavy too often. Squatting heavy before
a speed training session can be very detrimental
to your speed development.
The athlete should not be feeling sore before a
speed training session. We train on a three-day total body split with two days for speed/agility movement. Monday is a total body emphasis, Wednesday is an upper body emphasis, and Friday is our
lower body emphasis. The exercise listed number 1
is the most important and heaviest lift of that day
(See our training set-up chart).
We use this training set-up due to the limited
amount of time we have with our athletes. I only
have 30 minutes to train my athletes each day
so it is important that we make the most out of
each rep of each session. We always super set the
upper and lower body exercise for the day due to
our time constraints. We train speed and agility
on Tuesday and Thursday. Our workout is set-up
to squat heavy on the last day of the week. This
allows us to get quality speed development during those sessions. Our athletes are not trying
to recover from a heavy squat workout during a
speed training session.
10
Training squats heavy multiple times in a

weekly cycle will not only adversely effect speed
training, but it will also hurt strength levels. This
will limit the athletes ability to apply force to
the ground. Great care should be taken to make
sure that athletes are not being overtrained
through poor periodization and planning with
the squats. There has to be recovery time in between strength and speed sessions in order to
maximize the training effect on your players.
Single Leg and Plyometric Training
Movement in sports mainly occurs on one leg,
so it makes sense that single leg training should
be a significant part of any coachs strength training program for speed. We incorporate several
single leg strength exercises such as the boxstep up, Bulgarian split squat, multi-directional
lunges, single leg rdls, and single leg plyometrics into our training program. We focus on great
technique, proper movement patterns, and developing strength in our single leg training. We
usually do our single leg training on the heavy
upper body emphasis day. We like to alternate

box step ups, Bulgarian split squats, and the
lunge series on a rotational cycle. This allows us
to constantly train heavy and avoid plateaus in
our periodization cycle. We want to stress that we
never sacrifice technique for weight. We stress to
our athletes that we want the heaviest amount
of weight you can lift with perfect technique
This is another way in which we try to establish
proper movement patterns with our athletes.
Plyometric training is another area in which
we work to enhance our speed. Our Olympic lifts
serve as our main plyometric exercise, but we do
incorporate other plyometric movements once
we feel our athletes have a proper foundation to
progress. I would advise being conservative with
plyometric training. Many high school athletes
are not physically prepared for the added rigors
of plyometric training. We begin with double leg
exercises such as hops and progress to single
leg exercises such as bounding and single leg
bounds. It is very important to have a carefully
planned plyometric program with high school
athletes in order to help prevent injury.
Posterior Chain Training

Training the posterior chain is essential to maximizing the speed of your athletes. The posterior
chain is largely made up of four muscle groups:
the glutes, the hams, the calves, and the spinal
erectors. For years, coaches have spent too much
time on the front side of the body while neglecting one of the most important aspects of speed
development. We can train the posterior chain
through proper deep squats and the Olympic
lifts, but we also use a variety of other exercises
to make sure we have balance in our training. We
work our way up in these exercises from a beginner to an advanced level. Here are some examples
of our posterior chain training program:
Beginner:
1. Supine Bridges
2. Stability Ball Leg Curls
3. Bird Dogs
4. Curl Ups
5. Bridges and Planks
Intermediate:
1. Single Leg Supine Bridges
2. Single Leg Stability Ball Leg Curls
3. Sweeping Bird Dogs (Not letting the knee and
hand touch the ground throughout the rep)
4. Kettle Bell Swings
5. Kettle Bell Goblet Squats
Advanced:
1. Plyometric Bird Dogs (A very fast controlled
raise of the arm and leg of the bird dog)
2. Good Mornings
3. Hyperextensions (Very controlled - making
sure we are not over extending)
4. Glute Ham Raises
5. Russian Leans
6. RDLs
7. Single Leg RDLs
8. Back Squat and Front Squat
9. The Clean and The Snatch p
(Dale Baskett and Coach Eaves have worked
together for three seasons)
About the Author: Fred Eaves is the strength and conditioning coach at Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee.
He has 16 years of experience that includes coaching at LSU,
Tennessee, and Tennessee-Chattanooga. Eaves has been the
strength and conditioning coach for three Tennessee state
champions.
Coach Baskett began his career as a football speed coach in 1979. During the last 34
years hes consulted and trained hundreds
of coaches and thousands of athletes nationwide. In the last year he has worked directly with high schools in California, Texas,
Minnesota, Kansas, and Pennsylvania. Over
the last few years he has also consulted with Texas Tech,
Ohio State, USC, University of Washington, and the University of Mount Union. You can reach him directly for
more information or if you have specific questions on
your training program. Coach Baskett is at dbspeedt@
hotmail.com and 858-568-3751.
11
SAFETY
FIRST
CULTURE SHIFT
Changing the Culture of Football to Reduce Violent Injuries
By Sam Spiegelman
FL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently

addressed the Harvard School of Public
Health and talked about the leagues number one priority ensuring the safety of the players. But, beyond that, he talked about changing
the culture of the game in a way that reduces the
injury risk to the maximum extent possible especially the risk of head injury. Goodell went on to say
that the culture of change for player safety is our
biggest challenge.
There is more concern today about player
safety than ever before at all levels of football.
Along with the NFL, colleges, high schools and
youth organizations are attempting to change
the culture of the game including reducing the
glorification of violence.
What does this culture change mean to the
NFL? The emphasis has to be on safety first and
a complete awareness of medical issues by all
of our coaches and players, said Jeff Miller, the
NFLs Senior Vice President for Public Affairs. This
can be accomplished by our rules changes and
the enforcement of those rules.
To understand more about concussions, former NFL players have met with Armed Forces
veterans about the subject. The symposiums the
two groups have had improved overall awareness. Like a player that doesnt want to leave a
game, a military man in combat does not want
to leave his post. But in terms of safety protocol,
both look out for their teammates. This is part of
changing that culture being aware of a teammates injury and acting on it, said Miller.
Television is also a big factor in influencing
the culture of the game. Every NFL game is televised along with hundreds of college games and
more and more high school games each year.
The NFL has had ongoing discussions with their
TV partners about culture change. We want to
make sure that all announcers interpret the playing rules correctly, said Miller. That is, what constitutes a penalty and what doesnt.
For fans also, its important that they understand the game should be played by the rules
and enforced as such, added Miller. The NFL
has a trickle down effect that goes all the way to
Pop Warner. If youth players can see that the NFL
is blocking and tackling the correct way, it can
affect the coaches and players of youth leagues
so that the proper techniques and fundamentals

are taught. We work with USA Football in educating fans, coaches, parents and the kids on the
importance of teaching the game the right way.
Teaching the fundamentals of the sport the
right way is critical. Youngsters are watching
each level of football, watching how their heroes
play on Saturdays and Sundays, even Friday night
at the high school games, said Nick Inzerello,
Director of Football Operations at USA Football.
Theyre observing how players conduct themselves, how they tackle, how they play the game,
so its critical we get it right at every level. What
the NFL is doing to make the game better, safer
its tremendous leadership and they believe in
This is part of changing

that culture being aware of
a teammates injury and
acting on it.
Jeff Miller
NFLs Senior Vice President for Public Affairs
what were doing for youth football in terms of enforcing player safety. When kids watch at home,
this is what theyre going to see, so when they go
out to practice its really going to grab hold.
USA Footballs premier player safety initiative is
the Heads Up Football Program, a comprehensive
approach to further the education of youth coaches and trainers as to proper tackling techniques,
concussion awareness and ensuring equipment is
fitted to ensure maximum protection.
The program delves deep into the fundamentals of the game, instructing youth players to
strike ball carriers in an ascending manner while
keeping their head up. It gives coaches, parents
and trainers a crash course in concussion symptoms and proper protocol as to how to monitor
the situation and how to receive the necessary
medical clearance before players are eligible to
return to the field. And it gives coaches a better
understanding of how those layers of padding
and helmets are supposed to fit, while encouraging parents to do what they do best ask questions to ensure the equipment fits correctly.
The Heads Up Football Program provides those
involved with youth football an important insight
PRESENTED BY
12
W W W. X E N I T H . C O M
to the ins and outs of safety. By beginning this education at the youth level, officials are confident
coaches, parents and players grow accustomed to
these necessary precautions and gain a better understanding of the severity of concussions, game
technique and proper equipment fitting that will
stay in the back of their minds as players climb
through the high school, college and, perhaps,
professional ranks.
Each of these groups of people really help to
make the game better and safer. Working with
parents, educating them on these key items,
parents are more observant as to whats going
on during practices, Inzerello said. Coaches can
instruct players, and players have to look out for
each other. If their teammate doesnt feel right,
they need to know its OK to speak up to create a
safer experience.
Part of the culture change is about communication in the sport. Coaches, parents, and fans
are now getting away from expressions such as
light him up and knock his head off. Parents,
coaches, and volunteers need to choose their
words wisely when communicating with players.
Its a step toward changing the perception that
football is fueled by violence instead of fundamentals that build success. We can get carried
away with our words and messages sent to 8-to10-year olds, said Andy Ryland, Football Development Manager at USA Football.
Some in the equipment industry have also expressed concern about footballs future. Vin Ferrara, founder and CEO of helmet manufacturer
Xenith, has strong opinions about why changing
the culture of football is necessary for the games
long term survival. Football has evolved over
decades into something it was not intended to
be, and the sport is often played in an extreme
way, he said. The extreme form of football must
be eliminated, so the benefits of the game, including teamwork, selflessness, overcoming adversity, and achieving goals, can be maximized.
Whether its discouraging dangerous collisions, building more awareness of how to play
safer, or taking the language of violence out of
the game, the culture of football is changing at
all levels. The challenge will continue to be how
to make the sport safer while maintaining its extraordinary intensity and competition. p
2%0/24
$2),,3
NO PADS, NO PROBLEM
Five drills to improve your defensive line fundamentals
without the use of helmets and shoulder pads.
#Z3PO$PPLtDefensive CoordinatortLumberton High School (NC)
ts that time of year when coaches are attending clinics and analyzing
film from the 2012 season to improve individual and overall team performance. Ive learned some training season drills that can improve your
defensive line play in between strength and conditioning sessions. These are
everyday drills that I use to improve get-off reaction, hand speed, separation, leverage, and pass rush without the use of helmets and shoulder pads.
Whether youre training inside during the winter or outside during the spring,
these drills can be applied in any place during your training session.
Drill #1: Ball Drop (Diagram 1)

Purpose: To improve reaction time during the first step of get-off with a
secondary emphasis on shooting hands to attack a blocker.
Equipment needed: At least two tennis balls or any type of rubber ball, no
bigger than the palm of your hand, which provides a good bounce.
Setting up the drill: Establish a visible line of scrimmage. Separate the
defensive line into two single file lines at the line of scrimmage. The coach
stands four yards away and in between both lines of players with one tennis ball in each hand.
Executing the drill: Standing at four yards away, the coach will extend both
of his arms out to the side at shoulder height with a ball in each hand. The
two defensive linemen who are ready to go will get into a three-point stance,
crowding the line of scrimmage. Each player will be lined up directly in front of
the coachs left and right hand. Both players will key the hand directly in front
of them and when the coach opens his hands to drop the balls, both players will fire out of their stances. After firing out, each player must shoot their
hands on air, locking out the elbows and catch the ball after one bounce.
Reps: Each player will get at least two reps from the left and right sides.
You can also turn it into a competition and set up defensive tackles vs. defensive ends.
Coaching Point: Continue to emphasize a good first step and a flat back
for pad level. The way I teach a good first step to my defensive line is by telling them that their first step should always replace the down hand (same
hand, same foot concept). If pad level becomes too high, start dropping
the balls a little closer to the surface. As this improves, back up a yard. If
outside on grass, use the track if available or push the balls to the grass
instead of just dropping them.
Drill #2: 3 Shield Hand Violence (Diagram 2)

Purpose: To improve hand speed from the ground and locking out an opponent.
Equipment needed: Three hand shields.
Setting up the drill: Have three players hold one shield each. One defensive
lineman will line up on all fours in a six-point stance with fingers touching
the ground. The players holding the shields will line up directly in front of
the defender in the shape of a triangle, two shields side by side and slightly
turned in toward the defender. The third shield is centered directly behind
the front two.
Executing the drill: The coach designates which one of the players with
the first two shields will start the drill. On the coachs signal, the player
designated to begin the drill will quickly step toward the defender with
his shield. The defender must shoot
his hands from the ground as quickly
as possible and lock out the pad and
return his hands to the ground directly afterwards. The player holding the
shield will slide off to the side and the
second player holding the next shield
will quickly step toward the defender
in the same way the first player did. The
defender repeats the same action with
his hands. Finally, the player holding
the third shield will step straight ahead
toward the defender and the defender
will finish the drill by fully locking out
the pad with a flat back and eyes up.
Reps: Depending on time, each player
will get one to two reps.
Coaching Point: Eyes, head, and
thumbs up every time the defender
shoots his hands and locks out the
pads. Hands should quickly recoil after
each strike and fingers go back to the
ground before striking the next pad. On
the last pad, the defender should never Diagram 2: Shield Hand Violence
allow his body to touch the ground
while locking out.
Drill #3: Wipe Drill (Diagram 3)

Purpose: To teach defensive linemen how to regain leverage from a defeated position and escape the blocker when the ball is more than two
gaps away.
Equipment needed: None
Diagram 1: Ball Drop
14
blocking their defender in that direction. The defender must lock out the
blocker and regain leverage by getting the blockers shoulders turned. I
will blow the whistle to stop them where they stand. I will blow the whistle
and point in the opposite or same direction to get them started again.
Reps: Three to four reps at one time.
Diagram 3: Wipe Drill

Setting up the drill: Split the players up into two lines, one offense and
one defense. The players will partner up and run the drill one group at a
time. The side designated as the defense will get into a fit position (eyes
and thumbs up, grabbing the V of the neck with bent elbows and knees)
with the blocker. The blocker will grab the defender on his shoulders and
place his head on the shoulder of the defender in the direction they are
going. If the defender is going left, then the blockers head is on the defenders left shoulder.
Executing the drill: Each defender will start out going left. On the coachs
command, the blocker will sprint laterally to his right and do his best to
reach or cut off the defender. The defender must immediately lock out the
blocker and push with his left hand. Once the defender locks out and gets
his face to the left, he will execute a wipe by taking his right hand off the
blocker and use the inside of his forearm to come across the wrists of the
blocker as hard and quick as possible. His goal is to knock his hands off and
to get the defenders shoulders and momentum finishing in the direction
of the ball carrier.
Reps: One going to the left and one going to the right.
Coaching Point: The blocker must hold the defender tightly and not just let
go when the wipe is executed but make him work. The wipe cannot be executed until the defender has locked out the blocker. Keep good pad level.
Coaching Point: Keep good pad level. I still stress the first step in this drill
and do not allow my defensive line to shuffle; we want to always create a
new LOS. On the last rep, I will give two quick whistles that tell them to rip
and escape the block.
Drill #5: Tag Drill (Diagram 5)

Purpose: Emphasize get off, aiming point, pad level, and bending towards
the quarterback in pass rush.
Equipment needed: Four cones, four tennis balls or four towels.
Setting up the drill: Establish a line of scrimmage as a starting point for
the defenders. Place each cone four yards behind the LOS. Place each towel
or tennis ball slightly behind and to the right of each cone. Each player will
line up at the LOS to the left of the cone. Another player will line up as an
offensive lineman opposite the defender.
Executing the drill: On the coachs command, the offensive player will kick
step or backpedal toward the cone as fast as he can. The defender must
get off with low pad level and beat the blocker to the cone. The defender
must be able to dip his right shoulder and pick up the towel or tennis ball
behind the cone.
Reps: Two left side and two right side.
Coaching Point: I will break this drill down into stages. Stage #1: just use
cones and towels, no blocker. Stage #2: use cones, towels, blockers. Stage
#3: just have blockers going straight back. p
Drill #4: Base & Steer (Diagram 4)

Purpose: Teach understanding of feeling leverage, leverage change, and
to regain leverage.
Equipment needed: None.
Setting up the drill: Players partner up and coach decides which side is
defense. The coach will stand behind the defense so that the blockers can
see him. I usually let at least two pairs go at the same time.
Executing the drill: The defenders are in the fit position and the blockers
have their hands on the defenders shoulders while being able to see the
coach. On the whistle, I will point left or right and the blockers will begin
Diagram 5: Tag Drill

About the Author: Ron Cook is now the new Defensive Coordinator at Lumberton High School (NC). He previously was the DC at nearby Red Springs High
School. Cook has 11 years of experience as a coach, spending six seasons on the
college level. He has also coached at both Montclair State and American International College. Cook played collegiately at both Virginia Tech and Delaware.
Diagram 4: Base & Steer
15
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coach and Kenny Guillot of Parkview Baptist in Baton Rouge the
Louisiana 3A Champion for the 4th time in 11 years.
AP/Austin-American Statesman, Rodolfo Gonzalez
Can you sum up what your 2012 state

championship meant to you, your
team and the community?
16
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Beatty: These young men fought

a lot of adversity from the beginning of the season and really
focused on one game at a time. It
was very special for our community as
well as our team. The Trinity community understands how difficult it is to get to the state
championship.
Willis: It was a great experience for our kids and our
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the work our kids and coaches put into this season result in our first
state championship in football. For our team, it established the standard for where and how we want to finish each season.
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Guillot: Last year, we were forced to overcome

adversity, as one of our returning O-linemen
passed away in February. This team might not
have been our most talented group, but we were
united. It was a very special championship for everyone on the team and in the community.
How long have you been using the CoachComm
Tempest FX sideline communication system?
Beatty: We just purchased the system for last
season.
Guillot: When we played our championship

game at the Superdome, we were concerned because they had moved the press box way up. But
our Tempest FX system worked fine.
How many coaches do you have on the sideline
and in the box during a game? Do you use different channels for different groups of coaches?
Beatty: We have five people up in the box and six
people on the field. We use two different channels and I can switch from offense to defense at
the touch of a switch.
Guillot: For us, the noise cancelling and the comfort of the Bose headsets is the biggest thing.
Were a 3A school, and we often play in small
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Theyve made a huge difference.
How would you rate CoachComm in terms
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Willis: This was our second season

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How would you compare the system
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How did your system perform in the playoffs
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Beatty: The system performed perfectly. When
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Willis: We have six on the sideline and five in the

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What are the most important features
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Guillot: CoachComms customer service is unbelievable! We have even called them on Saturday
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17
THE ART OF THE
These times can be the ultimate challenge for coaches overcoming a deficit by combining strategic
adjustments on offense and or defense and motivational words that inspire players not to give up.
What are the adjustments needed, both offensively and defensively, to come back and win. What
halftime philosophy and strategy should you use when your opponent is way ahead? Do you tweak
your game plan or throw it out completely? What clock management strategy can help your offense?
Does your run to pass play ratio change as you attempt a comeback?
18
Don Adkins of TakeTheShot-Photography.Com
Every coach faces situations where his team is trailing at halftime or late in games.
Rallying your team from a big deficit requires

adjustments, inspiration and composure.
By By
David
AFMPurdum
Editorial Team
o team made more comebacks last

fall than Nebraska. The Cornhuskers
won four conference games when
trailing at halftime, including two on
the road. In September, at home, they spotted
Wisconsin a 20-3 lead in the first half and roared
back for a 30-27 win. They also dug themselves
out of a 20-6 hole against Penn State in Lincoln,
but rallied to win, 32-23. In late October, Nebraska
also trailed Northwestern, 14-10 at the half and
later 28-16 in the fourth quarter but came back
to win, 29-28. Two weeks later the Cornhuskers
rallied from a 7-3 deficit in Iowa to prevail, 137. In perhaps their most dramatic comeback of
the year, they trailed Michigan State 24-14 in the
fourth quarter but scored two touchdowns, the
winning one with six seconds left, to win 28-24.

Head Coach Bo Pelini attributed the teams
ability to overcome adversity to the Cornhuskers
maturity. We had great senior leadership on our
football team, and they had a mindset that those
deficits didnt bother them, he told AFM. I dont
know if we would have been able to do that the
previous year, or the year before that. The ability to make those comebacks required mental
toughness, it required a belief in each other, and
belief in the team.
Pelini pointed out that perhaps the most important factor in mounting a comeback is the
ability to remain calm despite being in a difficult
situation. The Penn State game, I remember specifically, he recalled. We were down 14 points at
the half, and there was not a sense of panic by

anybody. Our guys were as calm as could be, almost to the point where I was taken aback with
how calm they were. They just had the mindset
of OK, lets go. We know what we have to do lets go do it. They were just into the adjustments
and talking about what we needed to do. It was a
businesslike kind of approach which is, from my
standpoint, what you like to see.
AFM asked nine other coaches about games
where they were trailing at halftime, in the third
quarter, or deep into the fourth quarter, but
mounted a comeback to win. While there was no
single comeback strategy that applied in every
situation, each coach used key adjustments to
ultimately pull out a win.
19
Situation: We have a unique rivalry with Warren

Central. They were undefeated when we played
them in the 2011 Indiana state playoffs. We lost
to them during the regular season and made adjustments from that loss. We went into the game
known as an option-based team with many of
the principles used by the Air Force Academy.
We were down 21-0 at halftime.
Adjustments: We decided to keep attacking on
offense, throwing the ball more on first down and
play the second half up-tempo and no-huddle.
They had shut down our number one receiver
so we asked our number two to step up and be
ready. We tweaked our game plan but the reality
was that we had to execute better. Defensively, we
told our guys they could not give up a big play in
the second half. They should play every play as if it
was their last play. We needed our defense to help
the offense and give them good field position.
Halftime Strategy: We told our players to continue to be aggressive, take it one play at a time and
that after we crossed the 50-yard line, we were
now in four down territory. We told them not to
get caught up emotionally in the second half.
Outcome: Our number two WR had a great second half and made a terrific catch on a fourth and
eight play on our last scoring drive. We scored to
win the game, 34-30, with about fifty seconds left.
young and take it a play at a time. Our offensive

goal was the same run the football effectively.
Defensively, we decided to be more aggressive
and put more pressure on their quarterback. We
needed to keep him in the pocket. We changed
to a front four and five and used zone blitzes to
stop their running game.
Halftime Strategy: I found that we werent communicating well defensively in the first half. We
made sure that the communication among the
players improved in the second half. That and
pressuring the quarterback were my two main
messages to the players.
BRIAN HALES
Adjustments: We focused on what we had to do

and calmed our players down. Offensively, we
changed our game plan and spread it out more
with play-action deep on first downs. We wanted
to take a shot and keep our opponent off balance.
We didnt want to be predictable. Even though
were a no-huddle team, we changed the game
plan by getting personnel in and out as quickly
as possible. We told both our defense and special teams that they needed to create turnovers.
Doug Brinkley, our defensive coordinator, made
a minor adjustment by using blitzing packages
our opponent had not seen before.
Head Coach, Butler High School (NC)

Situation: In 2009 I was the offensive coordinator
and we were playing at Richmond High School.
They were North Carolinas defending 4AA state
champions. We had never beaten them and we
trailed the entire game. With 11:51 left in the
fourth quarter, we were losing 31-17.
Adjustments: Nick Howlett, our offensive coordinator, decided to stay with our game plan and
re-group. We told our players the game was still
Halftime Strategy: Our strategy was to open up

our offense and make sure there was no doubt
about defensive assignments. We wanted to at-
20
A R T WA L K E R
Head Coach, North Allegheny High School
Situation: In 2011 we were down 14-0 at halftime to a non-conference opponent, Upper St.
Clair High School. Both our offense and defense
were stagnant.
Situation: In 2010 we trailed Eastern Oregon 12-0

when we committed two early turnovers and they
converted both into TDs. Even though we were
moving the football, we were beating ourselves.
Head Coach, Carroll College (MT)
Outcome: We scored with about ten minutes left

in the game to make it 31-24 and then stopped
them on a three and out. We scored on a 60-yard
touchdown pass to tie the game and then forced
a turnover. We scored the winning touchdown
with just over two minutes to play and won, 3831. It was a signature win for our program and
we went on to win our first state championship.
Outcome: Our adjustments worked and both

our offense and special teams played a great second half - we won, 49-12 shutting them out after
their first two scores.
Adjustments: We were playing it safe and too

conservative. We decided to open it up with a
five-step passing game and go to a no-huddle
package. It helped our clock management as we
tried to close the gap. We stayed with our original
game plan just made the 5-step game a major
part of our offense and adjusted our run/pass
selection to be primarily passing plays. We were
attacking them defensively with two sets of rules
and it wasnt working. We changed to one set of
rules against their triple option and we made sure
every defensive player knew his assignment.
M I K E VA N D I E S T
tack them both offensively and defensively and

try to get good field position.
Halftime Strategy: I spoke to our players about

attitude and not to be worried about being down,
14-0. We wanted a positive attitude from everyone
in the second half. I also told our defense they had
to make a stop on the opponents first possession.
Outcome: We scored a touchdown on the opening kickoff of the second half and then went
ahead in the fourth quarter. We made a final stop
with just over a minute left and won, 28-21. The
difference was our special teams play and our
defense creating turnovers.
Van Diest: Grant; Hales: Don Adkins of TakeTheShot-Photography.Com
KEVIN WRIGHT
Head Coach - Carmel High School (IN)
KEVIN KELLEY
Head Coach, Pulaski Academy (AR)
Situation: In 2009, we were losing to Camden
Fairview, 30-6 at halftime. Even with 13 minutes
to go, we were down, 30-13.
Adjustments: While primarily a passing team,
we made the decision to run more often, use
screens, and run crossing routes. Those three
changes along with some quick traps made
the difference. Defensively, our adjustments included bringing the safeties down and attacking
their offense with more blitzes. They were a zone
read team and we knew they were going to run
the ball. We adjusted in the second half to having
seven and sometimes eight in the box.
to use some Wildcat and Shotgun and mix things

up. On defense, the only adjustment we made
was stunting more to stop their jet sweep.
Halftime Strategy: When youre down like we
were, my philosophy is that you need a big offensive play to kick-start momentum on your
side. Your defense must also play lights out. I challenged the defense to play much better in the second half and give our offense good field position.
Outcome: We ran the skinny post on the first play

of the second half and scored (Diagram). We then
held them to two three and outs, scored three
more touchdowns with one being on a fumble
and went ahead, 27-21. They scored to tie the
game but we blocked the extra point and the
game went into overtime. We then stripped the
ball in OT sand won the game, 30-27, on a 37-yard
field goal.
Halftime Strategy: If were losing at halftime, Im

like a Southern Baptist preacher, ranting and raving. We then made our adjustments and I gave
them an emotional speech and told the players if
we executed with these adjustments, we can win
the game. Everyone was on the same page.
Outcome: The three changes we made offensively
running the trap, making use of the screen, and
having our receivers run crossing routes made
the difference. We went on to win, 40-30.
R H E T T FA R M E R
Head Coach, Piedmont Academy (GA)
Situation: We were down 21-0 at halftime to Flint
River Academy in the Georgia Region 4 Championship game last fall. We werent playing well on
either offense or defense.
Adjustments: Offensively, we made the adjustment to how they were covering our tight end.
They were playing outside leverage because we
were running a lot of banana and corner routes.
Being a run-dominant team, we knew they were
playing 8 in the box and man-to-man on our
tight end. We adjusted by running a skinny post
against their outside leverage. We also decided
Piedmont Academy - Pro Right 342 Y - Skinny

Notes - QB reverses out and fullback and tailback run play-action for lead/iso at middle LB; instead
of bootlegging, QB stays same side and reads free safety playing man on tight end.
X - Runs 7-yard out against man playing corner. Z runs 7-yard out against other corner playing man-to-man.
Y (Tight End) - Runs eight yards and plants right foot in the ground and breaks route to a skinny post
away from the free safety. Because they have eight in the box and they are man-to-man vs. our three
receivers, there is no -over-the-top help.
21
HINDS
Situation: We were playing Waukon High School
who was undefeated at the time. We were losing
the entire game and were trailing, 33-14, with six
minutes to play. In the game, we committed a
season high five turnovers.
Adjustments: They were containing our AllState wide receiver so we used him as a decoy
in the second half. We ran him in motion and
then ran counter plays with our other playmaker,
our quarterback. We ran counter and edge plays
which were plays the defense hadnt seen. We
also decided to use our no-huddle and twominute offense in the second half to limit time
off of the clock. Defensively we were not gap
sound and had to be if we had any shot in the
second half.
Halftime Strategy: My strategy at halftime is - if
youre losing is that you have to believe that
your defense can make stops. We also needed to
change our mentality and play our game for the
next 24 minutes.
Outcome: Our defense forced two turnovers,
we caught fire, and won, 34-33. The counter and
edge plays worked to perfection.
Halftime Strategy: After assessing the damage, I told our players there was plenty of time
but they had to execute each and every play.
Our goal was to put the clamps on their passing
game, especially Foster. The shift in our defense
was designed to do just that.
Outcome: We were able to shut down their
passing game and our counter game on offense
worked. We went on to win, 31-28.
BIELEMA
J O E H A D AC H E K
Head Coach, Union Community
High School (IA)
CO RY B I E L E M A
Head Coach, Morrison High School (IL)
Situation: We were playing a conference team,
Sterling Newman Central Catholic High School,
in the state quarterfinals in 2011. They had won
the regular season meeting and were up on us
12-0 in the playoff game.
DAN HINDS
Head Coach, Desert Vista High School (AZ)
Situation: We were down to the state Division
III Champions, Saguaro High School, 28-6 in a
game in 2011. Their All-State wide receiver, DJ
Foster, was killing us.
Adjustments: Defensively, we decided to go
with a three-man front and nickel package in
the second half, replacing our five-man front.
Essentially, we spread the field more with additional speed and decided to swarm on Foster.
We replaced two linemen with two more defensive backs. On offense, they were stopping our
fly sweep at the point of attack. They had been
rolling down a safety and shut down our two favorite plays our power and flex.
We decided to use the counter play to confuse them in the second half.
Adjustments: We needed to take away the pass,

which seems odd because Newman is a doubletight wishbone team. Our pre-game adjustment
was to add more bodies and size to the box to
combat their power running game. But they hurt
us with their play-action passing game. So our
halftime adjustment was to play more from our
base which we felt took away their passing keys,
inviting them to run the ball.
Halftime Strategy: While they were a quick and
strong team, we had more of a power run game
with our Wing-T offense. We needed to control
the ball for as long as we could in the second half.
We tweaked our game plan and didnt shelve it.
Outcome: We scored in the fourth quarter and
won the game, 15-12. Our team won the state
title that year. p
23

Team-building is an important tool for developing
cohesion among players.
By David Purdum
Al Groh, Defench has started a tradition of having his Isive

Doane Colleges football
players annually partake in
helping their community .
24
here is no exact blueprint for team-building, no scientific formula for team chemistry. But its easy to spot the teams that have it
and the teams that dont. Enthusiastic, focused sidelines and camaraderie that oozes off the bus are signs of a team with good
chemistry. Finger-pointing, listless practices and team cliques are signs of a program in need of a boost of team-building. But
how do you alter your teams chemistry? How do you create a sense of unity when your roster turns over significantly from year to year?
Answers vary, but it starts with effort. Team-building has to be a priority, like it is for these five successful head coaches, who each have
their own formulas for creating chemistry.
A Visit to the VA
Heading into his 20th season at Ithaca College, Head Coach Mike Welch always has made
team-building a priority. Hes constantly looking
for signs that his team may not all be on the same
page. He looks to see if cliques have developed
on his team in the offseason. But a lack of team
chemistry is most evident, he says, when times
are tough, after a loss or after a key player is lost
to injury. And by then, it may be too late.
days at Ithaca, both on and off the field. The fun

even extends an hour and a half away from campus
to the Bath Veterans Administration Hospital.
In association with the local branch of The
Elks Club, Ithaca football has been connected
with the VA hospital for decades. The Elks Club
annually takes patients from the VA hospital to
Bombers football games. Welch started a tradition of bringing the veterans onto the field after
a game and having the players come over and
express their appreciation.
Mike Welch has started a tradition of having his Ithaca team interact with veterans.
I think every coach must work hard to develop relationships with his players, he said. As a
coach, you cant have such an ego that you cant
listen. There might be something wrong that can
be fixed. Team chemistry is not all on players; its
on the whole organization.
Welch points to something his Hall of Fame
predecessor at Ithaca used to say. Jim Butterfield
always used to say, If I go down on that practice
field and dont hear someone laughing and having a good time before things get started, thats
when I start to worry, Welch said.
Theres plenty of laughing and good times these
Some Really Disgusting Pancakes

The team-building at Ottawa Universitys preseason bivouacking camp is infectious. The pancakes are not.
Its a trade Head Coach Kent Kessinger will
make every time.
Before August practice begins, Kessinger divides
the Braves into 10-man teams. Then, they head
out on a glorified camping trip at the peak of the
scorching hot Kansas summer. They stay overnight
Kent Kessinger began emphasizing team-building in his second year at Ottawa.
That tradition has grown to include a team visit to the hospital, an event Welch says is among
his programs best team-building exercises. On a
Saturday during the offseason, the Bombers load
up on a bus and journey over to bowl and play
pool during a day of fun with the veterans. Relationships are built; team chemistry is improved.
I think you become a better person when
you do things for others, rather than just yourself. The more our players are like that, I think it
helps the team, said Welch. Theyre giving up a
Saturday and as we all know, a student-athletes
time is very limited.
at a desolate camp site, splitting their time between

competing in intense events like blind-folded catch
and getting to know their teammates.
I want a senior lineman to know where a
freshman running back is from and how many
siblings he has, said Kessinger. What Ive noticed with our team that I think has been really
positive since weve been doing this is that there
is not a prevalent hierarchy of seniors, juniors
and sophomores and freshmen in how the team
hangs out together.
Downtime at the camp is limited. There is a
players-only meeting to determine the seasons
25
Ottawa University Sports Information
Kent Kessinger
Pete Shinnick
goals. There is a discussion of team rules. At night,

the team watches a movie together outside on the
side of the shelter. Some players sleep on the floor
in the rudimentary shelter; others bring tents.
Its hot, uncomfortable and the cuisine prepared by the players is far from five-star. Its always interesting when youre making pancakes
for 90-plus people, said Kessinger. Youve got
guys in there that barely know how to flip a pancake. There are some really disgusting pancakes
that we eat.
But the end result is invaluable to the Braves.
The camaraderie improves and so does the
teams confidence and trust in each other. Its
something you can see on the field.
Kessinger began emphasizing team-building
in his second year at Ottawa 2006. The Braves
went 1-9 that year, but that freshman class would
emerge as the catalysts to Ottawas emergence
as a NAIA playoff team. In 2009, led by the same
senior class that bonded at one of Kessingers
camps, the Braves went 11-1.
Im not going to say everything goes back
to the team-building, but they were a very tight
group, Kessinger said.
unity?
Now the head coach at UNC-Pembroke, Shinnick still strives to create team unity and regularly implements team-building activities. There
are dodge ball games and Kanacki tournaments,
a form of Frisbee football played with a tennis
ball. Navy Seal instructors are brought in to lead
special sessions.
But its the life stories, told by teammates to
their teammates publicly, that often have the
most lasting effects.
Weve had kids say, Hey, just so you guys
know, my moms been diagnosed with cancer or
I just met my dad yesterday, Shinnick recalls. I
heard Dick Tomey speak awhile ago. He shared
that he did this, and I said right then that I was going to start doing the life stories with my team.
The sharing process begins with a team meeting. Shinnick will hand pick around eight or nine
players to come up and answer 10 background
questions in front of the entire team. Questions
might include:
My Moms Been Diagnosed

with Cancer
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weaknesses?
t8IPJTUIFNPTUJOVFOUJBMQFSTPOJOZPVSMJGF
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Pete Shinnick was in his third season as a

head coach, when two of his Azusa Pacific players were injured in practice and had to be carted
off the field.
It shook his team.
The emergency room was a mile from campus. What Shinnick found when he arrived at the
scene made a permanent mark on him, one that
still influences his coaching today.
There were 25 players already there, kickers,
linebackers a few O-linemen, all sitting together,
waiting to find out what was going on with teammates, said Shinnick. When I saw that, obviously
I didnt want the injury or to be in the emergency
room, but I wanted the end result. I wondered
how I could get these guys into different groups
at different times during the season to create this
26
The team is then divided into groups that reassemble throughout the football facility. There
are groups in the weight room, the locker room
and meeting rooms. They all face each other in
circles and reveal elements of their life.
Its all designed to make sure Shinnick doesnt
walk out onto the practice field and see 100 individuals keeping to their self instead of one team
engaging with each other. We try to break down
those barriers immediately, said Shinnick. We
make them tell a life story immediately in the fall.
Every time they eat a meal during fall camp, you
have to eat with another position.
Unity is one of the core values, he continued.
From me doing these things and from seeing
it, its one of the things I think can take an aver-
age team to be a very good team, and very good

team to be an excellent team. I just think it carries you further when you got guys who believe
in each other and support each other.
An Annual Clean-Up
Doane Colleges football players annually partake in a community clean-up.
Each spring, usually in late April or early May,
we devote a Saturday to working in the community, said Head Coach Matt Franzen. We divide
the groups into eight players and a coach and
they are assigned to different projects in the community. It is a great team-building activity for us.
The players send out fundraising letters to their
hometown businesses and families. The idea is
that the fundraising is done through their own
community and families, added Franzen. The
work benefits our local community and all of the
money goes back to outfitting our players.
We buy each player a travel suit and cleats
and maybe another item like a backpack with
our Doane football logo on it. The activities include working with the local churches, helping
the elderly with projects at nursing homes, mowing lawns, painting, and helping with everyday
house repairs. Each group needs to complete
three to four different jobs. Its a real bonding
experience for our team.
Community-Building
Equals Team-Building
Head Coach Joe Hadachek of Union Community High School in LaPorte City, Iowa arrived back
in town from a trip just hours after fierce winds in
excess of 100 miles per hour had ripped through
the area, flattening buildings and leveling farms.
Hadachek began texting his players and
coaches. Soon, his players could be seen across
the area helping clean up the damage. They removed giant, uprooted trees that were no match
for the storm. They helped remove the massive
amounts of debris that was left behind in ravaged crop fields.
Joe Hadacheks teams have embraced their roll in the

community and their participation in the Special Olympics.
No one was surprised. The Union Knights are

very much a part of the community.
Were not just a football team, said Hadachek.
Were people who care about our town, our
community. Its a lot more than just winning
football games.
There is no better example of that than the
Knights annual participation in the Special
Olympics. Hadachek said approximately 25 players, half of the varsity roster, volunteered this
year. Its become a Union tradition, one that
Hadachek believes has helped produce some of
his programs best teams.
Union defensive line coach Adam Gassman
has a child who competes in Special Olympics.
Gassman inspired Hadachek to get the program
involved. It takes a special group of guys to get
it started, said Hadachek. Then, once its in place
and youve done it over the course of several
years, then, I think theres an expectation there.
This is what we do. This is what were known for.
This is our reputation.
Hadachek spends the day working as team
photographer. He takes pictures of bonding moments and says he believes players gain a sense
of appreciation working with Special Olympic
athletes. It is very heart-warming to see on our
young athletes, when theyre arm-and-arm, embracing these champion athletes, Hadachek said.
It doesnt matter how good a football player you
are. Its more so about how big a heart you have.
In addition to the Knights community service,
Hadachek works on his teams chemistry in other
ways. The Knights will need to come together
more than ever this season. Twenty-three seniors
are gone, leaving Union with only two returning
starters.
Hadachek knows he needs more from his 15
seniors. So he gave them each a book, John Maxwells The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.
Hadachek met with his seniors weekly as a group
to discuss chapters of the book and how it relates
to the upcoming season.
Consider the meetings Hadacheks version of
chemistry class. p
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27
Transform your Wing-T

into a dynamic passing attack.
By Jared Van Acker

Head CoachtFreedom High School (VA)
he Wing-T offense is predicated on the run game with the occasional pass to keep defenses from loading the box with defenders. Some
Wing-T coaches, however, have been experimenting with incorporating
different spread packages for passing situations within their power running offensive systems.
The Spread Wing-T offense that Ive developed combines the Wing-T and the
Spread and allows for a fluid transfer between the two by simplifying the system.
There are five core passing concepts that we use in our Spread Wing-T offense:
t Quick Game
t Play-Action Game
t High/Low Game
t Bunch/Traffic/Flood Game
t Vertical/ Stretch Game
QUICK GAME
Our quick passing game is used on teams that bring a lot of pressure. We need
to get the ball out of our QBs hands as quickly as possible. One the most common routes that we run in the quick game is a basic hitch route where all four
of our eligible WRs run 5-yard hitches across the board (Diagram 1). Our QBs
are trained that their read is to find the closest throw with the farthest defender,
which makes for a higher rate of completion.
Sometimes, if the QBs notice man-on-man coverage, they may want to find
the weakest defender during his pre-snap read and exploit that mismatch. A
key to making this play successful is the spacing between the eligible WRs, thus
spreading out the defenders. Since a majority of the passes in the quick game
need to be released as soon as possible, our OL will execute cut blocks to get
the defenders hand down.
28
Other route packages that are included in our

quick game passing are pop passes, speed outs,
and slants. In all of these routes, the passes are
going to be quick and the WRs have to be ready
for them immediately. One of our favorite spread
routes off of play-action and motion is our slant/
fly combo route, which is when we read the #2
defender to the trips side. If he goes with the fly
route, we throw the quick slant. If he sits, we throw
the quick pop fly in the seam (Diagram 2).
Diagram 1. Hitches
All Photos: Savand Action Photography
Diagram 2. Slant/Fly
Diagram 3A: Hitch/Corner and Diagram 3B: Dig/Out
HIGH/LOW
Our high/low routes put defenders in predicaments in their coverage. We want to exploit a
specific defender, so the QB will read his reaction
and then deliver the ball to the WR according to
his actions. With our high/low concept, we try
to put two WRs in an area where the defender
needs to make a decision on which WR to cover.
With our route packages, we can either exploit a
LB or a DB and decide which is a better opportunity for our offense. The two basic high/low
routes involve the hitch/corner route and the
dig/out route. The hitch/corner route is a high/
low combo route that isolates the CB and the
dig/out route is a high/low combo route that isolates the OLB (Diagrams 3A and 3B). The hitch/
corner combo route is a 5-yard hitch by the #1
WR and a corner/flag route by #2 WR. I try to simplify the QB read by choosing a side for him to
read and then have the backside WRs run what
is called a backside package. This is a dig route
and post route to get into the view of the QB so
he doesnt have to scan the entire field in case
both routes are covered and he needs to check
down. Usually a QB doesnt have enough time
to read one side and then read the other side as
well. The Bow route is a 8-10 yard dig route by #1
WR and the #2 WR runs a 5-yard quick out.
29
There are many high/low route combinations

that can be run out of various formations. We
run our comeback/corner route, fly/out route,
fly/stop/curl route, fly/pigtail/arrow route, pigtail/corner/fly route, etc., where we select a specific defender that we want to exploit and use
multiple looks to high/low the same individual
(Diagrams 4A and 4B).
VERTICAL/STRETCH
The third concept of the Spread Wing-T passing game is the vertical/stretch game. This We
stretch the defense vertically and force the safety
or safeties to play multiple WRs vertically. The goal
of the QB on every passing down is to determine
the number of safeties the defense has in the secondary. If we get a one high safety look, we will
run 4-verticals and force the safety to cover both
slot WRs that are going vertical up the seams. The
outside WRs will cancel out their corners and force
the safety to make a decision on which slot WR to
cover. We coach our QB to use eye manipulation
or pump fakes to sway the safety toward one slot
and then throw to the other slot down the seam.
This has always been a positive for our offense and
we have had huge gains and touchdowns. Many
times it forces our opponents into two-safety
looks exclusively (Diagram 5).
If we want to still go to the 4-vertical look
against a two-high safety look, we tell the QB to
look for the one-on-one mismatch on the outside
between our WR and their cornerback. Our QB will
eye manipulate or pump fake to get the safety to
bite on the slot WR toward his side on the seam
route and then throw the outside fly route on a
1-on-1 mismatch. If teams start to bail high on the
4-verticals with either a cover 4 shell zone look or
a man under w/safeties over the top look, we will
then sneak our RB out in the flat or in the hook/
curl zone underneath, forcing the defense to play
in space with a great open-field runner.
Diagram 4A: Comeback/Corner and Diagram 4B: Pigtail/Corner/Fly
PLAYACTION
Our fourth concept in the Spread Wing-T passing attack is play-action. The waggle and bootleg
play-action attack off of the run-heavy offense has
been a staple since the development of the WingT offense. The plays come off the effective buck
sweep/trap/power series and catch over-pursuing defenses. Many coaches in the Wing-T system
have different blocking schemes in which either
two guards, one guard, or possibly no lineman
will pull and lead the QB on the play-action pass
protection. Most of the routes flood the zones of
the defense on all three levels.
Usually, you have the #1 playside WR run a
post/corner route to stretch the defense vertically.
Depending on our WRs skill level and/or our QBs
arm strength, sometimes we will have the WR run
a post/comeback route. The FB will release into
30
Diagram 5: Verticals
the flat running an arrow route for a dump off
pass and sometimes hell be the main receiver. If
the #1 WR and FB are covered, then the QB will
continue his read progression to the drag route
from the #2 WR from the backside of the offensive
formation. I prefer to pull both guards but tell my
playside guard to check for a blitz before he pulls
to lead out the QB (Diagrams 6A and 6B).
The second form of play-action pass that is
used heavily in our Spread Wing-T passing attack
is the bootleg pass. The concept is very similar to
the waggle with WRs flooding the zones of the

defense at all three levels, but the play-action
comes off of the FB in this passing scheme (Diagrams 7A and 7B). Like all play-action passes,
the really important factor is the play fake. The
fakes made by the backfield in the power pass
(Diagram 8) set up the play and allow for the QB
to read the reaction of the corner and deliver the
ball. If you have a one-on-one mismatch on the
single WR, you may want to take a shot with him
over the top on the post route.
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Diagram 7A and 7B: Bootleg
31
BUNCH/TRAFFIC/FLOOD
The last passing concept of the Spread Wing-T
Offense is what I call the bunch/traffic/flood game.
The basic idea of this concept is to put the defense
in tough situations and flood zones with multiple
WRs that put defenders in predicaments. These
routes work versus teams that like to run man-onman defenses because the routes provide a natural pick of defenders in tight areas. You use their
own defenders to pick their teammates, which
provides the separation needed for the WRs to
get open and for the QB to deliver the ball to an
open receiver. In our double slant with an arrow
route, our QB reads the playside corner and adjusts his throw to his actions. If he goes with our
#1 WR, then our QB is instructed to throw to the
arrow or run the ball. If the corner sits on the arrow, then our QB hits the #1 WR behind the OLB or
runs the football if covered (Diagram 9). Another
concept that we like to incorporate against teams
that play man-to-man coverage is the bunch formation that puts defenders in predicaments. One
of our favorite routes is our pigtail/post/corner
combination (Diagram 10).
With the Spread Wing-T Offense, you can combine the traditional Wing-T offensive system with
the Spread offense without a lot of difficulty. The
Spread Wing-T system plays to the strengths of
two of the most dynamic offenses in high school
football and forces opponents to prepare for two
different styles of offense.
The Spread Wing-T system allows us to spread
out the defense and limit the amount of defenders in the box to stop the run in fear of our passing attack. The Spread Wing-T Offense has also
been a huge recruiting tool for athletes who
would love to play in a system that doesnt brand
itself as three yards and a cloud of dust but
rather a wide-open attack. p
Diagram 8: Power Pass
Diagram 9: Slant/Slant/Arrow
Coach Van Acker answers your questions on

Facebook - just go to to http://www.facebook.
com/AmericanFootballMonthly/
Articles on this subject are on
The Spread Wing-T Passing Game December, 2011
Revamping the Wing-T October, 2008
The Shotgun Spread Wing-T Package April, 2007
Diagram 10: Pigtrail/Post/Corner
About the Author: Jared Van Acker was recently named the head coach at Freedom High School (VA). He
completed his third season last fall at Grafton High School where they had three consecutive 4A playoff
appearances, winning the Region 1 title in 2011. Van Acker also was the head coach at Galax High School
((VA) for three years. He has been a frequent contributor to American Football Monthly and produced a
DVD series available at AFMvideos.com.
32
INSIDE LINEBACKER
READS IN THE 3-4 DEFENSE
The 3-4 defense gives the inside linebackers a read
on the uncovered guard through to the fullback.
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33
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34
Diagram 7.
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Coach Beidler answers your questions on

Facebook - just go to to http://www.facebook.
com/AmericanFootballMonthly/
Stopping the Run With the Odd Front Defense
January, 2012
The Six Pack concept: Keeping Linebacker
Fundamentals Strong All Season Long August, 2011
Navys Deceptive Linebacker Strategy
December, 2007
About the Author: Jack Beidler enters his fourth season as an assistant coach
this fall at Lebanon Valley College. He was previously head coach at Northern
Lebanon High School (PA) for 11 seasons. A 1996 graduate of LVC, Beidler played
inside linebacker and was the teams co-captain as a senior.
Products Include:
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35
2!)*',%"0'**1
5'2&-32$3**!-,2!2
Tackling progressions for both the head-up and profile
tackle can be taught to emphasize safety.
By Johnny Metcalf
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Diagram 1. Thigh Board

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Diagram 2. Roll-Up
Diagram 4. Cutback
39
Diagram 7. Barrel Drill
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3 Cone Tackle (Diagram 5)
Diagram 8. Screen Tackle (DL)
Diagram 5. 3 Cone Drill
Diagram 9. DB or LB Screen Break
Shed Drill Tackle (Diagram 6)5BDLMFSBUUBDLT

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About the Author: John Metcalf has been coaching for 37 years. He came out of retirement in 2008
to coach at John Carroll Catholic High School in
Birmingham as defensive coordinator. Metcalf was
head coach at E. B. Erwin High School (AL) from
1999-2002.
DB or LB Screen Break (Diagram 9) -#TESPQ

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Diagram 6. Shed Drill Tackle
40
DEVELOPING AN EFFICIENT
KICKOFF TEAM
Following a detailed teaching progression for your kickoff
team will maximize their potential.
By Juan Vasquez
4QFDJBM5FBNT$PBDIt'MPSJEB".6OJWFSTJUZ
here are many factors that contribute to a successful season on

special teams. The most important factor is the strong support
and focus of the head coach to ensure that players and coaches
are committed to this phase of the game. We always begin our practices
with special teams and then break to offense and defense. That goes for
installation meetings, film review and practice. We start with 20 minutes of
special teams and end practice with a field goal or punt. The importance of
special teams is understood by everyone in the program.
Our special teams are also bolstered by who we have coaching, and who
we have on the field during special teams. We have all assistant coaches
participate in coaching/teaching special teams. On punt, for example:
DBs coach has the right guard and tackle, TEs, and protection technique
TEs coach has the left guard and tackle, TEs, and protection technique
ST coordinator has the shield, LS, and punter
WR coach has the gunner release technique
Personnel wise, we have two types of players participating in the drills

starters on defense and offense and core ST players. We like our offensive
and defensive starters to start on one or two of our special teams. We prefer
to have them volunteer for which phase they like. That way, we have maximum effort. Our core special team players are players who are backups, but
are special teams starters for us. They start on three to four special teams
units. These athletes take a lot of pride in their role, and develop a sense of
purpose. With a nice mix of starters and core players, we have personnel
that can compete at a high level.
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The first P is Philosophy. Players and coaches must understand the scheme,
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of starter and core players can run the scheme effectively. The third P is
Personality. We want to develop a personality and identity on each special
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or making in-game adjustments.
One of the most successful units has been our kickoff team. Here is how
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41
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Deep right and left, ball lands outside the =S
Diagram 1.
Diagram 3.
42
Diagram 2.
KICKOFF PHILOSOPHY
Teaching progression: scheme, get-offs, reads, avoids/moves, finish
t4DIFNF (Diagram 1)"OBHHSFTTJWF HBQTPVOEEFGFOTF%FFQ EJSFDtional kicks with hang time. Be fast, be physical and finish.
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turn and run once the kicker is two yards in front of us. When watching film,
end up one yard from ball facing forward, working toward full speed when
the ball is kicked.
t3FBET What is the return team doing? What is the return? You do not
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reads instinctive.
t"WPJET.PWFT We do not teach lanes. Run down full speed. If you are
blocked, avoid and then get to ball. If you are unblocked, get to the point
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Give the players freedom to use the ones they are best at and what is best
for the situation.
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"DJSDVJUPGFBDIQIBTFPGLJDLPTDIFNFESJMMTDBOBMTPCFEPOFJOEJWJEVally (Diagram 3).
Here is a guide to the type of players you want at each position:
"UUBDLFST players with speed and agility DBs, WRs, RBs, LBs.
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bigger LBs, big safeties.
4BGFUJFT - sure tacklers and those that can shoot gaps safeties and
corners.
We tell our players that, at all levels of football, playing special teams
is how you first get on the field. You can also catch the attention of the
recruiters or scouts at the next level by your play on special teams.
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had fun doing it. That team had freshman safeties, walk-on corners, and
starting wide receivers running down the field. It was amazing and fun to
coach. This is what we strive for every year. p
About the Author: Juan Vasquez completed his fourth season at Florida A & M
as both the kicking coach and special teams coach. A FAMU alum, he was an AllAmerican kicker, holding the school record for most career field goals made (66).
Vasquez received his Bachelors Degree in 2006.
Coach Vasquez answers your questions on Facebook - just go

to http://www.facebook.com/AmericanFootballMonthly/

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41
GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR
SCREEN GAME
An effective screen game is the perfect answer
to an overly-aggressive defense.
#Z3JDI)PM[FStHead CoachtMeade High School (MD)
ne of the key facets of our offense has been our screen game.
Meade High School had been a flex bone triple option team and
there was no screen game. Screens were a foreign concept to the
players. We knew screens were vital to the success of the spread offense
that we were trying to implement. So this had to become a major point of
emphasis for our players.
We broke our screens down into two categories execution screens
and advantage screens. Essentially, our advantage screens were our Fast
screens on the perimeter. They were attached to run plays and checked to,
or called from the sideline when the defense did not cover down on our
wide receivers. Our execution screens were concepts that were called from
the sideline to take advantage of overly-aggressive defenses.
We break down our execution screens into two categories for our offensive line guard kick out screens and tackle kick out screens. We found
that in order to keep tempo high, yet execute efficiently, we had to simplify
our assignments for the line. Our line assignments for the guard kick out
scheme is as follows (Diagram 1):
lease off the butt of the DL. Work for the first LB in the box. If he disappears,
work upfield for the safety.
BSG: Set to near shoulder of DL (uncovered set into LOS). Punch, extend,
release off the butt of the DL. Work for the second LB in the box. If he disappears, work upfield for the safety.
BST: Set to invite upfield rush of the DE.
PST: Set to invite upfield rush of the DE.

PSG: Set to near shoulder of DL. Punch, extend, release off the butt of the
DL. Kick man over the slot and must be flat. If no one shows, turn upfield
for safety.
C: Set to near shoulder of DL (uncovered set into LOS). Punch, extend, re-
44
Diagram 1.
Diagram 2.
Diagram 4.
Our line assignments for our tackle kick scheme is as follows (Diagram 2):
PST: Sell zone call side.
PSG: Sell zone call side.
C: Sell zone for three steps, stick inside foot in ground, go flat for second LB.
BSG: Sell zone for three steps, stick inside foot in ground, go flat for first LB.
BST: Sell zone for three steps, stick inside foot in ground, go flat for alley.
For our WRs, we must constantly drill their screen path. We have two
screen paths. First, is the path on our middle, or missile, where we work three
up and out, three back and bend. Our catch point is off the heel of the near
slot. Once we catch it, we work off the kick out and into the funnel. Our funnel is between the guard kick out and the hash. When we first teach this, we
work this path on cones with a coach throwing the ball (Diagram 3).
Diagram 5: Spread Middle Right

When we throw our backside screen, we work off our run game. This
is so our QB and RB will mesh on the run called. We like the QBs to give a
good ride to the RB. We tell the QBs to dip the front shoulder, and Tebow
fake, to hold the linebackers. We tell the QBs to flip their hips like a second
basemen turning a double play and deliver the ball on the upfield shoulder
of the screen runner. This throw is more of a line drive (Diagram 6).
Diagram 3.
Diagram 6: Right 18 X Tunnel
Second is our backside, or tunnel, screen play. We work three up and out
with three straight back. Once the catch happens, we work for the funnel
again. We like to get up in the funnel then back out to the sidelines (Diagram 4).
For our QBs, we have two different sets of footwork for the screen game.
When we throw the middle screen, our QBs execute their 3-step drop from
the shotgun, look off, get their feet hot, drift back, rise up on their toes,
with a high elbow high release of the ball. We want the ball to be aimed
at the upfield shoulder of the screen runner. We would like the throw to
be made with touch and lead the WR up into the funnel. On the backside
of our screen we always tag a quick concept. This way, if we get a defense
over-playing our screen, the QB has an answer. Here we tag our Stick concept (Diagram 5).
We place a major emphasis on screens every day. Once a week we work on

11-on-11 screens. Overall, our screen game has been very effective for us. We
have used our execution screens as effective third down plays, red zone calls,
and blitz beaters. We feel that as a spread team, you must have an effective
and efficient screen game to combat overly-aggressive defenses. p
About the Author: Rich Holzer recently completed his second season as head
coach at Meade High School (MD). From 2008-2010, he was the head coach at
Parkdale High School . Holzer also coached at Hofstra University and for Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, NY.
45
Articles and features only available at
GENERAL PRACTICE PLAN BREAKDOWN
AS A COACH, HOW DO YOU

WANT TO BE REMEMBERED?
Practice Date: ___________________________
Next Opponent: __________________________________
PRIOR TO PRACTICE:
TIME
ACTIVITY
#Z%FSFL4DIMJFWFt)FBE'PPUCBMM$PBDIt.BZWJMMF4UBUF6OJWFSTJUZ
ootball is time consuming. It can become all-consuming if you let it. High school football takes
a lot of time. College football requires even more. I cannot even begin to imagine what the
time commitment is like at the professional level. Every now and then, you read a story about
how much time coaches put in and what they are missing out on and it makes a person think twice.
But it does not seem to evoke any real changes, at least not anything long term. Coaches may spend
some more time with their families for a day or two but then it usually goes back to the way it was
before. After all they have to keep up with the coaches if they are going to be successful.
GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE THROUGH

TRANSFORMATIONAL COACHING
#Z+JNNZ)FOTFMt%JSFDUPSPG1MBZFS%FWFMPQNFOUt6OJWFSTJUZPG/PSUIFSO$PMPSBEP
f you have any coaching experience, you have seen firsthand the multitude of influences and
challenges facing young people in our culture today. More and more kids come to our programs
damaged emotionally and mentally to the point that they never reach their full potential as athletes, students and people. Not only are our athletes at varying stages of physiological development
but a list of societal issues like divorce, single parenthood, drug abuse, an entitlement mentality and
even over protective parents are key factors in their makeup.
August, 2007
AFMs 1,500+ online features from back issues is

the largest coaching library in the world.
Its available FREE to all subscribers.
FIELD SET-UP & PICK-UP:
NOTES: ___________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
284
www.gridironstrategies.com
Football Forms For The Winning Coach
With spring practice in full session,

this form details elements of a complete
practice. A list of priorities prior to the
start of practice is listed as well as activities
divided into 10- and 15-minute increments.
Player responsibilities for field set-up
and pick-up are also included.
&YDMVTJWFMZBU
XXX"NFSJDBO'PPUCBMM.POUIMZDPN
This issue of AFM features the Art of the Comeback. Nine different coaches discuss
their strategy and halftime adjustments that helped them come from behind and win.
In AFMs issue of August, 2007, San Jose State Coach Dick Tomey was asked about the
different types of halftime adjustments. There are three different types, said Tomey.
Theres the technical adjustment, the emotional adjustment, or the heart transplant. If
you have to make the last one, its usually too late.
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46
Spring Practice continued from page 50
The chart shows how each player rotates. We

use this flow throughout the season for all of the
different plays we are working. Receivers acting
as defenders are taught to give a key so that the
offensive player reacts accordingly in performing
his route. The quarterbacks rotate through each
station, getting at least two repetitions to each
different receiver. The quarterback coach stands
behind with a stopwatch giving one of the quarterbacks his release time on each repetition.
The expectation is that if five quarterbacks are
throwing, the ball will come out at different times
for each because they are moving their eyes and
feet through the progression. The RB and TE
coaches serve as quality control on each side,
and the WR coach serves as quality control in the
middle. They are looking both at the receivers
execution and how good of a look the defenders are providing. The expectation of any player
in line is that they are also critiquing the players
involved in the drill as well as getting their own
mental reps. Detailed drills with involvement by
everyone creates an intense focus and a positive
learning environment.
t Find a way to have the drills competitive.
We do this when we are working our up tempo
procedures and plays. We will run these plays on
air with the focus on offensive procedures, which
are a very important part of our attack. This will
be a series of five play scripts run by each team.
The first team will start the drill with the second
and third team players serving as signalers or
getting their mental repetitions. As soon as the
ball is snapped on their first play, the clock starts.
They are running the plays with our game procedures and working on getting to the ball, getting aligned and running the play perfectly, and
with as fast of a tempo as possible. One coach
will serve as the official, blowing the whistle and
spotting the ball. Any error in procedure or assignment adds ten seconds to that teams time.
The winning team that had the best time for a
set of five plays will get out of whatever conditioning drill is at stake. We are usually able to get
through three sets of five plays in a ten-minute
period. Thats a total of 45 plays, so we are getting a lot of work done.
t Have fun and build team unity. Football
should always be fun. In the spring, without the
stress of preparing for an opponent, always find
ways to make it fun. Keep morale high, and find
ways to build team unity. We institute a competition for the spring. The team is divided into eight
smaller teams, each lead by an elected off-season
captain. The captains are responsible for drafting
a team. We treat this like the NFL draft.
The first pick in the draft even takes a photo
with the number one jersey. Many of our upperclassmen attend the draft even if they are not
captains. Usually the upperclassmen are drafted

first and they like to assist their elected team
leader in drafting the rest of the team. Each team
receives points for various things throughout
the competition. Missing a workout or skipping
study table is a deduction from the team. Every
practice finishes with some kind of competition.
The competitions are a range of things like
punt, pass, and kick competitions, the Kentucky
Derby in which one member of the team has to
carry another piggy back around the field for a
lap, and more conditioning drills involving some
kind of relay. For drills not involving all members
of the team, the team captains must make sure
that all members of the team compete and represent their team at least one time or the team is
disqualified. Point totals are posted each day and
the leadership that develops is outstanding. The
awards for the winners are t-shirts and front-ofthe-line privileges for the entire season. This is a
privilege they can invoke anytime. This may be
waiting in line for a team meal or picking up their
gear each day from the equipment manager. Its
a little thing, but a constant reminder of hard
work and discipline.
Spring is a great time to accomplish much. Regardless of limitations, the spring is an outstanding time to develop great habits, team chemistry,
leadership, and to have fun. V
49
www.cytosport.com
Presented by
By Keith Grabowski
Offensive Coordinator, Baldwin Wallace University
SPRING PRACTICE
Make It About the Details
and Development
s we head into spring practice, now is

the time to set a focus that will carry the
team into strong summer preparations
and camp, eventually leading up to the 2013
season. For many areas in the country, a spring
game against an opponent is not part of the
equation. This is a time that will end in an intersquad game, or for some, no game or scrimmage
at all. This is true at the NCAA Division III level,
where we cannot even put on pads. However,
this is still a great time to make progress and set
up positive habits in the approach to how we
practice. Even the teams that are allowed to play
an opponent have several weeks until that happens, so the week-to-week crunch and grind of
the season is not quite the same.
Without that opponent looming at the end
of a week, the enemy is complacency. Even with
the limitations we have at the D-III level, we
find ways to maximize our time on the field and
coach with great attention to detail. The spring
should be about setting some specific objectives
by position and using performance to set the
depth chart coming into camp.
We set up our practices and drills to be very
detailed and, at times, competitive. We grade
our practices with great precision. Learning is
the key that drives all of this. We really want our
players to make a jump in the understanding
of our offense and how they can succeed in it.
Whether its in the meeting room or on the field,
our players understand that attention to detail
is expected. Ill tell freshmen all the time that
the key for them is really learning. The impact
on them is much greater when the pace slows
down a bit and they receive more reps than they
did in camp, where there was a sense of urgency

to make the most of the 25 opportunities before
our first game. The growth we see in our freshmen at this time is huge. Theyve had a number
of months to develop in the off season program,
and the second time through learning our system helps them make a big jump.
Our approach to coaching in the spring really
helps us develop our depth, and inevitably there
will be a player or two coming into spring low
on the depth chart who will work his way up to
being a starter. Here are some ideas we use to
accomplish our goals.
t&RVBMSFQTGPSFWFSZQMBZFSPOUIFEFQUIDIBSU
Many programs err in viewing spring practice as
an opportunity to make starters and key backups better but forget about the down-the-line
players who are viewed as program kids willing
to be a part of the team and play a small role.
Development comes before winning. I remember back in the 2004 season where in a late season stretch we needed guys who were program
players to step up and play key roles when we
were faced with injuries. Going into that season,
I told the seniors that they were all important
and that they needed to focus and keep developing because even if they were playing a small
role at the beginning, at some point they might
have the opportunity to be starters. Those words
came true, and that constant reinforcement and
involvement in practice throughout the season
allowed them to be prepared. Spring is the time
to develop and prepare all players for a bigger
role when the opportunity comes.
t'PDVTBMMQMBZFSTPOUBLJOHUIFJSNFOUBMSFQT
Each team is given the exact same number of
reps with the exact same script. The third team
always goes last, but those players who are truly
taking their mental reps avoid making mistakes
or are able to execute better at times if they are
paying attention.
t7JEFPUBQFJOEJWJEVBMESJMMT This serves a few
purposes. First, it adds to your teaching library
and provides you with video that you can use
later to teach your players the set-up of a drill. We
always install a drill in the classroom, so having
a diagram and then video of the drills provides
players with a concrete example of exactly what
is needed. The second purpose is obviously the
teaching of technique. Every coach should use
these drills to develop their own teaching video.
With todays technology its easy to make this
accessible to players for study over the summer.
Everything you want to see on the field should
be made available for your players to study.
t%SJMMTTIPVMECFTFUVQGPSFWFSZPOFUPIBWFB
sense of purpose and to maximize the number
PGSFQTJOBHJWFOUJNFQFSJPE To illustrate this
point, here is a set-up of a drill that involves many
players. This drill started as routes on air but
weve repurposed it to be much more efficient in
teaching players exactly what we need on a given
route. Our set-up includes five quarterbacks. In
the spring we usually dont have five quarterbacks
available so we will adjust to running half of the
concept at a time, alternating between right and
left, but regardless, we are involving as many people as we can %JBHSBNo3PVUF5JNJOH
.
Spring Practice continued on page 49
50

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EAJH/H]VgeZcNdjgHXgZZc<VbZ<gZViHeg^c\EgVXi^XZh

THE ART OF THE

and KEVIN KELLEY

With the right preparation,

Speed Report Weight Training for

Safety First Culture Shift: Changing the

Tackling Drills Without Full Contact

Developing an Efficient Kickoff Team

Getting the Most From Your Screen Game

Heres a sample of the articles

t Understanding Coverages and Attacking Them

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